5 Young NFL Players Ready to Take the Next Step in 2012

The 2011 National Football League regular season is nearing its conclusion and as is the case every year, some young players have taken the mythical next step for promising pro to standout, such as New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz.

Other youngsters have either shown flashes or been denied the opportunity to truly showcase their talents, and those players will likely have to wait until the 2012 season to show that they are capable of becoming stars in the NFL, including the group listed here.

1. Tim Tebow: QB, Denver Broncos

Some may argue that second-year pro Tim Tebow has already taken the next step in leading the Denver Broncos to the cusp of a playoff berth, but given a full offseason to work on his throwing mechanics and a vote of confidence from the Denver front office, we may well have just scratched the surface of what Tebow can do.

2. Mark Ingram: RB, New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram has shown glimpses of the talent that won the former Alabama standout a Heisman trophy and made him a first-round pick, but injuries have limited his effectiveness so far in the NFL and delayed his coming out party until at least 2012.

3. Roy Helu: RB, Washington Redskins

Running back Roy Helu of the Washington Redskins showed flashes once finally given the opportunity to start, topping 100 yards from scrimmage in four of five starts. The former Nebraska standout should enter the 2012 season firmly entrenched atop the depth chart in the nation's capital.

4. Nate Irving: LB, Denver Broncos

The truncated offseason left rookie linebacker Nate Irving little chance of usurping journeyman Joe Mays to start in the middle of the Denver Broncos 4-3 defense, but by the time Opening Day 2012 rolls around, it's probable that the former third-round pick will be manning the MIKE at Mile High.

5. Andrew Luck: QB, TBD

The Indianapolis Colts' recent two-game winning streak has cast some doubt over what team will end up with the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

But there's little doubt that whoever winds up with that pick will use it to select Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, or that Luck could be in line for significant playing time as a rookie.