| In the stock market the idea is to
buy low and sell high. With that thought in mind, the following are players I think will
grade out quite a bit better at the end of this season than they currently do:
Quarterbacks
Jake Plummer, Cardinals — This guy is going to be a big-time star before all
is said and done.
Peyton Manning, Colts — Ditto. Don’t talk to me about a sophomore
slump. He’ll probably still throw quite a few interceptions because of his youth, but
I look for him to get better this season, not take one step back.
Kordell Stewart, Steelers — It’s going to take more than a season for
him to set the world on fire. That said, the bandwagon jumpers got off so fast that I
don’t think there are many folks looking for him to do anything this year. He’ll
make steady progress this year on his way to a nice career.
Steve McNair, Titans — He seems to make slow but steady improvement every
year. One of these seasons he’s going to explode.
Running backs
Fred Taylor, Jaguars — As good as he was last year, I think he’ll be even
more productive this season.
Curtis Enis, Bears — Last year was such a disappointment that he has to be
better this year. I’ll take it one step further, though, and say that he’ll post
big numbers this season.
Tight ends
Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs — One of these years he’s going to explode. I
haven’t lost patience yet.
Wide receivers
Keyshawn Johnson, Jets — He thinks he’s awfully good. Amazingly,
he’s even better than he thinks he is. I’m going to keep predicting improvement
from him every year until the arrow stops going up.
Terrell Owens, 49ers — The fact that the 49ers have three terrific
receivers almost made me keep Owens off this list. But I still believe he’ll show
quite a bit of improvement, which is incredible when you consider the fact that all he did
last year was pass by Jerry Rice as San Francisco’s best wide receiver.
Marvin Harrison, Colts — Look for him to join the elite receivers in the
NFL this year.
Darnay Scott, Bengals — If Carl Pickens isn’t in a Bengal uniform,
Scott’s productivity will skyrocket.
Michael Westbrook, Redskins — Yeah, yeah, I know you’ve heard this one
before, but I really think this is the year he lives up to the hype. If he doesn’t, I
promise never to tout him again.
Rae Carruth, Panthers — Will rebound from last year’s injury to have
as good a season as a receiver can have in this stuttering offense.
Kevin Dyson, Titans — The game will slow down for him this season, and
he’ll be just fine.
Offensive linemen
Walter Jones, Seahawks — Has all the tools to be a longtime star.
Jon Runyan, Titans — Has developed into a better pro than I thought
he’d be.
Korey Stringer, Vikings — If he finally keeps the weight off, look out.
Orlando Pace, Rams — I think he’ll make a sizable jump in play this
season.
Tra Thomas, Eagles — Got his career off to a nice start last season. Look
for bigger and better things this year.
Flozell Adams, Cowboys — I was really surprised that Adams lasted as long
as he did in the 1998 draft. I haven’t been surprised that Adams has progressed as
well as he has as a pro.
Alan Faneca, Steelers — I have been a big fan of this guy since the day the
Steelers drafted him. He seems like a perfect fit.
Defensive linemen
Darrell Russell, Raiders — Showed tremendous improvement last season, and I
think the arrow is still pointing up.
Andre Wadsworth, Cardinals — I love this guy’s high-revving motor.
Daryl Gardener, Dolphins — I think Gardener and fellow DT Tim Bowens are
going to kick some serious butt this season.
Vonnie Holliday, Packers — Played better than expected as a rookie. It is
essential he play well for the Packers to help them offset the retirement of Reggie White.
He won’t post White-like sack numbers, but I think he will provide excellent
all-around play.
Linebackers
Peter Boulware, Ravens — This is the year I think Boulware becomes a big-time
star.
John Mobley, Broncos — Has never gotten enough credit for what he does for
the Broncos.
Dwayne Rudd, Vikings — He can really move and is very productive, which is
a nice combination.
Takeo Spikes, Bengals — Had a terrific rookie season. Just imagine what
he’ll accomplish this year when he actually knows what he’s doing.
Dexter Coakley, Cowboys — I love watching this speedster play.
Keith Brooking, Falcons — Will get a chance to show what he’s got in
the spot that Cornelius Bennett filled last season.
Cornerbacks
Charles Woodson, Raiders — The sky is the limit. Woodson will not just be a
star in the NFL. He will be a superstar.
Shawn Springs, Seahawks — Springs is in the same class as Woodson.
Duane Starks, Ravens — With first-round pick Chris McAlister as his
sidekick, look for Starks to get better and the duo to eventually develop into a real
force before their careers are over.
Safeties
Brian Dawkins, Eagles — I seem to have him on this list every year.
Tony Parrish, Bears — Had a terrific rookie season and should only get
better.
Shaun Williams, Giants — I expect him to progress nicely this season. |
