| I don’t have to be a rocket scientist to tell you that
Marshall Faulk is really, really good. All that does is qualify me for membership in the
stating-the-obvious club. So rather than write about what is already known, let’s
try to project what might happen. This column will take a look at young players who are on
the verge of becoming something special.
I’m going to define this as players who have shown flashes in the past and could
step up to the next level and be standouts on a more consistent basis.
At quarterback, I like Aaron Brooks of the Saints. I think he’ll beat out Jeff
Blake for the starting job and really build upon what he accomplished last season. There
are some very nice weapons for the Saints’ quarterback to utilize. If the Browns had
better weapons surrounding Tim Couch, I’d throw him into this mix, but I just
don’t see a lot to get excited about at running back and wide receiver. I think
he’ll improve this year, but I think Couch’s big breakout season may be another
year or so into the future. I’m a big believer in the Mike Holmgren effect, so look
for good things from Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck.
At running back, I like Thomas Jones of the Cardinals. Unlike last season, I think
Jones will deliver on his press clippings and potential this year. If the Seahawks commit
to Shaun Alexander, he will have a huge year. If Ricky Watters continues to be the main
man in the Seahawks’ ground game, then look for Alexander to be productive but not a
star. He’ll be a major star once he gets to carry the load, whatever year that turns
out to be.
At wide receiver, Peter Warrick should be ready to explode. The only thing that might
hold him back is the Bengals’ QB situation. I think the Ravens’ Travis Taylor is
ready to come through in a big way this season. By that I don’t mean he’s going
to lead the NFL in catches. That’s not going to happen in the Ravens’ system.
But I do think Taylor might develop into a No. 1 wideout. Steelers WR Plaxico Burress has
so much talent that I think you have to be open to the possibility he could rebound from a
poor rookie season.
At tight end, Bubba Franks of the Packers and Anthony Becht of the Jets both have a
year in the NFL under their belts now, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take a
significant step forward. Both have veteran quarterbacks to throw them the ball, although
Franks obviously has the superior quarterback in Brett Favre.
Along the offensive line, guards who may step up in class are Cosey Coleman of the
Buccaneers and Lennie Friedman of the Broncos. At tackle, Chris Samuels of the Redskins
was very good last season, and he may be ready to be sensational this year. I also think
L.J. Shelton of the Cardinals and Chris McIntosh of the Seahawks could be ready to move up
in stature. At center, Damien Woody of the Patriots has a ton of ability, and it’s
worth watching to see if the light bulb goes on in a big way for him this year.
At defensive end, John Abraham of the Jets strikes me as someone who could really turn
into a terror this season. Shaun Ellis, also of the Jets, seems like a player for whom the
arrow is pointed up.
At defensive tackle, I’m a big believer in the Buccaneers’ Anthony McFarland.
Playing alongside Warren Sapp gives McFarland the opportunity to do great things.
Cornelius Griffin of the Giants is someone about whom I kept hearing very positive things
over the past year.
At inside linebacker, I look for Rob Morris of the Colts to bounce back from injury and
make a significant contribution. I think Nate Webster of the Buccaneers might win a
starting job and really make things happen with so much talent around him.
 |
Redskins LB
LaVar Arrington
|
At outside linebacker, I look for LaVar Arrington to show what all the hype was about.
I think his athleticism and talent will really be on display this season for the Redskins.
Julian Peterson of the 49ers showed enough last year that I think he is a player to watch.
At cornerback, I like what I see from Ahmed Plummer of the 49ers. Only in his second
year in the NFL, Plummer seems like he has been around a lot longer in terms of his
football smarts. It will be interesting to see if Deltha O’Neal of the Broncos can
pick up the pace from last year.
At safety, keep an eye on Greg Wesley of the Chiefs and Mike Brown of the Bears. Both
played better than I expected last year as rookies.
At placekicker, I would not be at all surprised if Sebastian Janikowski of the Raiders
improves dramatically this year. |
