| GLYMPH'S 2010 NFL BREAKOUT PLAYERS | |
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Updated - 8-24-10 By: J.R. Glymph |
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Every NFL season, there are
players who have “breakout” seasons. “What constitutes a
breakout season?” you ask. There are several reasons a
player could be considered a breakout player. Some players
simply mature into the player they were expected to be when
drafted (or signed). Some players will assume a bigger role
on their respective team. Others finally “get it”, and the
light bulb goes on. A new team or better surrounding cast
does it for some. Or, a player may finally be healthy and is
ready to live up to his potential. Whatever the reason may
be, here’s my list of players who have such a season in
2010. WR MICHAEL CRABTREE, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS -He flashed big time production after missing the first six games of 2009. If Alex Smith can be consistent, Crabtree will be a huge star. OLB GENO HAYES, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS -A fast, rangy ‘backer in the mold of the classic Tampa 2 WLB. Hayes can cover, hit and make the big play. Consistency is his biggest obstacle. RB BEANIE WELLS, ARIZONA CARDINALS -If he can stay healthy, Well is the type of big, quick footed physical back that can terrorize defenses. OLB PHILLIP WHEELER, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS -Big and athletic, Wheeler has the makings of a solid player in this league. Once he gets to a point where he doesn’t out think himself, he’ll take off. WR HAKEEM NICKS, NEW YORK GIANTS -May develop into Eli Manning’s #1 guy in 2010. He’s big with long arms and huge hands. Flashed dominant ability in 2009. WR MIKE WALLACE, PITTSBURGH STEELERS -Wallace will be a full time starter in prolific passing offense. He led the league in YPC last season. He possesses speed rarely seen in any sport. DE DERRICK HARVEY, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS -Has reportedly looked like a different player in training camp. That’s a great thing. Harvey is a big, fluid athlete who has become better in his technique. TE JERMICHAEL FINLEY, GREEN BAY PACKERS -Finley really came on strong in the second half and playoffs of 2009. He is the type of long athletic pass catcher who can thrive with Aaron Rodgers. ILB DAN CONNOR, CAROLINA PANTHERS -Connor will man the middle for the Panthers in 2010. He has the smarts and athleticism to be productive. Now can he stay healthy. S SHERROD MARTIN, CAROLINA PANTHERS -Martin has tons of range and is similar in style to Packers’ Nick Collins and could be that effective. OT RYAN HARRIS, DENVER BRONCOS -Harris was lost for most of 2009 with an injury. He’s healthy now and should be a force on the Denver line. S PATRICK CHUNG, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -Chung flashed exciting potential in his rookie season. He has performed well in the offseason and preseason thus far and should win the starting job. OLB JONATHAN CASILLAS, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS -The Saints brought in Clint Ingram from Jacksonville this offseason, but Casillas will push Ingram and Scott Shanle for a job. He’ll play a lot and he’ll be productive. WR MIKE WILLIAMS, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS -Williams has looked great this offseason and had a great week one in preseason. He’s in the best shape of his career and could finally blossom in a shallow Seattle WR corps. OT SEBASTION VOLLMER, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -Vollmer performed extremely well as a sub and backup in 2009. He will start at RT in 2010 and make his push for the LT job for the next decade. |
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