Little Eli Manning, fresh off a Superbowl victory against the Patriots, has been promised a seat at the adult table this upcoming Thanksgiving in what promises to be the most heartwarming, gratifying, and uplifting story of 2008.
It’s been a few months since we updated our rankings as we allowed the NFL Draft and some last-minute free agent moves to settle into each of the league’s cities. As workouts continue and the summer heats up, these rankings will likely shuffle often.
Why is Art Monk in the Hall now, and Cris Carter isn't? Well, you have to understand the selection process first, where media representatives make the case for their players.
While everyone focuses on the marquee players that will be drafted on day one this Saturday, the key to building a winning team is by acquiring 5-7 impact makers. It was Marques Colston last year, who will it be this year?
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By Brad Berreman
Many factors go into a player having a breakout season. Sometimes guys higher on the depth chart leave via free agency or get hurt in training camp or early in the season, providing the opportunity for increased playing time and production. Other times it’s much simpler than that, with the ‘breakout’ player finally enjoying good health or more experience, leading to success.
Here are the ten players most likely to breakout in the NFL this fall.
10. Robert Meacham, WR, New Orleans Saints Meacham did not play in 2007 due to a knee injury but was the Saints' first round pick last April. With that said, the starting spot alongside Marques Colston could be his for the taking. Veterans Devery Henderson and David Patten were not consistent last season, and Meacham could get the chance to play early in 2008. The Saints have a good offense led by QB Drew Brees, and anyone that plays regularly has a good chance to be productive. Meacham could be a part of that this year in what essentially will be his rookie season.
9. Drew Bennett, WR, St. Louis Rams Bennett had just 33 receptions for 375 yards and three touchdowns in his first year with St. Louis after signing a contract with the team last summer. He played in 14 games, only starting one, as the Rams' offense battled significant injuries to key players (QB Marc Bulger, RB Steven Jackson, and OT Orlando Pace) all season. With the free agent departure of WR Isaac Bruce (49ers) providing a starting spot opposite Torry Holt, Bennett could have a breakout season and prove he was worth the big contract he signed in 2007.
8. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears Forte was the Bears' second round draft pick this year out of Tulane. With the team's release of troubled RB Cedric Benson, Forte seems to be the frontrunner for the starting job early on. His only competition for significant playing time is "the other" Adrian Peterson and 2007 draft pick Garrett Wolfe. If the Bears' aging offensive line can have one last hurrah and whomver wins the battle at quarterback can provide support throwing the ball, Forte could be a sleeper pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
7. D.J. Hackett, WR, Carolina Panthers D.J. signed a deal this offseason with the Panthers after spending the first three years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, and he played just six games last season while battling a knee injury. With the attention Carolina teammate Steve Smith garners from opposing defenses, Hackett could have a breakout year. Of course, that’s provided he can stay healthy and QB Jake Delhomme stays on track in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
6. Julius Jones, RB, Seattle Seahawks Jones signed with the Seahawks this offseason after spending his first four seasons with the Cowboys. He should have the opportunity to earn plenty of playing time since Seattle released long-time RB Shaun Alexander. The competition for carries includes fellow free agent signee T.J. Duckett and incumbent reserve Maurice Morris. If Jones can nail down the starting job, he could finally realize his potential.
5. Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego Chargers Jackson was a popular breakout candidate coming into 2007, but that prediction never materialized as he only had 41 receptions for 623 yards and three touchdowns. With the presence of WR Chris Chambers for the entire season, the 6'5" Jackson could, at least, become the red zone threat his size suggests he can be.
4. Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers The number one overall pick from back in 2005 has yet to realize his potential, but the hiring of pass-happy Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz could accelerate Smith's development. If he can fend off competition from Shaun Hill for the starting job, Smith could be fairly productive with new WR's Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson and incumbent TE Vernon Davis as targets. He did battle a shoulder injury in 2007, but hopefully that won’t be an issue this season.
3. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions As the second overall pick in the 2007 Draft, Johnson was considered to be a can't miss prospect. But he suffered a back injury for much of his rookie season, battling through to miss just one game. Johnson had 48 receptions for 756 yards and four touchdowns last season in what seemed like a small sign of better things to come. A change in offensive philosophy toward a more run-oriented system might hurt Johnson and the other Detroit receivers' numbers this year, but better health could easily lead to a more productive campaign for the Georgia Tech product in just his second season.
2. David Garrard, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars Garrard took over the starting job before Week One in 2007, and ran with it. He ranked third in the league in passer rating, behind only Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger, while throwing eighteen touchdowns against just three interceptions in twelve games. He missed three games due to a leg injury and did not play in the team's last regular season game because it meant nothing to the team's playoff positioning. The additions of WR's Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson should bolster the Jaguars' receiving unit and provide more opportunities in the passing game.
1. Santonio Holmes, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers In 2007, Holmes caught eight touchdowns among his 52 catches for 942 yards. That's good enough for 18.1 yards per catch and an average of a touchdown every 6.5 grabs. That per catch average was the best in the league for anyone with at least 20 receptions. Holmes did miss three games last season due to an ankle injury, but incumbent number one wide receiver Hines Ward is advancing in years and a change of the guard could be in order. A healthy Ben Roethlisberger will also help Holmes succeed. Oh, and for all you fantasy football nuts, here's one: Santonio is entering his third season in the NFL.
