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Simply put, I am a football fanatic. I'm well-informed on the game- its players, statistics, history, rules, etc. I love the sport and I enjoy sharing my point of view.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Top 10 second year players primed for breakout season in 2013

Last season we saw a rookie quarterback class like no other as Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, and Russell Wilson propelled to stardom and took the NFL by storm. Some of their fellow rookies, however, weren't so fortunate. With a year in the pros under their belt, here's my Top 10 players I expect to have a breakout sophomore campaign (in no particular order):

1. Michael Floyd WR, Arizona Cardinals- Arizona selected Michael Floyd in the first round last year but he didn't live up to the selection his rookie season thanks to shady quarterback play. He's a big and talented receiver that could wreak havoc opposite Larry Fitzgerald. And now with a reliable quarterback, Floyd should be ready to step up.
2. Ryan Tannehill QB, Miami Dolphins- The selection of Tannehill with the eighth overall pick was considered by many, including myself, to be a bit of a reach. But, Tannehill got better as his rookie season went on and with all the weapons GM Jeff Ireland has provided for him, I expect Tannehill to flourish in 2013.
3. Trent Richardson RB, Cleveland Browns- As long as Richardson stays healthy he's going to have a great season. He is freak of nature who has the ability to be the second best back in the league and his health is the only thing holding him back at this point
4. Chandler Jones DE, New England Patriots- Jones provided the Patriots with a solid pass rush and finished with six sacks on the season. He struggled in the second half of the season dealing with ankle injuries but with an offseason under his belt and some added bulk I think he'll post double digit sack numbers this year.
5. David Wilson RB, New York Giants- When Ahmad Bradshaw went down with injury Wilson stepped in and never looked back. After being put in head coach Tom Coughlin's dog house for fumbling he took full advantage of his second opportunity. Wilson is an explosive and dangerous athlete who's going to provide a lot of highlight reel plays for us this season.
6. Mike Martin DT, Tennessee Titans- Selected in the third round last year, Martin showed promise his rookie season. He's an effective pass rusher (something Tennessee desperately needs) and I think he's going thrive as he sees more of the field this season.
7. Coby Fleener TE, Indianapolis Colts- The 6'6" 250lb tight end was out performed by his rookie teammate and fellow tight end Dwayne Allen. But with an offseason to work with his former college teammate and best pal Andrew Luck, Fleener should become Luck's safety blanket and go to guy after Reggie Wayne.
8. Mark Barron SS, Tampa Bay Buccaneers- In an offseason that saw the Bucs add Darrell Revis, Dashon Goldson, and Johnathn Banks to its secondary Mark Barron is one happy camper. I expect that the shut down ability of Revis will present more opportunities for Barron to make plays.
9. Lamar Miller RB, Miami Dolphins- With Reggie Bush out of the picture Lamar Miller has a chance to win the starting job. He's got competition in Daniel Thomas and Mike Gillislee, the latter of which I think is Miller's biggest threat.
10. Nick Perry LB, Green Bay Packers- Perry's rookie season ended early when he was put on injured reserve after suffering a wrist injury in Week 6. The 6'4" 265-pounder has all the athleticism in the world and on a front seven that boasts Clay Matthews III and BJ Raji, Perry is primed for a breakout season in his sophomore campaign.

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