Cowboys: Morris Claiborne- Claiborne should benefit from the implementation of new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin's Tampa 2 defense. He should be able to better utilize his coverage skills and be in position to make more plays on the ball in his second season.
Other candidates: Bruce Carter, Kyle Wilber, and James Hanna
Eagles: Mychal Kendricks- After an up and down rookie season, Kendricks makes the move from 4-3 outside linebacker to 3-4 inside linebacker; a position he should thrive in. At 5'11" and 239 lbs. Kendricks is considered undersized for a linebacker but his talent is undeniable. He's very good in pass coverage and knifes through blockers in the run game. The Eagles' defense was atrocious in 2012 and while the transition to a 3-4 may take some time, Kendricks should emerge as a bright spot.
Other candidates: Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox
Giants: David Wilson- After fumbling on his second professional carry, Wilson was put in head coach Tom Coughlin's doghouse. It wasn't until Week 14 -- 327 total yards and three touchdowns -- that he displayed the talent that got him drafted in the first round. When the Giants chose not to re-sign Ahmad Bradshaw this offseason, it showed their confidence in Wilson. However, he needs to prove capable in pass protection and ability to hold on to the ball or Andre Brown will steal some quality snaps.
Other candidates: Rueben Randle, Mark Herzlich, and Prince Amukamara
Redskins: Ryan Kerrigan- After an impressive 2011 rookie season -- 41 tackles, 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one interception which he returned for a touchdown -- he improved in his sophomore season by recording 42 tackles, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception returned for a touchdown. That may not appear to be much of an improvement, but when you consider that he put up those numbers without pro bowl outside linebacker Brian Orakpo for nearly the entire season, you see how impressive his season was. With Orakpo's return, I see Kerrigan breaking out in 2013.
Other candidates: Pierre Garcon and Leonard Hankerson
*Stats courtesy of www.pro-football-reference.com
About Me
- Justin Sullivan
- 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.
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