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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.

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Under the Radar Breakout Candidates

A few months ago I published a list containing second-year players who I believe will have breakout performances in 2014. Just the other day it hit me- why am I not talking about the other guys who are going to burst onto the scene this season? This is long over due, but here are some of the more seasoned players -- who are flying under the radar -- who I expect to have breakout performances in 2014.

Toby Gerhart- After spending the first four years of his pro career in the shadow of the league's most dominant running back, Gerhart is no longer stuck behind Adrian Peterson. Entering his fifth season in the league, Gerhart is "the guy" in Jacksonville. With little wear and tear -- he's only accumulated 276 carries in his career -- there's plenty of reasons to believe he will be the bruising runner he showed glimpses of in Minnesota. I fully expect him to be a bell-cow for the Jaguars' offense and be very productive.

Willie Young- Drafted by the Lions in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Willie Young will be playing his former team at least two times this season after signing a three-year deal with the Chicago Bears. Young won't be a starter, but with veteran Jared Allen's play counts numbered, Young is going to see plenty of time on the field. And in an impressive defensive line rotation, I expect him to compile at least six sacks this season and wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

Nick Foles- One could argue that 2013 was Foles' breakout year, throwing 27 touchdown passes to just two interceptions. However, I would disagree with that assessment. Why? Because this season he is the incumbent starter and will build off of his impressive 2013 campaign. I expect big production from Foles in 2014. He'll certainly throw more interceptions, but he'll also throw more touchdowns.

Ladarius Green- Philip Rivers' safety blanket for the past decade, tight end Antonio Gates, is 34-years old. While his production (872 yards in 2013) may not show his declination, Gates' athleticism does, and his playmaking ability has taken a hit as a result. Enter third-year tight end Ladarius Green. It's taken time for him to develop his game, but last season we saw glimpses of the kind of player Green is capable of being. He's big (6'6", 240lbs.) and fast (4.45 40-yard dash), and should see an increased role in the offense this season.

Andrew Hawkins- While wide receiver Andrew Hawkins may not look like much -- he stands 5-feet 7-inches and weighs 175-pounds -- he's proven to be an effective player in the slot. After spending his first three seasons in Cincinnati, the 27-year old will be playing for a division foe, the Cleveland Browns. And if star wide receiver Josh Gordon is suspended, Hawkins is going to see a lot more passes thrown his way this year.

*Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference
*Contract details courtesy of Spotrac

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