Around the NFL: Breakout Players
Once again, there were very few NFL storylines this week. This is highlighted even further by the presence of such dominating storylines in other sports. The Stanley Cup is just around the corner and by next week we’ll know who’s playing in the NBA Finals. Even Golf is exciting with the U.S. Open only three weeks away. So in this lull period, the avid NFL fan must look within to find interesting things to discuss in football. Therefore, this week I’m going to talk about five lesser-known players who I think could break out and become solid contributors this season.
Five Breakout Players
Tyjuan Hagler, LB, Indianapolis – Hagler was a guy that I thought would break into the starting lineup last season, but he struggled with injuries and never really got it going. The Colts resigned him this off-season however, so they must see something in him. What I see is a solid tackler with good instincts who could fight with Freddie Keaho and Clint Session for playing time. I was surprised that Hagler didn’t garner more interest on the open market, as I feel he could compete for a starting role on a lot of teams. While he’ll still struggle for playing time after the incumbents played fairly well last year, look for Hagler to get some reps in the rotation and to take a step forward this year. If he avoids the injury-bug, Hagler should hold a more prominent role in the Colts defense.
Jerome Simpson, WR, Cincinnati – Somebody is going to have to step up into T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s vacated role. While oft-troubled Chris Henry is primed to be the starter (if he keeps his nose clean), it’s Simpson who will look to break into the line-up and provide QB Carson Palmer with a reliable target. Even as a third receiver in this open offense, Simpson should have ample opportunity to develop a good relationship with Palmer and to put up some good numbers. With Chad Ochocinco’s days likely numbered, the Bengals need Simpson to step up. Fellow second year receiver Andre Caldwell should also be monitored, as he also has the talent to compete for playing time.
Tramon Williams, CB, Green Bay – Williams essentially provides depth and assistance in nickel situations on the Packers defense. Last season, Williams really started coming into his own. He collected five interceptions and had 57 tackles. His consistency was lacking though as he sometimes had a tendency to gamble and at times looked a little reckless in coverage. With starters Charles Woodson and Al Harris both nearing the end of their sterling careers, Williams might be next in line for a starting role. The Packers must like him, as they resigned him this week to a one year deal to see what he can bring to the table in 2009. I see him continuing to contribute in the nickel package and either turning into a starter down the road, or a Terrell Buckley type who carves a niche in that sub-package role.
Matt Roth, OLB, Miami – Roth, a converted DE, spent his first year as a 3-4 OLB learning the position in 2008. While he performed admirably and was second on the team with five sacks, he was still trying to adapt to the nuances of the position and will look to improve this year. However, as he looks to improve he has newcomer Cameron Wake and the returning Jason Taylor to contend with for playing time. Taylor and Wake are sure to get all the press, and in all likelihood they’ll find their way on the playing field; however, I’ll take Matt Roth’s blue-collar, work-hard mentality any day. Roth could easily duplicate his numbers from last year with less playing time, allowing the Dolphins defense to be less predictable and to increase the rotation of their pass-rushers. With Roth providing a steady base at the position, the Dolphins defense will continue to improve in 2009. The Dolphins didn’t do a whole lot to address the OLB position this off-season, including passing up on a Parcells type of guy in Clay Matthews out of USC in the draft. I take that as a compliment to what Roth brings to the table.
Alex Smith, TE, New England – Acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay, the talented Smith gives the Patriots a legitimate receiving threat at the TE position. While the TE stable is loaded with guys like Ben Watson and Chris Baker, consistent production at the position is lacking. With the same name as the San Francisco QB drafted first overall in 2005, Smith has flown under the radar during his career. However, he was a playmaker for the Bucs and make no mistake that the Patriots will know how to maximize his ability. The Patriots tend to rotate players at his position, so Smith might not wind up with eye-popping numbers. Still, I see Smith really coming into his own this season, catching key passes at critical times and quickly becoming a favorite target of QB Tom Brady.
Other guys to pay attention to: Tanard Jackson, S, T.B.; Jared Gaither, OT, Baltimore; Charles Johnson, DE, Carolina; Cliff Avril, DE, Detroit; Chris Canty, DE, NYG; Mark Bradley, WR, K.C.; Earl Bennett, WR, Chicago
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He Went to Paris
The only significant transaction to note this week was the Patriots signing of former Lions LB Paris Lenon. Lenon is an adequate player who has racked up over 100 tackles in each of the last two seasons. This is a great signing by the Pats at this stage in free agency, as Lenon can provide good depth behind the aging Tedy Bruschi in the middle of their 3-4 defense. It’s possible that the Patriots will try him outside opposite Adalius Thomas, but I think Lenon is more suited for the middle as a tackling machine than as a pass rusher.
The Patriots continue to find savvy veterans through trades and in free agency. Bringing in Lenon just adds to the stable of newly acquired veterans this off-season, which includes RB Fred Taylor, WR Joey Galloway, CB’s Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden, and Alex Smith. All of these players will be looked to as valuable role players (Galloway) or upgrades to their position (Smith). I wouldn’t bet against the Patriots this season and with all their additions they look poised to make another run in 2009.
Other Things of Note
Briefly, the following headlines are catching people’s eyes:
WR Plaxico Burress has some teams interested in him and rumor has it he’s expressed interest in playing in Miami. The question remains whether or not Bill Parcells & Co. would welcome such an enigmatic player with a lot of baggage.
WR Anquan Boldin remains displeased with his contract, as USA Today reported he has fired agent Drew Rosenhaus and that he’s still not attending the Cardinals optional team activities.
WR Matt Jones, formerly of the Jaguars, learned that he will not be suspended this coming season, despite drug charges last year. This will certainly help his agent secure a new home for him and rumors have Chicago as an interested party. I think the Colts should take a look at him, but that’s just me.
Bills CB Terrance McGee injured his hand in practice will breaking up a pass. The Bills will hope that McGee heals quickly as they can ill afford to lose another starting CB after Jabari Greer departed during free agency.
Until next week enjoy the NBA playoffs and keep track of the optional team activities for your favorite NFL franchise!
By: Brandon Niles
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer