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The List: Top 5 breakout players
By Joe Theismann
ESPN.com
Archive
In the NFL, rarely is star status achieved right away. Even the most talented players need time to hone their skills and learn the nuances of the pro game. Here are five players who are poised for big seasons in 2007.
Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots: It might be odd to some that Moss is on this list because he's an established star in this league, but I really believe the expectations aren't high enough for him in New England. He's going to have a big year for the Patriots and might get his first Super Bowl ring with Tom Brady throwing to him. Expect huge numbers.
Kellen Winslow Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns: When Winslow was selected by the Browns he was brought in to elevate their offense. He has the ability to make the tough catch over the middle and also to stretch the field and take it to the third level. He hasn't fulfilled his potential thanks to injuries that have plagued both Winslow and other members of the offense. This is the season when I really think he's going to insert himself into the conversation as one of the best tight ends in the game.
Cedric Benson, RB, Chicago Bears: The ball is literally going to be in Benson's hands this season as Thomas Jones is now a Jet. Benson has shown the ability to lead this team in spurts, but now he's going to have to have to prove why he was such a high draft pick. The Bears will make it a point to get him the ball at least 20 times a game because of their shaky quarterback situation.
Jason Campbell, QB, Washington Commanders: Campbell has all the natural ability in the world, but it's his intelligence that makes him so dangerous. He understands what he's doing when he's on the field and you very rarely see the panic that shows up in young quarterbacks when the chips are down. I expect Campbell to put it together this year and make the Commanders a playoff contender.
Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys: His play tapered off at the end of the season, but he has a year under his belt and won't see anything new this season. Also, he should do a very good job of further establishing himself as the leader of this offense.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=theismann_joe&id=2869867
By Joe Theismann
ESPN.com
Archive
In the NFL, rarely is star status achieved right away. Even the most talented players need time to hone their skills and learn the nuances of the pro game. Here are five players who are poised for big seasons in 2007.
Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots: It might be odd to some that Moss is on this list because he's an established star in this league, but I really believe the expectations aren't high enough for him in New England. He's going to have a big year for the Patriots and might get his first Super Bowl ring with Tom Brady throwing to him. Expect huge numbers.
Kellen Winslow Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns: When Winslow was selected by the Browns he was brought in to elevate their offense. He has the ability to make the tough catch over the middle and also to stretch the field and take it to the third level. He hasn't fulfilled his potential thanks to injuries that have plagued both Winslow and other members of the offense. This is the season when I really think he's going to insert himself into the conversation as one of the best tight ends in the game.
Cedric Benson, RB, Chicago Bears: The ball is literally going to be in Benson's hands this season as Thomas Jones is now a Jet. Benson has shown the ability to lead this team in spurts, but now he's going to have to have to prove why he was such a high draft pick. The Bears will make it a point to get him the ball at least 20 times a game because of their shaky quarterback situation.
Jason Campbell, QB, Washington Commanders: Campbell has all the natural ability in the world, but it's his intelligence that makes him so dangerous. He understands what he's doing when he's on the field and you very rarely see the panic that shows up in young quarterbacks when the chips are down. I expect Campbell to put it together this year and make the Commanders a playoff contender.
Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys: His play tapered off at the end of the season, but he has a year under his belt and won't see anything new this season. Also, he should do a very good job of further establishing himself as the leader of this offense.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=theismann_joe&id=2869867
