1. Matthew Stafford Detroit QB- The former #1 overall selection enters his second season with the Lions poised to take the team to the next level. Blessed with a great arm and precession downfield, Stafford is going to be an impactful player for years to come. However for the talented QB he plays for the Lions who are far from a dangerous offensive team. Stafford’s saving grace is that he is blessed with one of the best receivers in the game in Calvin Johnson. Johnson elevates Stafford to another level that most 2nd year QBs are never given, a true elite WR who can beat any cover in the game. Along with Johnson, the Lions have stockpiled a plethora of talented pass catchers such as Nate Burleson, Brandon Pettigrew among others. Stafford will be throwing early and often as the Lions should be playing behind in many of their games, yet if he can limit his interceptions, Stafford should post impressive stats.
2. C.J. Spiller Buffalo RB- The rookie out of Clemson is the most explosive player to enter the league since Chris Johnson. Spiller is a rare athlete with ability to change direction without losing speed and make cuts that break defenders ankles. His presence in the loaded backfield in Buffalo might hinder his overall potential, yet I expect a trade of either Fred Jackson or Marshawn Lynch before the year starts as to give room for Spiller. He has the size to sustain numerous carries, yet limited touches in his first year are likely to preserve his speed. What cannot be understated though is Spillers ability to break off long plays for scores that could make his limited touches inconsequential. Look for an exciting year out of this talented player.
3. Mike Wallace Pittsburgh WR- Opportunity is the name of the game in the NFL, and that is exactly what 2nd year receiver Mike Wallace has as the exodus of Santonio Holmes has left a void in the Steelers passing attack. Playing alongside aging veteran Hines Ward, Wallace will be looked on even more for deep threat ability. Wallace has the size at 6 feet 199lbs and great speed to counter Wards savvy route running skills. Obviously the absence of Ben Roethlisberger for the first 6 games will have an effect on Wallace’s performance and backup Dennis Dixon is my favorite to take the job and I see potential for surprising success from the young duo. When Roethlisberger returns expect Wallace to rake in touchdowns as the Steelers look for a late playoff push.
4. Kenny Britt Tennessee WR- The main man in the Titans air attack, Britt and Vince Young looked like they were developing a great chemistry towards the last few games of the season. This year I expect the 2nd year man out of Rutgers to get even more targets as teams key in on the rushing attack. Britt has an elite blend of size (6-3 215) and speed (4.5 40) to go along with a knack for going up and snaring deep passes. I would say it is fair to expect Britt to flirt with 1,000 yards and 6-7 scores over the year.
5. Donald Brown Indianapolis RB- The 2nd year player out of Connecticut should amass more carries in 2010 than he did last year. Splitting time with veteran Joseph Addai, Brown has been challenging the banged up former Pro-Bowler since he arrived. Addai has only so many more miles in his engine, and is injury prone. With that said, Brown looks to capitalize on his current status as the team’s backup and unseat Addai. Playing in a prolific offense with Peyton Manning at the helm, the opportunities for scores are limitless for Brown, who at worst would be the beneficiary of goal line touches. Look for a successful season that can see 8-10 scores.
6. Malcolm Floyd San Diego WR- As with Wallace, Floyd is the beneficiary of an offensive void left by LaDainian Tomlinson, and Vincent Jackson’s uncertain future with the team. San Diego will look more to passing this year as the question marks that surround rookie RB Ryan Matthews and Darren Sproles as to filling Tomlinson’s shoes swirl. With that Vincent Jacksons contract disputes with the team have put his future in doubt, and a possible trade before the season seems possible. Floyd is similar to Jackson in size (6-5 225) and pass catching ability. Even if Jackson were to stay, I see the reliance to throw the ball becoming a big concern for the Chargers in 2010 and Floyd should get his fare share of opportunities to shine.
7. Chad Henne Miami QB- Henne has shown through his promising career at Michigan and in the pros he is a great leader on the field. This season he has the opportunity to take the helm from day 1 as the unquestioned leader of a talented Dolphins squad. Surrounded with talented players such as Devonne Bess and the newly acquired Brandon Marshall, it looks like a sign that Miami will throw more in 2010. The run first system they operate out of will not give Henne the opportunity to throw for Drew Brees numbers, however low attempts in high percentage plays could lead to impressive stats and low interception numbers. I would say Henne has a good shot of finishing the year as a Top-10 ranked QB.
8. Early Doucet Arizona WR- Doucet looks to play in the slot a great deal this season and could challenge Steve Breaston for the #2 spot later in the season. He performed well in the final games of the Cardinals season in 2009 and with Anquan Boldin now he gone could end up as Cards weapon next to Larry Fitzgerald. Doucet runs routes well, and has the speed necessary to overcome his size. With a new QB in Arizona look for Doucet to struggle early, yet breakthrough later in the season as the team adjusts to personnel changes.
9. Montario Hardesty Cleveland RB- I am not completely sold on Jerome Harrison as the featured back for the Browns. Yes posting impressive numbers down the stretch last season, Harrison doesn’t seem durable enough to carry the load for a run first Browns attack. Hardesty, a rookie out of Tennessee looks to have an opportunity to display his skills early and possibly split time with Harrison as early as Week 3. With his skills and an absence of talent elsewhere on the Browns roster Hardesty looks to garner his fare share of opportunities to breakthrough.
10. Devin Thomas Washington WR- Entering his 3rd season in the league Thomas looks to benefit from an upgrade at QB in Donovan McNabb. With McNabb taking the helm, the Redskins should be more proficient in the passing game, an area that has eluded them for years. Thomas last year showed he is a good player in finding the end zone 3 times on only 25 receptions. Playing opposite of Santana Moss, Thomas should provide a nice second option for McNabb on curl routes and high percentage slants. Thomas is a reach no doubt; however his potential to benefit in the overhaul from last season’s team is valuable.
6. Malcolm Floyd San Diego WR- As with Wallace, Floyd is the beneficiary of an offensive void left by LaDainian Tomlinson, and Vincent Jackson’s uncertain future with the team. San Diego will look more to passing this year as the question marks that surround rookie RB Ryan Matthews and Darren Sproles as to filling Tomlinson’s shoes swirl. With that Vincent Jacksons contract disputes with the team have put his future in doubt, and a possible trade before the season seems possible. Floyd is similar to Jackson in size (6-5 225) and pass catching ability. Even if Jackson were to stay, I see the reliance to throw the ball becoming a big concern for the Chargers in 2010 and Floyd should get his fare share of opportunities to shine.
7. Chad Henne Miami QB- Henne has shown through his promising career at Michigan and in the pros he is a great leader on the field. This season he has the opportunity to take the helm from day 1 as the unquestioned leader of a talented Dolphins squad. Surrounded with talented players such as Devonne Bess and the newly acquired Brandon Marshall, it looks like a sign that Miami will throw more in 2010. The run first system they operate out of will not give Henne the opportunity to throw for Drew Brees numbers, however low attempts in high percentage plays could lead to impressive stats and low interception numbers. I would say Henne has a good shot of finishing the year as a Top-10 ranked QB.
8. Early Doucet Arizona WR- Doucet looks to play in the slot a great deal this season and could challenge Steve Breaston for the #2 spot later in the season. He performed well in the final games of the Cardinals season in 2009 and with Anquan Boldin now he gone could end up as Cards weapon next to Larry Fitzgerald. Doucet runs routes well, and has the speed necessary to overcome his size. With a new QB in Arizona look for Doucet to struggle early, yet breakthrough later in the season as the team adjusts to personnel changes.
9. Montario Hardesty Cleveland RB- I am not completely sold on Jerome Harrison as the featured back for the Browns. Yes posting impressive numbers down the stretch last season, Harrison doesn’t seem durable enough to carry the load for a run first Browns attack. Hardesty, a rookie out of Tennessee looks to have an opportunity to display his skills early and possibly split time with Harrison as early as Week 3. With his skills and an absence of talent elsewhere on the Browns roster Hardesty looks to garner his fare share of opportunities to breakthrough.
10. Devin Thomas Washington WR- Entering his 3rd season in the league Thomas looks to benefit from an upgrade at QB in Donovan McNabb. With McNabb taking the helm, the Redskins should be more proficient in the passing game, an area that has eluded them for years. Thomas last year showed he is a good player in finding the end zone 3 times on only 25 receptions. Playing opposite of Santana Moss, Thomas should provide a nice second option for McNabb on curl routes and high percentage slants. Thomas is a reach no doubt; however his potential to benefit in the overhaul from last season’s team is valuable.
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