Bronx33
06-25-2005, 08:20 AM
Our annual look at the 11 young offensive players -- excluding rookies -- who should have a breakout season in 2005.
Quarterbacks
In his second season, Byron Leftwich arrived. In his third, he should take off. The Jaguars have tried to tailor their offense to Leftwich, one of the more perceptive quarterbacks in the league. For the first time in his NFL career, Leftwich will be allowed to use audibles. That will allow him the freedom to avoid bad play calls and take advantage of mismatches. The Jaguars also want to give Leftwich more opportunities to take shots downfield off play-action, which should highlight his big arm.
http://www.sportingnews.com/i/photos/20050622/61649.jpg
Albert Dickson/TSN
Williams
Receivers
There isn't a more physically gifted receiver than the Lions' Roy Williams, and he seems ready to show more of that ability. Williams came to the Lions not really knowing how to apply himself by NFL standards. He has learned how to work and prepare, and his performance this season should indicate that.
Atlanta is a team that needs a No. 1 receiver to emerge, and Michael Jenkins has the best chance of being that guy. A thin player who did not know how to play physically coming out of college, Jenkins gained 15 pounds in the Falcons' offseason program and is up to 220. He has put in extra time with quarterback Michael Vick in an attempt to improve their chemistry.
Tight end
Ben Watson of the Patriots appeared ready to produce as a rookie before a season-ending knee injury in practice the week before Game 2. When the rest of the team went home to celebrate for a month after the Patriots won the Super Bowl, the 2004 first-round pick stayed in Foxborough to work out. Watson is healthy now, and he's a weapon unlike any the Patriots have had.
Running backs
http://www.sportingnews.com/i/photos/20050622/61650.jpg
Jay Drowns/TSN
Jones
It took Kevin Jones awhile to get his NFL legs. Once he did, he was one of the finest backs in the NFL. If Jones produces for 16 games the way he did for the last eight of his rookie season, he will rush for 1,812 yards and average 5.3 yards per carry. He's more prepared to put together a full season, having added six pounds in the team's offseason conditioning program. The Lions' deep group of gifted receivers also should help Jones.
Several other running backs, especially Steven Jackson of the Rams and Julius Jones of the Cowboys, could be considered breakout candidates. But LaMont Jordan of the Raiders cannot be overlooked. He already has proved he can run in the NFL, with a 4.9-yard average per carry over four years. Now he just needs to prove he can carry the ball 25 times a game. He is certain to get a lot of handoffs with Norv Turner calling plays, and he's likely to see a lot of wide-open spaces with Randy Moss keeping the safeties from cheating up.
Tackles
Robert Gallery played well as a rookie, but he's capable of playing a lot better. With his will to improve and physical talent, Gallery could be one of the league's finest tackles this year. The Raiders plan to keep him at right tackle, where he encountered more elite pass rushers last season than he would have at left tackle.
You might not be familiar with Jordan Black, but Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis knows who he is. Black pancaked Lewis in a Monday game last season. The favorite to start at right tackle for the Chiefs, Black will be playing among a cluster of Pro Bowl players -- left tackle Willie Roaf, left guard Brian Waters, right guard Will Shields and tight end Tony Gonzalez. He also will be blocking for Priest Holmes, one of the game's most dazzling runners.
2005 Fantasy Football Owners Manual
Don't be the sap who waits until the week before his fantasy football draft to get ready. Preparation for a winning season begins now, and there's no better tool than the 2005 Fantasy Football Owners Manual.
This yearbook offers winning strategies and tips, rankings of the top 200 players, rankings by position, an experts roundtable discussion and mock draft, crib sheets, comprehensive stats, team depth charts and scouting reports on more than 670 players. Come draft day, you'll be miles ahead of the game -- not to mention your competition.
Get your copy at newsstands or order by phone at 800-825-8508 or online at sportingnews.com/books/football.
Center
After playing guard as a rookie, Jake Grove probably will move to center this season. The Raiders' 2004 second-round pick, Grove was a center in college and wants to play there. His athleticism and toughness can be best used at that position.
Guards
Chris Snee was outstanding as a rookie for the Giants, standing up to big, tough defensive tackles. With his nasty disposition and doggedness, Snee can emerge as a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
Rex Hadnot became a starter for the Dolphins late last season, and now he looks like the most physical, hard-nosed blocker on the team. He has the athleticism to get to the second level and the toughness to win the short-area battles.
Next week: defense.
Senior writer Dan Pompei covers the NFL for the Sporting News. E-mail him at pompei@sportingnews.com.
Quarterbacks
In his second season, Byron Leftwich arrived. In his third, he should take off. The Jaguars have tried to tailor their offense to Leftwich, one of the more perceptive quarterbacks in the league. For the first time in his NFL career, Leftwich will be allowed to use audibles. That will allow him the freedom to avoid bad play calls and take advantage of mismatches. The Jaguars also want to give Leftwich more opportunities to take shots downfield off play-action, which should highlight his big arm.
http://www.sportingnews.com/i/photos/20050622/61649.jpg
Albert Dickson/TSN
Williams
Receivers
There isn't a more physically gifted receiver than the Lions' Roy Williams, and he seems ready to show more of that ability. Williams came to the Lions not really knowing how to apply himself by NFL standards. He has learned how to work and prepare, and his performance this season should indicate that.
Atlanta is a team that needs a No. 1 receiver to emerge, and Michael Jenkins has the best chance of being that guy. A thin player who did not know how to play physically coming out of college, Jenkins gained 15 pounds in the Falcons' offseason program and is up to 220. He has put in extra time with quarterback Michael Vick in an attempt to improve their chemistry.
Tight end
Ben Watson of the Patriots appeared ready to produce as a rookie before a season-ending knee injury in practice the week before Game 2. When the rest of the team went home to celebrate for a month after the Patriots won the Super Bowl, the 2004 first-round pick stayed in Foxborough to work out. Watson is healthy now, and he's a weapon unlike any the Patriots have had.
Running backs
http://www.sportingnews.com/i/photos/20050622/61650.jpg
Jay Drowns/TSN
Jones
It took Kevin Jones awhile to get his NFL legs. Once he did, he was one of the finest backs in the NFL. If Jones produces for 16 games the way he did for the last eight of his rookie season, he will rush for 1,812 yards and average 5.3 yards per carry. He's more prepared to put together a full season, having added six pounds in the team's offseason conditioning program. The Lions' deep group of gifted receivers also should help Jones.
Several other running backs, especially Steven Jackson of the Rams and Julius Jones of the Cowboys, could be considered breakout candidates. But LaMont Jordan of the Raiders cannot be overlooked. He already has proved he can run in the NFL, with a 4.9-yard average per carry over four years. Now he just needs to prove he can carry the ball 25 times a game. He is certain to get a lot of handoffs with Norv Turner calling plays, and he's likely to see a lot of wide-open spaces with Randy Moss keeping the safeties from cheating up.
Tackles
Robert Gallery played well as a rookie, but he's capable of playing a lot better. With his will to improve and physical talent, Gallery could be one of the league's finest tackles this year. The Raiders plan to keep him at right tackle, where he encountered more elite pass rushers last season than he would have at left tackle.
You might not be familiar with Jordan Black, but Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis knows who he is. Black pancaked Lewis in a Monday game last season. The favorite to start at right tackle for the Chiefs, Black will be playing among a cluster of Pro Bowl players -- left tackle Willie Roaf, left guard Brian Waters, right guard Will Shields and tight end Tony Gonzalez. He also will be blocking for Priest Holmes, one of the game's most dazzling runners.
2005 Fantasy Football Owners Manual
Don't be the sap who waits until the week before his fantasy football draft to get ready. Preparation for a winning season begins now, and there's no better tool than the 2005 Fantasy Football Owners Manual.
This yearbook offers winning strategies and tips, rankings of the top 200 players, rankings by position, an experts roundtable discussion and mock draft, crib sheets, comprehensive stats, team depth charts and scouting reports on more than 670 players. Come draft day, you'll be miles ahead of the game -- not to mention your competition.
Get your copy at newsstands or order by phone at 800-825-8508 or online at sportingnews.com/books/football.
Center
After playing guard as a rookie, Jake Grove probably will move to center this season. The Raiders' 2004 second-round pick, Grove was a center in college and wants to play there. His athleticism and toughness can be best used at that position.
Guards
Chris Snee was outstanding as a rookie for the Giants, standing up to big, tough defensive tackles. With his nasty disposition and doggedness, Snee can emerge as a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
Rex Hadnot became a starter for the Dolphins late last season, and now he looks like the most physical, hard-nosed blocker on the team. He has the athleticism to get to the second level and the toughness to win the short-area battles.
Next week: defense.
Senior writer Dan Pompei covers the NFL for the Sporting News. E-mail him at pompei@sportingnews.com.