NFL Article

Breakout Players Predictions

1. Nick Perry 

 

 

 

 Nick Perry was the Green Bay Packers top pick in the 2012 draft. The Packers felt that they desperately needed another pass rusher to relieve the pressure off Pro-Bowler Clay Matthews. Perry is 6’3 265lbs that is the prototypical body type for a 3-4 outside linebacker. He was set to have a good rookie campaign until a wrist injury cost him the season. Perry played in five games in a pass rusher’s role generating two sacks until he sustained the injury against the Houston Texans. With the 2013 season approaching Perry remains optimistic about the season and believes he is ready to make a big impact for the Packers. Matthews has said that he wants one of the younger defenders to rise to the occasion and become a “playmaker”. Perry certainly has the physical tools and the talent to become just that. If he can live up to those expectations, the Packers defense will reach newer heights.

 

2. Ryan Tannehill

 

 

In my opinion, Ryan Tannehill justified the Miami Dolphins decision to draft him so early in the draft. He has to work on his ball security and decision-making; he had 18 turnovers. On the contrary Tannehill did his best with the limited weapons he was given as the Dolphins QB. His best receiver was Brian Hartline. I know your thinking who? But, heading into this season Tannehill has a bevy of new pass catchers like: downfield threat Mike Wallace, Dustin Keller, Brandon Gibson, and a rookie with potential Chad Bumphis. These receivers should help increase him have more than 12 touchdowns. In addition, Tannehill is in a system he is already been in for three years now. Also, people forget this is only his FOURTH year playing quarterback; he was a former wide receiver. There are high expectations within the Dolphins organization, but the Dolphins season will only be successful if Tannehill improves.

 

3. Chandler Jones

 

 

 

 Chandler Jones started his rookie campaign at a high level causing fumbles, generating sacks, and forcing safeties. Then, Jones was a non-factor late in the season. The rookie out of Syracuse suffered an ankle injury and was not able to wreak havoc in the backfield for the rest of the season.  Nevertheless, Jones had a good season generating six sacks, three forced fumbles, and four safeties. He has the potential to be one of the best pass rushers in the game when he is on the field. Jones has been determined to be a better leader and be the lead defensive end for the New England Patriots. He has been focused on his upper body strength heading into training camp; looking to maintain his quickness as well. If Jones can stay healthy, New England will have a fearsome front eight.

 

4. Rod Streater

 

 

 

 

Rod Streater had a good rookie year for an undrafted rookie. Streater might have benefited from playing under a rookie head coach, Dennis Allen. Anytime there is a new coach that coach will take the time to evaluate everyone on his roster. Streater must of impressed Allen enough to make him a starter. He did not have many big games during his first year, but he was constantly thrown to. Streater ended up with 39 catches, 584 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 15.0 yards per catch average. The YPC average indicates he was a big play threat and he was because Carson Palmer loved throwing the ball downfield. With a year’s worth of experience Streater is expected to have a big year. He is the Oakland Raiders top wideout and should display some confidence given that he is no longer a rookie. Streater has the ability to get downfield and make big catches over defenders. When in the red zone, he will likely be thrown the ball given that he is 6’3.

 

5. Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick might surprise a few people with his name being on this list, but he only played 10 games as a starter. As a 49ers fan, you have got to be excited to watch him play. Kaepernick can throw the ball with tremendous accuracy and can run the ball for a huge gain. People in the organization say he has a tremendous work ethic working before and after practice. Kaepernick played a little reckless behind the center at times, but he never took any big hits like RG3. With a full season ahead of him, we will see if he can maintain his high level of play throughout a 16-game schedule. The Niners are the perennial Super Bowl favorites once again. I am sure they are still bitter about the way last season ended against the Ravens in the big game. Kaepernick must stay healthy and stay consistent in order for San Francisco to bring home a sixth Lombardi trophy in this upcoming season.