BIG LEAPERS
Players primed to breakout or take the next step into NFL stardom
Dez Bryant - Bryant will be looking to shed his "Manchild" reputation or at least the child part of that and become a Man (though not yet 40). With the physical skill set Dez is blessed with there's no corner he cannot beat. Theres not a coverage that can hold this monster if hes fully committed to excellence. Bryant has admitted to not being at his best conditioning wise last year. He had a knack for disappearing in games. Mental lapses. All that appears to be behind him according to all camp reports thus far. Romo and Jerry Jones have praised his conditioning, maturity and chemistry. If Dez has indeed matured his upside is near unlimited. There's nothing he can't accomplish given his elite abilities and situation. Posting top 5 WR numbers can easily be achieved.
Fred Davis - Despite shaky QB play for much of last season Davis still had 796 yards in just 12 games (a pace for over 1061 over 16 games). With RG3 under center better and more consistant QB play can be expected. Theres a learning curve with all rookies yes, but Rookie QBs tend to lean on their TEs' for security which will only inflate Freds' numbers. Davis has all the attributes needed to take the next step towards the games elite TEs'. For those of you who enjoy a good bargain, target Davis in 2012 drafts as he's sure to be a steal.
Jake Locker - Although his sample size of game action last year was small one thing is certain. Raw, yes, but Locker is immensely talented. He's said to be in the middle of a QB battle with Matthew Hasselbeck, but I don't see any way Locker doesn't come out on top. He's there future and there best shot at a present. With Kenny Britt, Kendall Wright, Nate Washington, Jared Cook and Chris Johnson as his arsenal the ceiling for his 2012 season will be very high even with it being his first as an NFL starter. He will step in with 4000 yard 25 TD 400 rushing yard upside. In addition to his laser arm capable of making any throw Locker is gifted with tremendous athleticism. His sub 4.6 forty and elusiveness coupled with the opposing defenses' attention focused on Chris Johnson and the rest of the Titans young playmakers numerous running lanes will be open for the young gunslinger.
Robert Meachem - Meachem was only asked to do one thing in NO due to their plethora of weapons, go deep. Now that he's in SD and replacing Vincent Jackson he will be asked to expand his game. Meachem has always held ample upside as a WR, but just hasn't been in a situation to be leaned on. Reports thus far have been nothing but complimentary on Meachem. To reiterate that I'll provide a quote from Norv Turner, "He's a deep threat, but he's also a more versatile receiver than I thought... He can do a lot more things than he did in New Orleans because they didn't need those things from him because they had other guys. But he's an outstanding route runner, he's a good 'feel' receiver and he does have outstanding hands." Turner goes on to predict a 1000 yard campaign from Meachem this season. Bullish? Perhaps, but it's certainly possible given the situation.
Demaryius Thomas - Thomas averaged 90 yards a game over the last 5 games of the season showing great ability after the catch and exactly what he's capable of when healthy. All that was with Tebow under center. Now he has one of the greatest signal callers of all time delivering him the ball. Thomas already an icredibly explosive WR plans to cut 10 lbs this offseason to further add to that. Former NFL scout Gary Horton says Demaryius Thomas "will be something special" if he stays healthy this season. That seems to be the issue with many of the elite talents in the NFL, but never-the-less his upside with Manning is vast.
Jared Cook - Cook averaged over 113 ypg over the final 3 games of last season. Head coach Mike Munchak attributes the late surge to "growing confidence". Cook has all the physical tools needed to succeed and if he can carry that momentem and confidence into 2012 you will witness a very special player at the TE position for the Titans. At 6'5" 250 lbs with a 4.5 forty Cook has the build to dominate much like Vernon Davis does.
Pierre Garcon - Garcon is fastly becoming one of my favorite WR's to target this season. He played exceptionally well last season despite the lackluster QB play from Colt signal callers. His receiving totals have gone up each yr of his career and after a 947 yard outburst last season I think he's ready to eclipse the 1000 yard mark, possibly with ease. RG3 can immedietely step in and have one of the games best deep balls complimenting Garcons' skill to perfection. I believe the two will combine for one of the leagues best big play tandums. In fact, A "trusted" NFL personnel man told NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah that Pierre Garcon will "put up huge numbers" in the Redskins' offense. I couldn't agree more. Garcon will flourish in Washington producing game changing totals from a guy who could be drafted as your WR3.
~ Joseph Turnbull ~
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