Breakout Players: Stafford Leads Class Of 20
At this time last year, Arian Foster was a backup running back for the Houston Texans, with a looming training-camp battle approaching in what appeared to be a crowded backfield. Yes, he flashed late in 2009, but did anybody think he could become what he was in 2010?
All Foster did was lead the NFL in rushing to earn his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
That makes Foster the top breakout player of 2010. So who will be this year's Arian Foster, a player who has flashed some but is now ready to take it to a Pro Bowl level? I've come up with a list of 20 players who have a chance to make their first Pro Bowls in 2011. All have flashed in their careers and appear ready for bigger things in 2011 -- if there is a season.
Some have been held back by injuries so far. Others are young players who haven't yet hit their peaks. Others appear ready to receive a much-needed chance. Can they follow the path that Foster, Cleveland's Peyton Hillis, Denver's Brandon Lloyd or Green Bay's Tramon Williams did last year, exceeding what many expected of them to have their breakout seasons?
I say half of them will -- if they get the chance to play a season in 2011.
Matt Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions: Injuries have limited his time the first two seasons, but when he's played we've seen signs of a future star. Stafford started only three games last season, and must stay on the field, but has all the stuff coaches love in a quarterback; he's big, strong and has a rocket for an arm. Josh Freeman took a huge step forward last season for Tampa Bay at quarterback, and this is the year Stafford does it for the Lions.
Jason Hill, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars picked him up late last season after the 49ers let him go. They liked him coming out of Washington State but missed out on getting him in the 2008 draft. When Hill became available last year, they quickly picked him to add some speed to the offense. He proved to be a nice addition, averaging 22.5 yards on his 11 catches for the team. At 26, he still has a lot of good football left. He is scheduled to be a starter when the team opens camp. Could Hill be their new Jimmy Smith?
Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Atlanta Falcons: When the first-rounder was on the field as a rookie, the Falcons were much better on defense, especially on third down. Weatherspoon is a speed linebacker who can run to the football but also can cover in the pass game. He had some early struggles -- particularly in an early season victory at New Orleans -- with some missed assignments, but he came on late. He did battle through injuries that slowed him and limited him to five starts. If he stays on the field for 16 games, he has a chance to be a Pro Bowl player in 2011.
Emanuel Sanders, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers: This second-year player might be ready to push Hines Ward to the bench. Sanders was the team's third receiver last season, showing speed and quickness. He got hurt in the Super Bowl, which limited the Pittsburgh offense. Look for a lot more from him in 2011, a la the job Mike Wallace did for the Steelers last season in his second year on the roster.
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, New York Giants: Coming out of college, this kid had freakish athletic ability. But most scouts thought he was a year or two (or three) away from being a productive pass rusher because he was so raw. He started slow last season as a rookie, but came on strong to show he is more advanced than some scouts expected. Pierre-Paul is an explosive player who needs to refine a few things. When he does, he will be the next great pass rusher for the Giants, who seem to have a knack for finding them.
