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These guys are going to bust out on offense: there's no room for rookies on this team

Sporting News, The, July 1, 2005 by Dan Pompei

Our annual look at the 11 young offensive players--excluding rookies--who should have a breakout season in 2005:

QUARTERBACK

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.

RUNNING BACKS

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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 this year, having added 6 pounds in the team's offseason conditioning program. Jones also should be helped by the Lions' deep group of gifted receivers.

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.

RECEIVERS

There isn't a more physically gifted receiver than the Lions' Roy Williams, and he seems ready to show more of that ability this year. 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 suffering 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.

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. Lewis was pancaked by Black in a Monday night game last year. 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.

CENTER

After playing guard as a rookie, Jake Grove probably will move to center this season. The Raiders' 2004 second-round pick was a center in college and wants to play there. His athleticism and toughness can be best utilized 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 this season.

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.

speedreads

NBC was smart to act fast and take John Madden away from Monday Night Football. Sunday night football will be the better prime-time show in '06, and the move puts a big-name stamp on the networks triumphant return to the NFL.

The Chiefs signed Freddie Mitchell last week, but the new name to know among their wide receivers is second-year man Samie Parker. The former Oregon standout should emerge as the team's No. 2 big-play threat behind tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Barring setbacks in his recovery from a broken foot, free-agent cornerback Ty Law would be a great fit with the Jaguars' defense. The Jags are a young playoff contending team, so adding Law's leadership and championship experience to the secondary would be a nice complement to their strong front four.--Vinnie Iyer

These guys are going to bust out on offense: there's no room for rookies on this team

Sporting News, The, July 1, 2005 by Dan Pompei

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