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

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

INSIDE DISH

Patriots coaches have been working with ILB Monty Beisel for only a few months, but word is the team is enamored of the free-agent signee. Beisel is a Patriots kind of guy: He's coachable and hard-working. He also is willing to add 5 to 10 pounds of bulk so he can play inside on first downs and take on guards head-on. * QB Jeff Garcia, who was criticized for his lack of camaraderie by former Browns teammates, has shown a totally different side with the Lions. Detroit's talented young offensive players get together often for a social outing, whether it be dinner, drinks or going to a Pistons game. Garcia is one of the ringleaders in getting the group together, and, according to the younger players, Garcia fits right in. Garcia says he knows he has only a few years left and wants to enjoy the bonding process with his teammates. Though QB Joey Harrington joins the group on occasion, Garcia clearly is getting more "chemistry time" with his teammates, which might be a factor when the quarterback battle heats up in training camp. * There is speculation Raiders QB Rich Gannon, who is expected to retire, is talking with team owner Al Davis about finding a position for Gannon on the coaching staff or in the front office. Davis admires Gannon's understanding of the game and his preparation and work ethic. Those are traits that would serve the Raiders well in any capacity in which Gannon might serve. Look for Gannon to start out working with the quarterbacks. * One rising star in the personnel ranks is Panthers college scouting director Tony Seftli. The Seahawks showed some interest in him when they filled their team president role, and Softli was on a shortlist for the Dolphins' G.M. job. Softli is a good talent evaluator and an excellent communicator. A good year by the Panthers on the field could push him into a lofty front office job elsewhere next year. * The reaction among more than a few Browns players to OL Ross Verba's exit was along the lines of "Don't let the door hit you in the hip pads." Verba's unpredictable demeanor grated nerves, and some teammates saw him as selfish. * The Dolphins are having former USC DT Manuel Wright in for a visit in preparation for the July 14 supplemental draft. Wright opted for the supplemental draft after being declared academically ineligible for the 2005 season at USC. Some draftniks consider him a second- or third-round talent based on his play so far, but there are concerns about his work ethic. The Bengals and Eagles also have had Wright (6-6, 310) in for visits. Cincinnati could use him because DT Matthias Askew, a fourth-round pick in 2004, has been plagued by injuries. * One of the reasons the Broncos drafted three cornerbacks this year is because starter Lenny Walls will become a free agent after this season and his agent is Drew Rosenhaus. Walls has terrific upside, but he still has a lot to prove. If he has a big year, the Broncos will no doubt try to rework his deal long before next year's free-agent market opens. However, if Walls and Rosenhaus sense a chance to make a killing, Walls could be gone.--TSN correspondents