2008 BreakOut Candidates
TE / Randy McMichael/ STL
Randy McMichael, meet Al Saunders. Any TE on a Saunders coached offense deserves being drafted. After redefining the position with Tony Gonzalez, Saunders went on to make Chris Cooley a Pro Bowler. Randy certainly has the talent. After 3 years with at least 60 receptions, legal trouble and a new team all but wiped him off the fantasy map. Look for a big bounce back this season after a year to get familiar with team and the new very TE friendly offensive coordinator.
Predictions: 65 Receptions, 780 Receiving Yards, 6 TDs
WR / Ted Ginn Jr/ MIA
It may be a little premature to expect Ted Gin to truly breakout this season, but he's in an interesting position. A talented 2nd year WR with no real competition on a team that will probably be throwing for their lives come the second half of most games.If they can get any kind of consistency out of their passing game Gin should put up some decent numbers.
Predictions: 70 Receptions, 950 Receiving Yards, 8 TDs
TE / Vernon Davis / SF
Davis was predicted by many to breakout last year and while he didnt take the league by storm, he imporved vastly on his rookie season. Look for Vernon to continue to develop with a young offense that may suprise some this season. His potential has no limit and if the niners get in tune this year, he will be a big part of it.
Predictions: 68 Receptions, 800 Receiving Yards, 7 TDs
RB / Ahmad Bradshaw / NYG
Bradshaw is more of a sleeper/breakout hybrid than fitting snuggly into either category. The 2nd year back 'brokeout' last year during the playoffs after showing flashes of greatness during the regular system. Brandon Jacobs is the starting running back and will be as long as he stays healthy. Something he has yet to be able to do with any consistency since coming into the league. Expect Bradshaw to spell Jacobs often and get the bulk of the carries in his absence.
Predictions: 700 Rushing Yards, 20 Receptions, 200 Receiving Yards, 6 TDs
RB / Michael Turner / ATL
The highly touted back up is finally getting a chance to be a featured back. Jerious Norwood will probably cut into his carries but he should still see the ball around 20 times a game. Expect plenty of dump off receptions from rookie quarterback Matt Ryan
Predictions: 1,100 Rushing Yards, 30 Receptions, 250 Receiving Yards, 9 TDs
QB / Jay Cutler / DEN
The Strong armed Cutler enters his third season in the NFL with a few added weapons on offense and a potential super star in Brandon Marshall. A still developing Cutler can improve on his numbers across the board and emerge being a top 5 qb. However, be slightly cautious, a long suspension of Marshall could hurt his numbers significantly.
Predictions: 3,750 Passing Yards, 27 TDs, 15 INTs, 250 Rushing Yards, 2 Rushing TDs
WR / Calvin Johnson / DET
The second year player showed glimpses last year as to why he was one of the highest touted receivers to enter the league in years but a year long back injury impeded his development and consistency. Look for what could be a monster year this season. The presence of Roy Williams may cut his potential some, but until Detroit can establish a running game, there will be plenty of balls to go around.
Predictions: 88 Receptions, 1,120 Receiving Yards, 11 TDs
WR / Santonio Holmes / PIT
Santonio Holmes should take over the #1 spot over aging veteran Hines Ward this season. Despite battling ankle and hamstring injuries most of the season, Holmes led the NFL in YPR. Entering the magic 3rd year for receivers, watch for Holmes to join the elite.
Predictions: 72 Receptions, 1,100 Receiving Yards, 11 TDs
LB / David Harris / NYJ
Ok, last year was probably his breakout season but consider that he only started 9 games and still amassed 127 tackles. It will be interesting to see how the young playmaker will build on last season now that he is a full time starter. He could potentially lead the league in tackles.
Predictions: 160 Tackles, 4 Sacks, 1 INTs
RB / Selvin Young / DEN
Selvin Young was probably the most publisized free agent last season. He’s also one of the hardest players for me to add to this list. Not due to lack of talent, but due to all the intangibles that come with the Denver running back. Talent wise, he looks like he could be special but with Denver’s plug and play running game, he could be a nosebleed away from losing his job to what looks to be at least 2 other capable backs. The 2 being Andre Hall and Ryan Torian, but we all know some unheard of back will show up in the box scores with 167 yards on 19 carries at some point in the season. Anyway he is a bit of a gamble, but one with a huge upside. I’m not sure hell get his predicted 2,000 yards, but if he stays healthy and gets the bulk of the carries, he could be the next great Denver back.
Predictions: 1,400 Rushing Yards, 35 Receptions, 240 Receiving Yards, 10 TDs
QB / Jason Cambell / WAS
Well maybe not a true breakout season but Cambell could make enough strides to be a low end QB1. Moving to a West coast offense (which he played in school) and the addition of a pair of talented rookie receivers should bode well for the 4th year Quarterback’s development. Draft him as your QB2 and you may wind up with 2 number1s come seasons end.
Predictions: 3,200 Passing Yards, 23 TDs, 14 INTs, 230 Rushing Yards, 1 Rushing TDs
WR / Bryant Johnson / SF
Though considered by many to be one of the best #3 receivers in the league over the past few seasons, Bryant Johnson is certainly not a household name. Playing behind Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin can have that affect on a player. Now he will have his time to shine in a pass friendly system along side Isaac Bruce. The former first rounder Johnson should emerge as the #1 option on a young rebuilding team.
Predictions: 65 Receptions, 900 Receiving Yards, 8 TDs