Underrated
Underrated?
In April 2015 the NFL brought in the newest class of inductees into their fraternity. We saw young players drafted and they displayed their greatness on the field this past season. We saw the likes of Amari Cooper, Todd Gurley, Jameis Winston, and Marcus Mariota just to name a few. There are a number of players that are under the radar. The question arises, which under the radar players will make a big impact in year 2?
#5 Landon Collins–New York Giants: The young stud Free Safety coming out of Alabama is a thumping, hard hitting Safety. He finished the year with 112 combined tackles, 1 forced fumble, 9 pass deflections, and 1-interception. He played well in his rookie campaign playing. Unfortunately, he was a part of a horrendous defense that was ranked 30th in points allowed and 32nd in yards allowed per game. The only way to go, Is Up from those statistics. The Giants did find help, by spending 200 million dollars this off-season to bring in pieces such as: Janoris Jenkins, Damon “Snacks” Harrison, Oliver Vernon, and Keenan Robinson. Those are some pretty good pieces for a struggling defense. With the great additions, Landon Collins could be given the availability to roam the middle of the field (i.e. Kam Chancellor) as a robber or enforcer. After a decent rookie campaign, Collins could be in for a bigger and better year.
#4 Jay Ajayi–Miami Dolphins: This young running back was drafted out of Boise State to bring a powerful presence to the backfield. Unfortunately on September 6th, 2015 Jay was placed on injury reserved designated to return. He suffered a broken rib in the fourth preseason game and was sidelined until after week 6 of the regular season. This offseason Lamar Miller, signed with the Houston Texans during the free agency period. That left a hole for Jay Ajayi to fill. The team passed on drafting a running back, which proved they have trust in Jay and his health. He has a new tackle blocking for him in Laremy Tunsil and a new head coach Adam Gase. Gase has a very good offensive mind and did wonders with Chicago’s offense last season. A healthy Ajayi with Gases’ scheme can be very effective. The team ranked 23rd rushing in the league last season. While under Gases’ offensive scheme, the Chicago Bears ranked 11th rushing in the league. That should be viewed as positive sign for the Miami Dolphins’ offense. I am expecting a good season for the former Boise State Bronco.
#3 Matt Jones–Washington Redskins: This former Florida Gator assumed the role as the back up to starting running back (Now Dallas Cowboy) Alfred Morris. I hear some of the grumbling now, the Redskins were ranked 20th in the league in rushing. The rookie RB stat line consisted of: 144-rushes, 490-yards, and 3-tds on the season. Allow me to play devil’s advocate here, if we double the rookie’s attempts his stat line would like more like: 288-rushes, 980-yards, and 6-tds. This shows he can produce with the right amount of touches. Jones ran for more tds than the incumbent starter Morris. Now with Morris in Dallas, the former Gator will assume the starting role. Jones also displayed strength running up the middle taking contact, but good hands in the passing game as well. He averaged 16 yards per reception on limited touches. He does need to improve on his ball security, he had 5 fumbles with 4 lost. If there is one thing that can keep you from staying on the field it is ball security. As the starter in a rising offense, Matt Jones can truly have a breakout season with his chances increasing as a versatile running back.
#2 Sammi Coates-Pittsburgh Steelers: After being selected in the 3rd round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Sammi Coates came in as a developmental WR project. Coming out of Auburn, Sammi had an issues with drops and trusting his quarterback. Those characteristics contributed to him being a developmental project. The former Auburn Eagle was fourth on the depth chart behind Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant, and Darius Heyward-Bey. Coates only recorded one catch on the entire season. With Martavis serving a yearlong suspension, it opens a vacancy for an athletic playmaker. Coates will move past Heyward-Bey to assume the Martavis role in the Steelers’ offense. Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley has expressed pleasure in the offseason Coates is currently having. Haley said:
“He’s had a tremendous offseason,”. “A guy that any day you were in here, he was in here.”
Coates is working hard to have a faster start than his rookie season. “I can’t come in slow,” Coates said about this season. “I have to come in fast and ready to go.” He is in a great position with the offensive weapons alongside him, he will draw plenty of single coverage against the teams 3rd/4th corners. I predict a potential breakout year for the speedy 2nd year Steeler.
#1 Kevin White-Chicago Bears: This young receiver was projected and hyped to be a better offensive weapon than Oakland Raiders stud wide out Amari Cooper. After being selected after him in the first round, the world was ready to see him attempt to dominate the league. A bad shin injury sidelined the first round wr for his entire rookie campaign. This offseason the word out of Chicago is their young WR is COMPLETELY healthy and preparing for his “rookie” season. He has attended route-running seasons with QB Jay Cutler. The former number 7 overall pick in last year’s draft will be a huge part of the Bear’s offense. He has star wr Alshon Jeffery, tight end Zach Miller, and young rb Jeremy Langford as his running mates. White is not a proven commodity in this league, meaning he will facing single coverages. The 6’4 215 lbs wr is on the path to have a breakout year in his true rookie season.
Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.