Top Defensive Breakout Candidates

[ThomasTomasz]

It happens every season, in any sport, without fail. There will always be at least one team that breaks out due to their young talent coming together and performing well. In the NFL last season, we saw some teams, most notably the New York Giants and Chicago Bears, put together division-winning performances due to the breakouts of many young players.

In Part Two of a two-part series, 8 defensive players will be examined who are primed to have a breakout season. In addition, two rookies will be examined who have the best chance to make an immediate impact on their team.

Note: These players are not in any particular order. Since there will be multiple positions, it is impossible to compare the impact they will have, or the team they will be impacting. The impact of a lineman will be much different than the impact of a safety, so an order or ranking will be dispensed with.


To see the entire list, click the link above, or check it out on our homepage. As always, please ask any questions, or feel free to debate my list.

[GatorsRock]

http://www.pigskinheaven.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=115&Itemid=6

To see the entire list, click the link above, or check it out on our homepage. As always, please ask any questions, or feel free to debate my list.

I like your list. I definetely agree about Crowder(not 130 tackles though) being a steal in the 3rd round. He was a 1st round talent that had attitude and injury problems, so he slipped.

One thing that I have to say though is that I don't like making 2nd year players breakout players. Most of the time there is a big improvement in between the 1st and 2nd year.

Other than that, great article. I always enjoy reading them.

[YoHoChecko]

Good article man, and kudos for recognizing Nick Collins. Most outside of Packers fans don't give him any credit, but he was a major contributing factor to the revival of their pass defense. I mean, he didn't have the type of year that Sharper had in Minnesota, but he certainly played his position well and showed promise for the future. I can't wait to watch and see if Collins continues to improve and "breaks out" for us.

[ShutDwn]

Good article man, and kudos for recognizing Nick Collins. Most outside of Packers fans don't give him any credit, but he was a major contributing factor to the revival of their pass defense. I mean, he didn't have the type of year that Sharper had in Minnesota, but he certainly played his position well and showed promise for the future. I can't wait to watch and see if Collins continues to improve and "breaks out" for us.


Yeah, I agree that most don't even know who he is, but I really like him.

Also, Thomas Davis could be play SOLB, we really don't know. If he does he will be playing in the mold of Mark Fields utilizing his blitzing ability. Davis also shut down Vick in the two games last year.

[ThomasTomasz]

I like your list. I definetely agree about Crowder(not 130 tackles though) being a steal in the 3rd round. He was a 1st round talent that had attitude and injury problems, so he slipped.

One thing that I have to say though is that I don't like making 2nd year players breakout players. Most of the time there is a big improvement in between the 1st and 2nd year.

Other than that, great article. I always enjoy reading them.

It seems that, at least when I was writing both articles, that defensive players seem to mature and break out faster than offensive players. If you take a look at my offensive players, you'll see that only 2 of the 8 are 2nd year players, and one is a runningback, and the other is a lineman.

[StevenSD]

One phrase can sum up this article: East Coast Bias

[Wolverine]

One phrase can sum up this article: East Coast Bias


Welcome to the world of sports... Unfortunatly the world revolves around the east coast.



I like the list.. I am starting to warm up about Ryan Clark. Since you've watched him the past two years I'll take your word about him fitting into the steelers defense. He just needs to be servicable, nothing spectacular..

[YoHoChecko]

One phrase can sum up this article: East Coast Bias
OK, teams on the east COAST: Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Carolina, Washington, Baltimore, New York Jets, New York Giants, New England.

Teams on the West Coast: San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle.

Total Teams in the west half of the country: the three above, Dallas, Houtson, Kansas City, Arizona, Denver.

So there are more NFL teams just along the coastal states than there are in the entire west half of the country. Naturally, when writing about players, the East coast is going to get significantly more representation--in a small sample, it might make sense for the west coast to end up with no representation at all. 24 teams on the east half, 8 on the west half... not surprising results.

[Parrish]

Yeah but when people write articles they seem to have an east coast bias because people tend to forget about these western teams. ESPN is one example of a site that has a very big east coast bias.

I could name a player that looks like he is about to have a giant breakout season, Jeff Ulbrich, but not many people know who he is because he plays for the 49ers and they don't get much attention. I mean, not many people know another Linebacker on the Seahawks other then Lofa Tatupu or Julian Peterson.

[StevenSD]

Louis Castillo is another example of a potential breakout player, I'm sure the Raiders have one too. If you want well rounded articles, don't forget about the west coast because shockinly, there IS talent out here too.

[ThomasTomasz]

Louis Castillo is another example of a potential breakout player, I'm sure the Raiders have one too. If you want well rounded articles, don't forget about the west coast because shockinly, there IS talent out here too.

Out of 20 players, I have:

Three Cardinals
One 49er
One Texan
One Vikings

So, out of 20, three players from the WCO, and you can consider the Texans and Vikings in that catagory as well. Granted, they are all from one team, but the Cards are likely this years big breakout team.

[YoHoChecko]

Yeah but when people write articles they seem to have an east coast bias because people tend to forget about these western teams. ESPN is one example of a site that has a very big east coast bias.

I could name a player that looks like he is about to have a giant breakout season, Jeff Ulbrich, but not many people know who he is because he plays for the 49ers and they don't get much attention. I mean, not many people know another Linebacker on the Seahawks other then Lofa Tatupu or Julian Peterson.
The Seahawks and Chargers, to me, get plenty of attention--thouh you're right that the defense has a bit of a no-name feel to the general public. People forget about players on the Raiders and the 49ers because the teams stink, not because they're on the west coast. That's why I commended him on noticing Nick Collins, because he's so often overlooked. Not because of any bias, but because the Packers stunk last year.

Louis Castillo is a good breakout, but TT always writes that he doesn't like to write about guys he sees on other mainstream sites, and I just read one with Castillo breaking out.

[SquirrelDroppings4]

Good article man, and kudos for recognizing Nick Collins. Most outside of Packers fans don't give him any credit, but he was a major contributing factor to the revival of their pass defense. I mean, he didn't have the type of year that Sharper had in Minnesota, but he certainly played his position well and showed promise for the future. I can't wait to watch and see if Collins continues to improve and "breaks out" for us.

I think he is going to have a break out year in picks to be honest, i bet he works hard on his hands this offseason, YoHo, how many balls did you see hit collin's hand that he dropped? 4? 5? He very easily could of finished the year with 5 or 6 picks, wich would of put him in DROY talks. He is great in coverage and i saw him lay a few big hits as well, most notably on Chad Johnson. Not even being a homer - the kid is good, im probably most excited about him this anyother player on the roster next year, to be honest.

[R8drTahoe]

To be honest, yes the Niners and Raiders have stunk up the west for the past couple of seasons. This is even more reason to believe that a player from one of these two teams specifically will have a breakout year.

How about Kirk Morrison of the Raiders, he was a rookie last season and led the team in tackles with 116 tackles, 91 of which were solo. Maybe Michael Huff will do okay? He did pretty well in college and has great instincts.

On the Niners how about Sammy Davis, I remember hearing how much the Chargers expected him to be a playmaker. Maybe the change of scenery is exactly what he needed to get his game in gear. Then there's Shawntae Spencer who had a pretty good season last year with 83 tackles and 4 ints. Breakout?

The Chargers too have some young Defensive guys that could do really well this year. Louis Castillo 49 takles 3.5 sacks as a rookie, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila has really good size and speed but hasn't had much playing time, change of scenery syndrome?

Maybe the West Coast will surprise some of those East Coast biases.

[StevenSD]

I like R8derTahoe's list except for Sammy Davis, total bust, had his chances, bust.

[Chris Raiden]

How about Kirk Morrison of the Raiders, he was a rookie last season and led the team in tackles with 116 tackles, 91 of which were solo. Maybe Michael Huff will do okay? He did pretty well in college and has great instincts.

Gah! Morrison was so good last year I completely left him off my super sophs list on Monday. I don't expect a breakout season from him because quite frankly, offensive coordinators are already well aware of his talent (much like an Andra Davis in Cleveland just for an example), and the general public will soon be well aware of it as well.

-RD

[R8drTahoe]

Okay you heard it from the man who's seen him play for his entire NFL career, Sammy Davis is a bust.

So Steven are you glad that you got Rashaun Woods for him? Another player that hasn't lived up to his hype/potential.

[Parrish]

Okay you heard it from the man who's seen him play for his entire NFL career, Sammy Davis is a bust.

So Steven are you glad that you got Rashaun Woods for him? Another player that hasn't lived up to his hype/potential.I don't expect much from Sammy Davis, I mean come on, he's only going to be our 4th corner on a very weak secondary, but I think we really got the better side of the deal.

Rashaun Woods would rather spend his time fishing for bass then studying his playbook. He also has a bad attitude, he thinks that since he was a 1st round pick that he didn't really have to work too hard and he should have just been given a starting job.

If he ends up being their #3 Wide Receiver and puts up stats like 30 catches for 350 yards and 2 TDs I will shut up and say I was wrong, but I HIGHLY doubt he does that.

[StevenSD]

Actually, Charger team mates like his work ethic and attitude. He's been working hard and has made some very very awesome catches during mini camps. The change of scenery has worked for him it seems. And honestly, Charger fans feel, (and I think this part is true) that we've got the better in of the trade.

[R8drTahoe]

I think that it should work out pretty well for both teams.

The Niners need any help that they can get in the secondary, especially because of the recent retirement of Ahmed Plummer. I like Sammy Davis' speed and wouldn't be surprised if he surprises some people this season by doing better than he ever has before in the NFL.

The Chargers have been lacking in one area to put them over the top, that's a strong reciever to throw to behind McKardell. I'm not saying that he'll be the #2 guy, but Rashaun Woods had some high expectations coming out of college and I also wouldn't be surprised to see him excell in San Diego. Now that he's on a team that has a "winning attitude" that could be what changes his attitude.

[StevenSD]

I think Vincent Jackson is the fix to the 'lack of a strong receiver'

[bLACKpANTHER]

not to be a Homer, but i do agree with ur evaluation of Thomas Davis.. he finally has the entire camp to learn 1 position, and not 3.. i think Fox an Co. knows what they have in him and will definately use him to his full potential..

[ThomasTomasz]

not to be a Homer, but i do agree with ur evaluation of Thomas Davis.. he finally has the entire camp to learn 1 position, and not 3.. i think Fox an Co. knows what they have in him and will definately use him to his full potential..

It is not a homer pick at all. Not when I'm a UGA fan, and picked a former 'Dawg for the list.

I really compare Davis to Lemar Marshall with the Redskins, although with more pure talent than Marshall. Marshall is a converted safety, who played WLB, and then MLB last season, for the Redskins. Both guys can tackle well, can blitz the QB, can hang back in coverage, and have good hands. I think this is the best fit for Davis, because he can be a liability in coverage at safety. Its best to let him handle guys off the line.

[XPetey]

It is not a homer pick at all. Not when I'm a UGA fan, and picked a former 'Dawg for the list.

I really compare Davis to Lemar Marshall with the Redskins, although with more pure talent than Marshall. Marshall is a converted safety, who played WLB, and then MLB last season, for the Redskins. Both guys can tackle well, can blitz the QB, can hang back in coverage, and have good hands. I think this is the best fit for Davis, because he can be a liability in coverage at safety. Its best to let him handle guys off the line.

Marshall was a CB for 3 years in HS, so it looks like he's been all over the defense in his career.

[YoHoChecko]

not to be a Homer, but i do agree with ur evaluation of Thomas Davis.. he finally has the entire camp to learn 1 position, and not 3.. i think Fox an Co. knows what they have in him and will definately use him to his full potential..
P.S. my claim to fame has to do with Thomas Davis, because we were trying to guess what he'd run at the combine and Ted Thompson said 4.4 somewhere, and I said "I'd say 4.6" and he ran a 4.6... then I asked if he viewed him as a safety or LB, and TT said he's a safety, I acknoweledged, and sadly didn't have the balls to say "nah, he's a linebacker" (gimme a break though, who second-guesses a GM when they're volunteering.) But I thought it... and said it to a scout later.

[Shoey]

I've got a hugely bold, somewhat insane, definetly homer... pick

TIM ANDERSON!

This will be Tim's year and (probably) his first as a full time starter. He showed some flashes last year but was a liability in the run game. This time around with an improved LB core (to say the least) and a new defensive scheme that fits Tim's style perfectly (all guts, overachiever). I think he's in for a big year, He's got to be among the smallest NT's in the league... but I'll be damned if he doesn't show up.

[Who Dey]

Nice article, I like the list.

What about Madieu Williams? I know that he's a third year player but he missed the majority of last season with an injury but he'll play a key role in the secondary and his presence will help to improve the Bengal's rush defense.