Long jumpers needed
- Updated: March 24, 2014
As we move toward the draft every team will be asking the question who is going to make the jump in year 2 or 3 for their respective teams. Here is a list of my projected long jumpers.
1. Cordele Patterson- Patterson showed flashes at the end of last season. If he can make the jump than the Vikings have themselves a weapon to counter A. Peterson. Now they can focus on the future at the quarterback position.
2. Eddie Lacy- Yes he had a good Rookie campaign, but his running style will only get them so far. He needs to make sure he bettered his hands and pass blocking to make sure he stays a 3 down back.
3. De Andre Hopkins- Hopkins will be overlooked until Andre Johnson starts to act his age, which is a good thing if your a Texans fan. Not only is he further along than his other sophomore counterparts, he is learning from one of the best receivers in the history of the game.
4. Zac Stacey- Surprise with Richardson as the #2 don’t expect Jeff Fisher to be looking for a RB early in the draft. Stacey is built in the same mold as Jerome Bettis but with quicker feet.
5. Geno Smith- With the signing of Vick, Geno’s starting gig is in jeopardy which even if he doesn’t realize it is the best thing for him. Learning behind Vick, till most likely week 6 when he gets injured could put his game knowledge into overdrive which he definitely needs.
6. The Patriots 3- The Pats and Tom Brady have the ability to post 2 good young WR’s on the outside. If Tomkins, Dobson, or Boyce make a significant step forward look for Brady to go into his golden years a happy man.
7. E.J Manuel- Injuries hurt the Athletic QB in his rookie campaign. All though he showed flashes late last season to make you believe that he will make jump, he has to stay healthy so he has no other setbacks in 2014. All signs do point up for him just be careful if you plan on drafting the future in Buffalo.
8. Marcus Lattimore- Going into season #2 Lattimore has shown that his knee is no longer a problem. The best thing that the 49ers did was not let the kid on the field last season, this year all bets are off. Lattimore is extremely talented, with speed and quickness, he could hold down the RB position in the bay area for the next 6 years. That is unless someone forgets to tell Frank Gore his career is on its last legs and he continues to be one of the most durable and consistent backs in the league.
9. The Honey Badger- Man what a great Rookie campaign this kid was having. The NFL might not be the place for him to be a good corner but he can be a great safety. The injury really puts his 2014 campaign in question so the question here is will the cardnals make a snap decision on a rookie at nickel or do they sign a veteran stop gap until he get better. But the play making abilities are definitely there for the artist formally known as the honey Badger and who currently can’t shake that name. It’s a good name man, let it go.
10. Julius Thomas- Thomas put fantasy football players in heaven last season when he became one of Peyton Mannings favorite targets. He has to get better at run blocking or he won’t be on the field when #18 decides to audible from run to pass.
11. K. Allen- Allen turned it on last season around week 7 but slowed down in the last few weeks. Most likely it was Defensive game plans but he will have to figure out how to jump from 60-70 receptions to 90-100. If he does, then he will remain Philip Rivers favorite targets because he is explosive with the ball.
12. T. Austin- Another young wr with the world at his feet. Although Austin didn’t do much of anything until the last few weeks, he started to become more consistent as a receiver and showed that he doesn’t need the ball 10 times per game to flip it on its ear. Out of all of the players on this list he is the one that needs to get going early in the season to make sure he and Bradford make a good connection.
Who did I miss? And who will make the biggest jump in 2014. Until next time my peeps.
Related Posts
About Jonathan Dolan
