SN: These second-year offensive players are on the spot (Felix Jones only)
by Vinnie Iyer
Posted: May 5, 2009
We're only 10 days removed from the 2009 draft, so naturally the spotlight in minicamps around the NFL has shined on rookies.
But don't overlook second-year players who had limited impact as rookies last season. We're not talking about the likes of Matt Forte and Matt Ryan, who looked like seasoned veterans in their first go-around. Instead, consider the players who weren't quite ready for extended playing time or had promising starts cut short by injury.
Today, we look at 10 offensive sophomores who will be vital to their teams' performance in '09. Thursday, we'll look at crucial players on the defensive side of the ball from the '08 class:
2. Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys. It didn't take Jones long to provide a spark in Dallas. In just six games as a rookie, he scored four touchdowns, including one on a 60-yard run and another on a 98-yard kickoff return. But he lasted only two more weeks than Mendenhall, as a slight hamstring tear led to Jones missing the final 10 games.
The Cowboys really missed Jones' home run flair, and it was part of the reason they missed the playoffs. The one positive was it allowed them to see what they had in fellow rookie Tashard Choice, who turned out to be much more than a third-down type reserve back.
With Dallas planning to go back to a formula that emphasizes defense and the running game, Jones' presence is key to its backfield. A running game featuring Marion Barber, Choice and Jones would have a similar makeup to the Giants' successful "Earth, Wind and Fire" of 2008.
Posted: May 5, 2009
We're only 10 days removed from the 2009 draft, so naturally the spotlight in minicamps around the NFL has shined on rookies.
But don't overlook second-year players who had limited impact as rookies last season. We're not talking about the likes of Matt Forte and Matt Ryan, who looked like seasoned veterans in their first go-around. Instead, consider the players who weren't quite ready for extended playing time or had promising starts cut short by injury.
Today, we look at 10 offensive sophomores who will be vital to their teams' performance in '09. Thursday, we'll look at crucial players on the defensive side of the ball from the '08 class:
2. Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys. It didn't take Jones long to provide a spark in Dallas. In just six games as a rookie, he scored four touchdowns, including one on a 60-yard run and another on a 98-yard kickoff return. But he lasted only two more weeks than Mendenhall, as a slight hamstring tear led to Jones missing the final 10 games.
The Cowboys really missed Jones' home run flair, and it was part of the reason they missed the playoffs. The one positive was it allowed them to see what they had in fellow rookie Tashard Choice, who turned out to be much more than a third-down type reserve back.
With Dallas planning to go back to a formula that emphasizes defense and the running game, Jones' presence is key to its backfield. A running game featuring Marion Barber, Choice and Jones would have a similar makeup to the Giants' successful "Earth, Wind and Fire" of 2008.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:07 PM
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