Top Ten NFL Players to Watch in ‘07

Posted by ryan on July 23, 2007

With most NFL Training Camps getting underway this week, we thought it’d be appropriate to highlight ten players that everyone should keep an eye on in 2007. Some guys are looking to have big years with new teams, while others are flying under the radar. Without further ado, our top ten.

vj83.jpg10. Vincent Jackson, WR San Diego Chargers: With Norv Turner now at the helm, it’s not far-fetched to think the league’s best offense can be even better in 2007. The offensive unit in San Diego seems to have it all: A young stud quarterback, a great offensive line, and oh yeah, one of the best running backs in NFL history. If the 6′5 Jackson can be the matchup nightmare he’s capable of being, this could be the Bolts’ year.

jamallewisbrowns.jpg9. Jamal Lewis, RB Cleveland Browns: Lewis, the longtime Raven, is now lining up for the enemy. It’ll be up to Lewis to help a promising offense get over the top. If Lewis can effectively run between the tackles, it should make things easier for guys like Kellen Winslow Jr. and Braylon Edwards to do their thing. If Lewis is the hot garbage he was last year, life is going to be hell for either Charlie Frye or Brady Quinn.

cutl3r.jpg8. Jay Cutler, QB Denver Broncos: The second-year quarterback seems to have everything going for him. He’s got a rocket arm and a quarterback guru in Mike Shanahan. After taking some lumps and making some strides last year, it’s now Cutler’s team in 2007. If he performs up to his high expectations, Denver should be able to give the Chargers a run in the AFC West.

joey-h-atl.jpg7. Joey Harrington, QB Atlanta Falcons: Who will be the Falcons’ quarterback on September 9th? At this point, your money should probably be on Harrington. With Michael Vick’s legal mess dominating headlines, new coach Bobby Petrino will need someone to take the snaps. Joey Heisman had some real nice performances in South Beach. Will he be able to utilize all those first round wide receivers better than Vick could?

mattschaubtex.jpg6. Matt Schaub, QB Houston Texans: After a few years behind Michael Vick in Atlanta, the talented Schaub will finally get to lead a team. Will he do any better than David Carr did? Hell, will he even live past week one? With three legit playoff contenders in his division, Schaub could be in for a rough time behind that shoddy offensive line.

byron thumb5. Byron Leftwich, QB Jacksonville Jaguars: If there was ever a make or break year for a quarterback, this would be it for Byron Leftwich. The former Marshall star has failed to live up to the superstar hype that he carried with him to Jacksonville. Now, with back-up David Garrard proving he can’t get it done either and rumors that Daunte Culpepper could be coming to town, it’s time for Leftwich to step up or get out.

moss thumb4. Randy Moss, WR New England Patriots: It’ll be hard to make arguments as to why this team won’t win the whole damn thing this year and Moss is one of those reasons why. The former superstar had a rough time in Oakland and now that he has a fresh start with a competent quarterback, it’s time for Moss to show that he can still play.

vy thumb3. Vince Young, QB Tennessee Titans: Vince Young was outstanding for this young Titans team in his rookie campaign, falling just short of a playoff birth despite a poor start to the year. Now it’s time for Young to prove that last year wasn’t a rookie aberration and that he can actually answer the doubters and lead this team. With all the controversy surrounding troubled teammate Pacman Jones, VY needs to rise above it and become a leader.

roethlisberger thumb2. Ben Roethlisberger, QB Pittsburgh Steelers: Some might wonder why Big Ben is ranked this high on the list. The answer is pretty simple. Roethlisberger needs to prove that he didn’t forget how to play quarterback after that scary motorcycle accident last year. The Steelers took a huge step back last year after winning the Super Bowl two years ago, and it’s time for Roethlisberger to make that push forward again and lead this team back to the playoffs.

eli thumb1. Eli Manning, QB New York Giants: Eli isn’t going to be as good as his brother, Peyton. Put any of those thoughts to rest. Eli needs to prove that he can be an established quarterback in this league for a team that finds itself in the biggest media market in the United States. If he comes out of the gate slow, expect the New York media to be all over his ass. I won’t say this is a make or break year for him, but it’s time for him to take the next step. If he doesn’t, the Giants will find someone who can.

1 Comment »

  1. Asita said,

    July 25, 2007 @ 6:52 pm

    I notice a glaring error…the lack of any mention of Lawrence Maroney, who showed flashes of brilliance last year while splitting time with Corey Dillon, now that he has most of the reps to himself, he HAS to be a player to watch.

    I agree whole heartedly with Vince and Randy, they’re both poised for big years, but your 5-10 picks could use some work.

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