NFL Breakout Stars For 2006

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jun 9, 2006

NFL Breakout Stars For 2006

Matt Jones

The Jaguars have slotted him in Jimmy Smith's old No. 1 receiver spot in offseason practices. Though Jones is still a relative novice at wide receiver, he has great speed and athletic ability. Jacksonville reportedly gave him tapes of Randy Moss in the offseason, hoping he'll learn to take advantage of jump-ball situations and become an unstoppable red-zone threat.

Madiu Williams

If Williams can recover from a torn labrum, he could be a key cog in Cincinnati's defense in his third season. He played only four games before getting hurt last season, and the Bengals struggled without him. He's looked good in minicamp, but Cincy is anxious to see how he'll handle real contact.

Cedric Benson

He worked out with the first team in minicamp, most likely because Thomas Jones skipped voluntary workouts. Jones will probably take back the starting role, but don't be surprised if Benson is on the field more often this year and starts to produce. Bears management wants the second-year back to succeed, and he has the talent to do so.

Alex Barron

He had a slow start as a rookie last season because of his holdout but was solid in 11 starts and could be even better after a full training camp. The Rams are expected to emphasize the running game under new coach Scott Linehan, which should help the physically gifted right tackle.

Chris Canty

The Cowboys' defense is loaded with young talent, and Canty has a chance to emerge as a force on the line. He fell to the fourth round of the 2005 draft because of health questions, but he displayed first-round talent last year and should be much better this season.

Mark Clayton

The Ravens love the second-year receiver out of Oklahoma, who is poised to take a big step forward now that Baltimore has acquired quarterback Steve McNair. Clayton had some big games with Kyle Boller throwing to him at the end of last year and should be more of a feature in the offense in 2006.

Shawn Andrews

If he can control his weight, he's going to be very good. The Eagles' left guard is strong and fast when he's in shape and is probably the best player on Philly's offensive line. So far, so good this offseason in regard to his weight, but it's a long time until the season starts.

Roy Williams

He was expected to develop into a star last year, but injuries and the Lions' out-of-sync offense put a damper on his season. Enter new offensive coordinator Mike Martz, the guru who helped the Rams' receivers put up superior stats. Don't be surprised if Williams puts up Isaac Bruce/Torry Holt-type numbers under Martz.

Jermaine Phillips

The fifth-year pro has never delivered on his potential because he hasn't been able to stay healthy for an entire season. He's fast, big and versatile, with the ability to tackle and cover wide receivers. Tampa Bay basically let John Lynch go before the 2004 season because of Phillips. Don't be surprised if this is the season he takes the next step and becomes a star.

Erasmus James

After a slow start, James came on strong at the end of last season and is poised to be a double-digit sack guy before long. At 6-foot-4, 266 pounds, he is reminiscent of Indy's Dwight Freeney -- a fast pass-rushing specialist.

NFL Breakout Stars For 2006