Articles - Buddy Andrade's 2007 NFL Breakout Team

Offense

QB. Brodie Croyle QB Chiefs
Croyle is the quarterback of the future in Kansas City and will compete with Damon Huard for the starting job after Trent Green was traded. Croyle is an intelligent quarterback who has more arm strength than the Crimson Tide allowed him to show in 2005. Larry Johnson carrying the ball allows Croyle to ease into the role.

RB. Jerious Norwood RB Falcons
Norwood is about to become the feature back in the Falcons offense. Norwood is a solid all around back who could easily be a 1500 yards rushing, 40 plus catches a season guy. Petrino will lean on Norwood over the next few years as he emerges into an elite NFL back.

FB. Heath Evans FB Patriots
Evans went from being a street free agent after being cut by the dolphins to a key contributor to the patriots. He plays special teams, can get the tough yards, catches the ball and delivers great blocks. Look at 2006 runs by Patriots backs and you'll see Evans throwing a key block.

WR. Steve Smith WR Giants
Amani Toomer is aging quickly while Sinorice Moss is more of a slot receiver/return specialist for the Giants in the future. Smith compliments Burress well and should start early in 2007 if not game one. Smith played second fiddle to Dwayne Jarrett but will be the better pro of the two former Trojans.

WR. Kevin Walter WR Texans
The answer to the question that stops opposite Andre Johnson for the Texans is answered here. Walter was allowed to leave Cincinnati then sat behind an over the hill Eric Moulds last season. Schaub should enjoy having Walter as a move the chain guy in Houston.

TE. Vernon Davis TE 49ers
I know he was a high draft pick but injuries held him back in 2006. The addition of solid receivers outside and the emergence of Frank Gore make Davis a matched nightmare for opponents in 2007. Davis could have some big yardage plays only seen by the elite level tight ends like Gates and Gonzalez.

OL. Daryn Colledge Packers
Colledge played tackle at Boise State dominating Mathias Kiwanuka in his final college game. Colledge moved inside but is an incredible athlete who can pull with the best of them. Colledge is on the verge of pro bowl status.

OL. Logan Mankins Patriots
Mankins is a solid left guard but don't be surprised to see him at right tackle in the near future if others don't pan out. The Patriots have an unknown commodity with the former first rounder from Fresno State paving the way in the running game.

OL. Jason Peters Bills
I'd be surprised if any other left tackle in the league has ever blocked a punt then recovered it for a touchdown. The tackle turned tight end turned tackle is now protecting the blind side and getting recognized around the league. Keen an eye on this undrafted rookie as he becomes what Mike Williams never did for the Bills.

OL. Deuce Lutui Cardinals
The other of the 06 cardinal draft choices from USC. This guy can move the pile as the Cardinals look to get tougher as a team on the field.
OL. Andrew Whitworth Bengals
Whitworth allowed Eric Steinbach to become expendable and sign with cross state rival Cleveland. Whitworth is a solid athlete who could be a pro bowler in the near future.

Defense

DL. Marc Anderson DE Bears
Anderson was a day two pick for the Bears in 2006 but became an impact player very quickly. The former Crimson Tide stud makes Adewale Ogunleye expendable and should rack up double digit sacks for the NFC champs.

DL. Domata Peko DT Bengals
Peko may finally be the answer to the never ending problem at defensive tackle for the Bengals. Many picks have failed, free agents have flopped but Peko showed signs of promise as a rookie. Peko will start this season and will be a solid 3 down lineman helping the Bengals get over the soft label.

DL. Barry Cofield DT Giants
Another of the second year players who may better fit in a 3-4 as an end.. Cofield also should excel because of the great depth at defensive end for the Giants allowing him to collapse the pocket being in one on one battles. .

DL. Amobi Okoye DT Texans
The man child makes the next step to the NFL at age 20 and into the right situation. Okoye will play alongside former first round picks Mario Williams and Travis Johnson making the whole group better. Okoye could play the nose but has the talent to get in the backfield on any play.

LB. Karlos Dansby LB Cards
Dansby moving inside is the right choice for Arizona allowing him to roam more and bring pressure right up the middle. Arizona can run a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense but the key is making Dansby a focal point for years to come.

LB. D'Qwell Jackson LB Browns
Jackson enters his second season playing near Andra Davis inside in the 3-4 defense that also has youngster Kam Wimbley. Jackson has the ability to play 3 downs and be an impact player in for Romeo.

LB. Rocky McIntosh LB Redskins
McIntosh is one of the few redskins draft picks over the last few season. McIntosh will play alongside London Fletcher and Marcus Washington where they'll make tons of plays because of the weak defensive line. The redskins must like him if they weren't willing to trade him to bring in another Dan Snyder big money player Lance Briggs.

LB. Chad Greenway LB Vikings
Greenway missed all of his rookie year with a knee injury but becomes the Vikings best linebacker even if on IR again this year. Greenway could have a similar impact that A.J Hawk had for the packers in year one.

DB. Eric Wright CB Browns
Character issues are the only reason Wright wasn't a top 15 pick in this year’s draft. The browns believe they've done enough research that he'll be fine off the field without any doubt he'll be great on it. Wright should contribute at corner and in the return game. Wright will be the best corner from this draft in 5 years.

DB. Anthony Smith S Steelers
Smith should start opposite Troy Polamalu this season and form a very intimidating safety tandem not often seen in this league. Although he is listed as a free safety expect Smith to lay the lumber anytime he gets a chance.

DB. Sean Considine S Eagles
The least known of the eagle starting secondary foursome is ready to make the next step. Considine took over for current 49er safety Michael Lewis and made plays against both the run and pass.

DB. Michael Huff S Raiders
Huff was thought to be the most NFL ready draft pick in 2006 but didn't have the impact expected. The Raiders defense is among the best despite the leagues worst record and Huff should help that group get better. Huff should emerge as the ball hawking playmaker he proved to be in college.

By Buddy@footballdialogue.com