Every NFL Team's Potential Secret Weapon for the 2014 SeasonBy Nick KostosJune 9 2014
In each and every NFL season, at least one player per team emerges from his under-the-radar status to make a major impact, and 2014 won't be any different. It's time to assess every team's potential secret weapon for this upcoming season.No player that has already achieved "star" status was eligible for this list, and a number of those included are rookies. But there's also a smattering of second- and third-year players and a few veterans as well. The primary reason why a player is included here is because he isn't currently being discussed as a potential big-time contributor, and that happens for a variety of reasons. In some cases, the player has yet to truly prove himself. In others, he has a number of more well-known options in front of him. And for the unheralded rookies on this list, they are victims of both of the aforementioned causes.But just because a player isn't thought of as a star doesn't mean he can't or won't perform and help his team win games. Trying to pick a club's breakout player provides an interesting exercise that can shed light on the club's potential fortunes.Here is the potential secret weapon for every NFL team for the 2014 season.
Atlanta Falcons: RB Devonta FreemanWhile Steven Jackson is currently perched atop the Atlanta Falcons' depth chart at running back, there's a player who could usurp him and wind up as the starter.That would be Devonta Freeman, the club's fourth-round pick in last month's draft.Just consider this quote from Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who gushed over Freeman to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com:He's a versatile back. He has the ability to tote the rock as a lead back. He's a strong guy. He runs with some authority and some anger to his running style. He can catch the ball well. And for us, we thought he was just a real versatile addition to our running back group.With Jackson and fellow back Jacquizz Rodgers having underwhelmed in 2013, expect Freeman to be given a chance to earn playing time.And if Dimitroff is right, Freeman could end up as the top option in the run game before long.
Carolina Panthers: S Robert LesterLast season, the Carolina Panthers possessed the second-ranked defense in the league, and it helped buoy them to a 12-4 record and first-round bye in the NFC playoffs.A player that contributed to that cause but didn't receive much national attention was safety Robert Lester, who finished the season ranked as the 15th-best player at the position by Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He intercepted three passes and didn't look like an undrafted rookie. Lester will battle Roman Harper (formerly of the New Orleans Saints) for the starting strong safety job, and even if he loses out to the veteran Harper, there's no doubt he'll see the field this season and will be looking to improve upon his sensational rookie form.
New Orleans Saints: OT Terron ArmsteadNFL fans need to remember the name Terron Armstead, because he's in line for a big-time season for the New Orleans Saints.Once he was inserted into the starting lineup prior to the team's Week 16 game against Carolina, the Saints run game improved dramatically, and Armstead played very well in his four starts at left tackle. Saints offensive line coach Brett Ingalls is excited about Armstead's development, telling John DeShazier of NewOrleansSaints.com:I’d say that he’s made a lot of strides since the end of last year. He had almost a full year of work before he got on the field and he played last year and yet, I think he’s the kind of guy that studies what he does. He’s conscientious, he’s focused and I’ve already seen improvement, just in his confidence, No. 1.If Armstead continues to improve, it'll be a major boon for quarterback Drew Brees and the rest of the Saints offense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB Charles SimsYes, Doug Martin is currently atop the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' depth chart at running back, but there are a number of facts that need to be considered.First, this current regime (head coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht) didn't draft Martin. Second, Smith and Licht spent a third-round draft pick on running back Charles Sims. And third, new Buccaneers offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford recently told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times that he plans on alternating running backs. This all means that Sims will have the opportunity to carve out significant playing time as a rookie, and his pass-catching ability should provide an added dimension to Tedford's offense.While Martin will be the primary ball-carrier, don't sleep on Sims as a potential difference-maker for the Bucs offense.For the rest of the teams......link
