![](\"http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/SPAT/624_NFLBreakoutPlayers2006-2.jpg\")
";
spt_2006_nfl_breakout.appFooter = "Source: The Sporting News";
spt_2006_nfl_breakout.appNavStyle = 3;
spt_2006_nfl_breakout.bDhtml = 0;
spt_2006_nfl_breakout.appLayout = 3;
spt_2006_nfl_breakout.copyWidth = 480;
spt_2006_nfl_breakout.copyMargin = 9;
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i++] = new Array("","Quarterback ","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060725/060725_chrisimms_vert.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Robert Azmitia", "AP file", "273", "251", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i-1].body = "If ever a quarterback appeared ready to take the next step, it is Chris Simms of the Bucs. He played well in his first extended opportunity a year ago, and he's capable of much more. Simms will benefit from Jon Gruden's excellent game plans while not having to worry much about Gruden's impatience because Brian Griese no longer is looking over Simms' shoulder.
Simms' work ethic has endeared him to coaches and teammates. He often could be found throwing on the practice fields at One Buc Place at 5 p.m. in the middle of the offseason, and the only way his wife can see him during the day is if she brown-bags a lunch and comes to the team facility. And Simms is playing for money; his contract is up after this season. ";
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i++] = new Array("","Running back ","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/041226/041226_jones_hmed_130p.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Tom Pidgeon", "Getty Images", "273", "415", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i-1].body = "
Being a repeat member of the all-breakout team shows how highly I think of Detroit's Kevin Jones (above), but it also shows he failed to break out last season. Over an eight-game stretch at the end of his rookie season, Jones was one of the best backs in football. He regressed in 2005, but there's no reason he can't thrive again. If the Lions' line is even a step above worthless, Jones likely will make the Pro Bowl.
Miami's Ronnie Brown will have a lot more going for him this year than as a rookie. Last year, he reported late, and it took time to integrate him into the offense. He got rolling, then got nicked up and failed to sustain his roll. This year, Brown probably will get 85 percent of the carries with Ricky Williams on an NFL-induced sabbatical. And new quarterback Daunte Culpepper will help open up the running game. ";
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i++] = new Array("","Wide receiver","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i-1].body = "
My only question about Roddy White of the Falcons is whether Michael Vick can get him the ball consistently and accurately. Say this about Vick: He can fling it -- and White has the speed and ball skills to make the home run catch. In the offseason Vick and White appear to have developed a chemistry that could result in White's being the team's lead dog at receiver.
One of two things will happen with the Bears' Mark Bradley. He will suffer another knee injury, or he will become a star. He has too much big-play ability not to break out if he's healthy. Bradley was just starting to put it together last season when he blew out his knee. ";
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i++] = new Array("","Tight end","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/getty/71220319gs017_cleveland_bro.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Gregory Shamus", "Getty Images", "273", "179", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i-1].body = "
There probably isn't a more talented tight end than Kellen Winslow, though it's unclear how a broken leg and a blown-out knee have affected his abilities. What Winslow has shown running around in shorts on the Browns' practice fields this offseason has been very encouraging. And here's the best part -- he appears to be developing a rapport with quarterback Charlie Frye. ";
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i++] = new Array("","Offensive tackle","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i-1].body = "
The Saints thought Jammal Brown was impressive enough as a rookie right tackle that they traded incumbent left tackle Wayne Gandy and switched Brown to that side. Pass protecting for the savvy Drew Brees probably will be easier than it was when Aaron Brooks was the quarterback. And how difficult can it be to block for Reggie Bush?
After splitting time last season between guard and tackle, the Vikings' Marcus Johnson is ready to be a full-time right tackle. Johnson has the size and athleticism to match up with left ends -- and win. He'll be helped by Brad Childress' offense, which doesn't ask tackles to hold their blocks for exceptionally long. ";
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i++] = new Array("","Guard","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i-1].body = "
As a rookie, Logan Mankins might have been the Patriots' best offensive lineman. Mankins has been around Gillette Stadium all offseason, improving what already is the best part of his game -- strength.
If Floyd \"Pork Chop\" Womack stays healthy, Seahawks fans might not notice they lost the best guard in football when Steve Hutchinson signed with the Vikings. Womack has played well in limited chances. Playing next to left tackle Walter Jones will make Womack look better than he is. ";
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i++] = new Array("","Center","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i-1].body = "
Look for Scott Wells of the Packers to benefit from being moved from guard. His game is quickness, mobility and angles, and he'll be able to use his strengths more effectively at center. The Packers' shift to the Broncos-style running game will help Wells as much as anyone on their line.
";
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i++] = new Array("","Defensive end","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i-1].body = "
The combination of want-to and can-do in Luis Castillo makes him a star-in-waiting for the Chargers. Whether he's playing, practicing, lifting weights or studying for an opponent, he goes 100 mph. Over the course of his rookie season, Castillo improved at using his hands and getting off blocks. During his second year, look for him to get more sacks.
Another 3-4 end who has everything it takes is Dallas' Chris Canty. Last year, the fourth-round pick played better than first-round pick Marcus Spears. That could be partly because Canty played in a similar system at Virginia, but his determination also is helping him. ";
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i++] = new Array("","Defensive tackle","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i-1].body = "
The Eagles' most consistent defensive lineman a year ago was rookie Mike Patterson, who always plays at a high speed. He played mostly nose tackle and had to take on two blockers. This year, the plan is to give him a good dose of the 3 technique position, which should free him to make more plays and possibly increase his sacks total to double digits.
One reason the Raiders felt confident allowing Ted Washington to leave is they have faith in Tommy Kelly. A third-year player, Kelly was not drafted--mostly because he failed a drug test at the Combine. Since then, he has walked a straight line in Oakland. Kelly is versatile enough to play both tackle positions and a little at end. If Warren Sapp can penetrate and disrupt blocking schemes, Kelly could be a beneficiary. ";
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i++] = new Array("","Linebacker","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/051130/051130_cowboysgiants_vmed_12p.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Donna Mcwilliam / Ap File", "", "273", "242", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i-1].body = "
DeMarcus Ware made a remarkable transition from Troy, where he played defensive end, to the Cowboys last season. Now that Ware has played one season as a linebacker, he has a feel for the position. His body has benefited this offseason from being in a solid training and nutrition program for the first time, and word around the team is he looks like a different man.
Matt McCoy has become a favorite around the Eagles' locker room. His toughness has endeared him to veterans such as Jeremiah Trotter. \"The Mutt,\" as McCoy is known in the locker room, reported to camp out of shape last season but worked himself into better condition and was a contributor by the end of his rookie year. Now, McCoy is 20 pounds lighter and a starter. Look for him to make a ton of plays as he did at San Diego State.
Here's a sleeper for you: Baltimore's Bart Scott. With Ray Lewis sidelined last season, Scott emerged as a solid player who used his size and speed to his advantage. He showed the ability to blitz and always seemed to be around the ball. Now that Lewis is back, Scott will move to strongside linebacker. ";
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i++] = new Array("","Safety","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Nfl", "AP", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i-1].body = "
As a rookie, Brodney Pool didn't start for the Browns, but he did play the \"money\" position on sub packages. As the year went on, he was around the ball more and more. Pool came out of college early, and he's still maturing. But he already has demonstrated athleticism, blitz skills and the ability to play deep zone or man-to-man coverage.
Seattle's Ken Hamlin was starting to break out a year ago when he fractured his skull in a bar brawl and was lost for the season after six games. Hamlin, a physical presence and hard hitter, is determined to come back stronger. New defensive backs coach Larry Marmie, who is known for teaching technique, will help smooth Hamlin's rough spots.";
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i++] = new Array("","Cornerback","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_2006_nfl_breakout[i-1].body = "
The Texans' switch to a four-man front and their emphasis on the pass rush will help Dunta Robinson make more plays. As a rookie in 2004, Robinson was the best player on the Texans' defense -- even the Houston coaches thought so. Robinson can man up with receivers, and it's possible he'll be asked to play more man coverage in the new scheme.
We'll finally get a chance to see what Corey Webster can do for the Giants now that he's healthy. He played with a foot injury during his last year at LSU, and it still was a factor during his rookie season. Webster also had a hamstring injury last year. Now he has no excuses--especially because he is likely to get plenty of opportunities playing behind what could be football's best pass rush. "; // END editorial data