Second-, third-, fourth and fifth-year players are different stories. Players like Alex Smith of the 49ers and Jay Cutler of the Broncos have learned through the hard lessons of their early experience that it takes time to become consistently productive.
Here’s a look at 10 young players who are ready to become stars in the NFL. Never mind the hype, these studs are ready to produce.";
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i++] = new Array("","Bernard Berrian","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061211/061211_bears_hmed_9p.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Tim Parker", "Reuters", "273", "396", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i-1].body = "
Team: Bears
Position: Receiver
Experience: Fourth season
The Bears were pleased with Berrian last season because he gave Rex Grossman a consistent deep threat who could get open in clutch situations. Berrian’s productivity is dependent on Grossman’s ability to hold on to the football and throw it accurately. Chicago’s running game could be questionable as well. The combination of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson was dependable last year, but Jones is now wearing a Jets uniform and Benson must prove himself. If the running game suffers and Grossman is still troubled by his “Good Rex/Bad Rex” tendencies, Berrian could have issues. However, if Grossman can hold on to the football and the running game is close to what it was last year, Berrian will be a dependable big-play threat.
2006 stats: 51 receptions, 775 yards, 6 touchdowns
2007 projections: 59-985-8";
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i++] = new Array("","Reggie Bush","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061110/061110_ReggieBush_vmed_6p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Charles W Luzier", "Reuters file", "256", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i-1].body = "
Team: Saints
Position: Running back
Experience: Second season
The numbers really didn’t tell the story for Bush last year. While he only rushed for 565 yards and 5 touchdowns, Bush’s presence caused major headaches for defensive coordinators. “He’s capable of destroying matchups all by himself,” said former Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera after Bush caught an 88-yard TD pass in the NFC championship game. While he shares the running game responsibilities with Deuce McAllister, Bush should be able to reach 1,000 yards this season and come close to the 88 receptions he had a year ago. More than the numbers, look for Bush to put together the highlight-film plays that were a staple of his USC career. Bush had some frustrating moments as a rookie -- he averaged 3.6 yards per carry -- but he should be able to put them in the rearview mirror this season.
2006 stats: 155 carries, 565 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns; 88 receptions, 742 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
2007 projections: 225-1,084-11; 66-854-3";
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i++] = new Array("","Luis Castillo","Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is sacked by Chargers defensive tackle Luis Castillo.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061103/061103_roethlisberger_hmed_4p.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Jack Smith", "AP file", "273", "376", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
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Team: Chargers
Position: Defensive end
Experience: Third season
He has become a solid player who does everything on the defensive line even though he does not have the kind of closing speed that usually leads to a spot in the Pro Bowl. Castillo can stop the run, rush the passer and has excellent instincts that allow him to find the ball. Castillo is strong in the trenches and will not lose sight of the play. He has the quickness to evade blockers and make drive-stopping third-down tackles.
2006 stats: 28 tackles, 7 sacks, 0 forced fumbles
2007 projections: 42 tackles, 6 sacks, 1 forced fumble
";
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i++] = new Array("","Dallas Clark","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070123/070123_clark_hmed_5p.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Doug Benc", "Getty Images file", "273", "377", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
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Team: Colts
Position: Tight end
Experience: Fifth season
Clark served notice during the postseason that he will be the league’s next elite tight end. Clark caught 12 passes for 214 yards during the postseason and was as dependable for Peyton Manning during the playoffs as any of the other Colts receivers. Clark has the speed to go up the seam and make big plays and the moves to shake defenders. Clark’s numbers aren’t amazing due to the Colts’ elite crew of receivers, but he has the hands, intelligence and athleticism to do great things.
2006 stats: 30 receptions, 367 yards, 4 touchdowns
2007 projections: 58-878-9";
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i++] = new Array("","Jay Cutler","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061203/061203_cutler_vmed_10p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Brian Bahr", "Getty Images", "282", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i-1].body = "
Team: Broncos
Position: Quarterback
Experience: Second season
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is sticking to his plan with his second-year quarterback. He knew the 6-5, 233-pound signal caller had all the tools and certainly had the mind for the game and a hunger to compete. But there are few quick fixes in the NFL (except for Vince Young) and the growth and maturation of a quarterback usually takes two years. Cutler will need some help from running back Travis Henry and veteran receiver Rod Smith, both of whom are nursing injuries entering the season. Henry’s sprained left knee may keep him out of action until the start of the season and the veteran Smith may start the season on the physically unable to play list because of a hip injury. Cutler made progress last year during his five starts and appears to have the capabilities of coming through under pressure that former Denver quarterback Jake Plummer lacked.
2006 stats: 81-of-137 passing attempts, 1,001 yards, 9 TDs; 5 INTs
2007 projections: 275-of 481, 2,777 yards, 19 TDs, 11 INTs";
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i++] = new Array("","Santonio Holmes","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061231/061231_holmes_vmed_2p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "John Sommers Ii", "Reuters", "281", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i-1].body = "
Team: Steelers
Position: Reciever
Experience: Second season
His rare speed is why the Steelers drafted him in 2006. Holmes had a productive rookie season, but dropped passes were an issue. After dropping behind Cedrick Wilson on the Steelers depth chart in the early part of camp, Holmes has reclaimed his starting role because of a noticeable upgrade to improving his pass-catching skills and remaining dedicated to improving. He is catching everything thrown to him and has impressed the coaching staff and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He caught 2 passes for 51 yards in the 12-10 preseason in over the Redskins and was also wide open in the endzone on a pass that was tossed over his head. A potential difference maker for the Steelers.
2006 stats: 49 receptions, 824 yards, 2 touchdowns
2007 projections: 66-1,039-7";
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i++] = new Array("","Matt Leinart","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061024/061024_leinart_ccol11a.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Lisa Blumenfeld", "Getty Images file", "274", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i-1].body = "
Team: Cardinals
Position: Quarterback
Experience: Second season
Too bad for Leinart the game isn’t played on paper. How many quarterbacks have a better receiving trio than Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Bryant Johnson? He should have more than enough of a running game to take the heat off with Edgerrin James. As he enters his second season, he also has a new coach in Ken Whisenhunt who has an advanced degree in play calling. This could be the situation where all factors mesh together at the right time and it could all come together for the Cardinals and Leinart. However, it’s more likely that it will take Leinart at least part of this year to understand and master Whisenhunt’s brand of hard-nose and physical football. Leinart injured both of his shoulders last year and needs to stay healthy if he is going to become a star.
2006 stats: 214-of-377 passing attempts, 2,547 yards, 11 TDs, 12 INTs
2007 projections: 299-of-429, 3,230 yards, 22 TDs; 10 INTs";
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i++] = new Array("","Laurence Maroney","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061231/061231_patriots_vmed_2p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Mark Humphrey", "AP", "289", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i-1].body = "
Team: Patriots
Position: Running back
Experience: Second season
The Patriots had two things in mind when they drafted Maroney in 2006. They wanted to keep the archrival Colts from getting the bruising runner and sought a credible ground game for the next 5-7 years. Maroney combines strength, speed and timing and should be ready to become one of the league’s top runners if he can stay healthy following offseason shoulder surgery. Maroney needs to become a better receiving threat, though. He can catch screens and checkdowns, but he does not run sharp patterns and also has to improve his pass blocking. Maroney can dish out punishment and take pressure off Tom Brady with his ability to gain the tough yards.
2006 stats: 175 carries, 745 yards, 6 touchdowns; 22-194-1
2007 projections: 288-1,105-10; 30-236-2";
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i++] = new Array("","Haloti Ngata","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i-1].body = "
Team: Ravens
Position: Defensive tackle
Experience: Second season
The Ravens will continue to play dominant defensive football and Ngata ensures they can play a very punishing style. Ngata is 340 pounds of bull elephant in the middle of the line and he should be a lineup fixture for 10 years or more. Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan believes Ngata will be a future Pro Bowl regular. He excels at breaking down the running game and is nearly impossible for opposing linemen to move. He should make life much easier for MLB Ray Lewis.
2006 stats: 13 tackles, 1 sack, 0 forced fumbles
2007 projections: 25 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles.";
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i++] = new Array("","Alex Smith","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061214/061214_9ers_hmed_8p.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Robert Sorbo", "Reuters", "273", "384", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_breakout_players[i-1].body = "
Team: 49ers
Position: Quarterback
Experience: 49ers
Smith made significant progress last year for coach Mike Nolan and insiders report that he has come even further this summer. No longer struggling to read defenses, he knows how to look off a safety and go to the other side of the field where a more favorable matchup beckons. During the first two preseason games Smith completed 12-of-17 passes for 164 yards and a 120.7 passer rating. Even better is an air of confidence that has given the 49ers significant hope of returning to the playoffs. Smith has an improved cast of receivers. Former Seahawk Darrell Jackson is the top wideout and Arnaz Battle has all the makings of a classic No. 2. If Ashley Lelie can stay healthy, he could give the Niners a complementary deep threat. However, Lelie’s career has been a monument to unfulfilled potential. He enters his sixth season with only one season that includes 50 or more catches. Smith’s biggest weapon may be second-year tight end Vernon Davis, who missed six weeks last year with a broken leg. The Niners are expecting a huge season from him which will only help to raise Smith’s level of play.
2006 stats: 257-of-442 passing attempts, 2,890 yards, 16 TDs, 16 INTs
2007 projections: 295-of-415, 3,301 yards, 22 TDs, 7 INTs";
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// END editorial data