Who? Takes a big leap this year?

[*SHRacerX*]

(06-16-2022, 11:32 AM)Soonerpeace Wrote: Mostly centered on non-rookies in this.

1. Joe Burrow… traditionally a lot of QB’s in year 3 ( in Joe’s case it’s not even his third in games played) take a step. Mostly tied to experience.
2. JaMar Chase…. He’s bound to be more settled
3. Logan Wilson… personally he might be the most likely IMHO
4. Jackson Carman… he’d better
5. Jonah Williams… I think he’s no different than a lot of OL that need 3 seasons to reach their prime.
6. Germaine Pratt… IMO he’s maybe got the most upside
7. Tee Higgins… year 3 and vying for a contract he’s my pick for a huge year
8. Chris Evans… he’s interesting but needs touches. He’s the dark horse IMO.

There’s probably others if so elaborate. Our focus centers mostly on new faces like the rookies and free agents. I’m not sure that making the Super Bowl isn’t like someone in the business world or a salesman just had their best year and got their best bonus. They’ve learned to navigate their job and tasted the fruits. They like it.

Love the list, and agree with it...

I might add Khalid Kareem.  I know for pure DEs, the room is pretty crowded and he could even be fighting for a job if any of the rookies shine, but for some reason I think he will be in the mix.  We may even see him rotate inside some, I don't know.  I just like his work ethic and patience waiting for his chance.  He had some bad luck injuries in year two, but I have a feeling he will be a bigger impact this season. 

Although he wasn't on last year's team, I think Hayden Hurst could be up for a career year.  His biggest season was 2020 (notably his first year with a new team, the Falcons) where he had 56 receptions for 571 yards and 6 TDs.  He only had 221 yards on 26 receptions and 3 TDs last year as Kyle Pitts was brought in.  Oddly, this was the same thing that happened at Baltimore where they brought in Andrews who then became TE1.

I could see Hurst at the very least equaling his best season in Atlanta this upcoming season, and possibly eclipsing it.  I think he's very hungry and despite the talent at WR and the basic 11 formation they live in, I think Hurst is a breakout candidate.  

While at LSU the one year with Joe Burrow, Moss had 47 receptions for 570 yards and 4 TDs.  That WR room had Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrence Marshal and he (Moss) did that in just 12 games.