Stretching the Field: The No Names
by Luke Paul Chandler
The players we least suspect are sometimes the ones that have the biggest impact. Who headlines this year’s crop of players the casual fan hardly knows?
Every year, fans look at their team’s roster and scratch their head over some of the players who are taking over starting jobs for their team. Some players follow the rags-to-riches route like former grocery store clerk turned Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner, and some have just been waiting their chance.
For most players, it takes an injury or some other catastrophic occurrence for them to get a shot. Others simply fall through waivers until they find a team that fits their skills. Usually the rest of the league wonders then how they let that kind of talent fall through their hands. In a league where talent comes from anywhere, it’s usually the no-name players that take us by surprise the most.
It can never be an exact science to predict which players cement their value, but sometimes the signs clear. The following players all are on the verge of something big, and most fans don’t even know who they are.
Chris Myers, C, Houston Texans - While it’s odd to see a center take top billing on this list, Myers’ value as a leader of the Texans’ offensive line cannot be understated. Myers has poor measureables, including a short wingspan and only average bulk, but his play last year as the Broncos’ starting center after Tom Nalen went down with injury was superb. Myers showed a better understanding of angles and finishing blocks in 2007 than he had in previous seasons. Myers also transitioned well into playing center for the first time on the pro level, making intelligent line calls and holding up in both phases of the blocking game. Myers was had for a great value, a sixth-round pick.
Selvin Young, RB, Denver Broncos - Young’s blowout end to 2007 gave him promise to compete with Travis Henry for the starting job in 2008, but with Henry’s release Young is now the starter. His quickness and cutback ability give the Broncos their biggest threat at running back since Clinton Portis. He improved his patience, ball security, and overall durability in his rookie season, but he’s on a short leash. He has a stable of backs behind him, including veterans Michael Pittman and Andre Hall, and rookie Ryan Torain all vying for his job should he falter.
Abram Elam, S, New York Jets - Elam’s slow takeover for the free safety job started last season, when he split time with Eric Smith. By the end of the season, it showed that strong safety Kerry Rhodes played better when paired with Elam. Elam is a big, physical safety who can hold his against the running game. While not a great player in coverage, his presence on the field can free up Rhodes to play more of a centerfield role. Elam lacks fluid athleticism, but he is a decisive defender who can close on the ball.
Tyjuan Hagler, OLB, Indianapolis Colts - Only two Colts linebackers since 2000 have been re-signed past their rookie deals — Hagler and starting middle linebacker Gary Brackett. Hagler earned his way up from being a special teams ace to earning a starting job on the strong side in 2007. He is a big-hitting linebacker who’s instincts have improved greatly in the previous three years. Hagler has a knack for making big plays, and is the most physical linebacker of the starting trio for the Colts. Hagler’s best position is probably middle linebacker, but the Colts have done a good job of getting him on the field. If he can stay healthy, expect a big season.
Quinton Culberson, OLB, St. Louis Rams - In his only start in Week 17, Culberson piled up 11 tackles (10 solo) and a forced fumble against the Cardinals. He is an active defender who is in the mix, and based on his small sample, is the leading candidate to take over the strong-side linebacker job this year. The former undrafted rookie is still very raw, but has the kind of hustle that the Rams defense has lacked. He stills great read-and-react skills and recovery speed, but he plays physical football and never quits.
Jon Bradley, FB, Detroit Lions - At 6-1, 310 pounds, Bradley isn’t likely to be running many fly patterns out of the backfield. The converted defensive tackle was moved to fullback last year. He is a pure blocking back, and a solid one at that. Bradley was rarely used by former offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who rarely features a fullback in his offense. With the Lions looking to balance out their offense with a strong ground attack, Bradley’s ability to clear holes will be key. Bradley showed good poise and feeling for the ground game, despite being new to the position.
Contact Luke at Luke@newerascouting.com.