Players to Watch in Training Camp

SI Staff | Jul 13, 2012

Players to Watch in Training Camp /

Players to Watch in Training Camp

Kevin Kolb, QB

The Arizona Cardinals dealt Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick to the Eagles to acquire Kevin Kolb in 2011, then gave him $21 million in guarantees as the replacement for Kurt Warner. Last season, though, Kolb threw only nine touchdowns and won two games. With numbers like that, many wonder whether he is worth the contract and starting position. John Skelton outplayed Kolb several times last season, creating a QB competition worth watching.

Lofa Tatupu, LB

After not getting a call from a team in 2011 despite saying he was healthy, linebacker Lofa Tatupu was beginning to think his career was over. That changed when the Falcons signed him in June, and now he will be battling against 2011 third-rounder Akeem Dent for the starting position with Curtis Lofton leaving in free agency. Tatupu admitted he stopped working out for a while last season, raising questions about how physically capable he will be, especially compared to a much younger Dent.

Courtney Upshaw, LB

After Terrell Suggs tore his Achilles tendon earlier in the offseason, a position opened up for a new starting outside linebacker. The likely answer is Courtney Upshaw, the Ravens' second-round pick this year. Paul Kruger and Sergio Kindle will make a bid for the spot, but many are expecting big things from Upshaw; he'll just get an earlier shot at stardom.

Donald Jones, WR

Donald Jones secured the No. 2 WR position for the Bills last season. But after a measly 23 balls for 231 yards and one touchdown in seven starts last season and a season-ending injury, Jones will have to fight against several teammates to start again. Basically, anything can happen for Jones in this camp, from winning the No. 2 spot again to being cut.

Ron Edwards, DT

The Panthers signed Ron Edwards to a three-year deal last summer, hoping Edwards could provide some quality beef in the middle of the defensive front. During his very first practice with his new team, though, Edwards sustained a torn triceps injury that cost him all of 2011. Set to be 33 when his 11th NFL season begins, there are doubts Edwards will provide the depth the Panthers' defensive line needs. But with no help coming at defensive tackle this offseason, he'll have to bring something.

Gabe Carimi, OT

High hopes for the Bears' 2011 first-rounder were suspended when Gabe Carimi injured his knee during a Week 2 game against the Saints, knocking him out for his rookie season. He says he'll be ready for training camp which, given the Bears' weakness on the offensive line, is welcome news in Chicago.

Jordan Shipley, WR

Jordan Shipley missed most of the 2011 season because of a torn ACL and MCL, but should be fully healthy for the season. With the Bengals losing Jerome Simpson in free agency, and Andy Dalton in need of a target to step up, the opportunity is there for Shipley to reclaim some of the mojo he had in 2010, when he caught 600 yards and three touchdowns.

Trent Richardson, RB

The Browns were in desperate need of offensive playmakers entering the 2012 season, and it made it a priority to get Trent Richardson, even trading up from No. 4 to No. 3 to ensure his services. But the pick has been met with a ton of criticism from team legend Jim Brown, who called the rookie "ordinary." The Browns need Richardson to be extraordinary if they're to emerge from the doldrums this year.

Tyron Smith, OT

Tyron Smith went to the Dallas Cowboys in the 2011 draft as the ninth overall pick. His first season was incredibly successful, starting all 16 games at right tackle. With a season under his belt, the Cowboys will be moving Smith to left tackle, a position they've had trouble filling capably in the last couple of years. Minicamp reports have raved about Smith's work with the second-year tackle potentially being the best player on the Cowboys offense this season.

Peyton Manning, QB

After 14 seasons with the Colts, 13 of which went by without him missing a game, a chronic neck injury ended Peyton Manning's stint in Indianapolis. A whirlwind free agency tour, with a handful of teams involved, ended with Manning joining the Broncos. His recovery from the neck fusion is being watched carefully, as everyone wonders how Manning will respond when confronted with game action again. If he's able to approximate his old self, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time could lead the Broncos a long way this season.

Jahvid Best, RB

After sustaining his second concussion of the year in Week 6 last year, Jahvid Best's season ended on injured reserve. Despite a growing history of concussion woes that dates back to his college days, Lions GM Martin Mayhew thinks he is poised for a "breakout" year. The Lions need someone to step up in the backfield, and with Mikel Leshoure suspended for the season's first two games, Best will have a chance to prove his health, and his worth, early.

Alex Green, RB

Alex Green was expected to see a lot more playing time in 2011 when a torn ACL abruptly ended his season. The Packers allowed Ryan Grant to go into free agency and didn't draft a running back this year, meaning the returning Green will play an influential role as the team's No. 2 running back behind James Starks. If fully healthy, there's a lot of hype that Green could be a big-time sleeper success story.

DeVier Posey, WR

The learning curve for rookie receivers is typically pretty steep, but the Texans need someone to step up opposite Andre Johnson and hope DeVier Posey can be that guy sooner than later. Posey has shown an impressive work ethic so far, but coach Gary Kubiak also said there are areas he needs to improve on.

Andrew Luck, QB

Exit Peyton Manning, enter Andrew Luck as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 draft. Luck, the most highly touted quarterback prospect since Manning, has the daunting task of filling Manning's shoes. Given where he's playing, who he's replacing, and the hype he's built over the last two years, Luck's ability to adapt to the NFL will be something everyone is watching this year.

Marcedes Lewis, TE

Marcedes Lewis' performance seriously suffered in 2011, which he attributes to person problems involving legal issues with his daughter's mother. He had a disappointing season, coming up empty on touchdowns after catching 10 in 2010. Lewis vows that he's ready to return better than ever this season, and if he plays like he did in 2010, he could be a viable force on a Jaguars offense that desperately wants to help Blaine Gabbert.

Tyson Jackson, DE

Tyson Jackson had a breakout rookie season in 2010 and was better in 2011, showing off a serious ability to plug the run in the Chiefs' 3-4 defense. With athletic freak Dontari Poe coming on board, likely occupying more attention from blockers, Jackson should have the time and space to improve even more in 2012.

Chad Ochocinco, WR

Chad Ochocinco spent one season with New England, catching 15 passes for 276 yards and one touchdown amidst reports that Ochocinco couldn't pick up the Patriots' offense. Others speculate that the wide receiver is past his prime and can't get separation anymore, but his new Dolphins' teammates swear he's "still got it" and will make a splash this season with Miami, who needs a No. 1 receiver to emerge desperately after trading Brandon Marshall.

Percy Harvin, WR

Percy Harvin made headlines when he reportedly asked to be traded from the Vikings for a multitude of reasons. Many speculate that Harvin, the Vikings' star receiver, is dissatisfied with his salary. Regardless of the reason, Harvin missed part of a Vikings minicamp before returning. Given his reported unhappiness, and a lingering shoulder injury, Harvin is a bit of a wild card for training camp, and the Vikings need him on on offense devoid of playmakers, especially if Adrian Peterson isn't healthy to start the season.

Devin McCourty, CB

A year after making the All-Pro team as a rookie with seven interceptions, Devin McCourty's play fell off significantly in 2011. While knee and shoulder injuries caused him to miss parts of the season, he was underwhelming when playing cornerback (though he played better once moved to safety). The question for this season will be where McCourty plays in the secondary this season, and how he produces.

Sedrick Ellis, DT

Sedrick Ellis, a first-round draft pick in 2008, only totaled 57 tackles and half of a sack in 2011, career lows for the defensive tackle, who has underwhelmed generally after being drafted seventh overall. But with defensive line aficionado Steve Spagnuolo in the fold as coordinator, Ellis will get a chance at a breakthrough season.

Keith Rivers, LB

The Giants opted to acquire Keith Rivers from the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for fifth-round draft pick to help fill their holes at linebacker. Rivers had four injury-filled seasons with the Bengals, including 2011, when he missed the whole season with a wrist injury. But the linebacker hopes to have a fresh start in New York, and the Giants view him as a versatile option, with the potential to start.

Tim Tebow, QB

It's safe to say that you won't have to go out of your way to be exposed to the saga that is Tim Tebow this season. Whatever Tebow does immediately becomes one of the biggest stories in the league, let alone the Jets. Will he supplant Mark Sanchez? Is he just a Wildcat option? How will he handle the New York media once the season begins? We'll all be looking very closely for answers to those questions.

Terrelle Pryor, QB

The 6'6'' athletic phenom is stuck in a precarious position ever since the signing of Matt Leinart this offseason. Pryor's development as a quarterback is uncertain, but his athleticism must be utilized. He will most likely be the third-string quarterback, but he the Raiders could use his speed in designed Wildcat plays, or even play him as a wideout.

DeMeco Ryans, LB

The former Texans Pro-Bowler now joins the linebacking core of the Philadelphia Eagles, who had a gaping hole in the middle of their defense. He has tremendous upside, but is also coming off injury-plagued 2010 and 2011 seasons. When healthy, though, Ryans is one of the league's best linebackers and a major upgrade for the Eagles.

David DeCastro, G

David DeCastro was considered by many draft experts to be one of the best talents available in April, but fell to the Steelers with the 24th pick in the first round. He is a tremendous run blocker and very quick to get to the next level, especially when you consider the fact that he is 6'5'', 315 pounds. This bodes very well for the Steelers' hard-nosed run game.

Robert Meachem, WR

After years of being one part of New Orleans' multifaceted attack, Robert Meachem left the Saints for the San Diego Chargers this offseason. The former first-rounder will finally get a chance to be a No. 1 after signing a big deal to replace Vincent Jackson. How will he handle the extra attention? Philip Rivers needs him to step up if the quarterback wants to bounce back from a subpar 2011.

Randy Moss, WR

The 35-year old didn't appear to have too much left in the tank in 2010 when he played for the Patriots, Vikings, and the Titans. Moss has apparently changed his attitude after sitting out last season, and hopes to add a deep threat to the 49ers. San Francisco desperately needs a playmaker, and Moss is one of the best the league's ever seen. But does he still have it, and is he motivated to play?

Bruce Irvin, DE/OLB

Bruce Irvin was taken by the Seahawks 15th overall this year, a pick that was met with shock and criticism. He has battled drug addictions and legal woes, but has tremendous athletic upside and could be a very real threat coming off the edge in Seattle. Scouts call him one-dimensional, but the Seahawks will take that as long as he capitalizes on his edge rushing potential and stays out of trouble off the field.

Danny Amendola, WR

Danny Amendola was supposed to be Sam Bradford's No. 1 option in 2011, but he only played one game for the Rams after suffering a dislocated elbow in early September. The reliable possession receiver rejoins a Rams attack that needs receivers, and Bradford needs his trusty safety blanket if he wants to get back to the style of play that made him the 2010 Offensive Rookie of the year.

Ronde Barber, S

The 16-year veteran has been a mainstay at corner in Tampa Bay, but he's following the route of Aeneas Williams and others before him by making the shift to safety. Barber reportedly considered retirement, but decided to come back to play under new coach Greg Schiano. The move is a wise one; Barber has lost the step needed to play corner, but his veteran savvy and ball skills will be welcomed at safety. How he transitions in training camp will be something to keep an eye on.

Derrick Morgan, DE

Derrick Morgan has been a disappointment since being drafted 16th overall in 2010, tallying just four sacks in 19 career games. The end missed most of his rookie season with a torn ACL, and came back last year to start 10 games in his first extended taste of the NFL. Morgan is set to start this season, and with Kamerion Wimbley in the fold playing opposite, there are no excuses for the former first-rounder.

Josh Morgan, WR

The Redskins brought in two new targets for Robert Griffin III, but while Pierre Garcon was the more heralded signing, Josh Morgan's addition shouldn't be overlooked. One of the more underrated depth receivers in the league, Morgan broke his leg in 2011 after catching just 15 balls in five games. A return to health would provide RG3 with a set of reliable hands.

Published Jul 13, 2012

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