Ballerific Sports: Ten Players You Should Have On Your Radar This Season – blogged by @niksofly

With mini camps over, the mandatory training camps around the corner, it is clear that the NFL season is approaching.  Less than 50 days from the season opener, the sweet smell of agility defying catches, Hail Mary passes and ruthless hits are in the air. The menacing silence of broken tackles and super bowl dreams deferred will soon be upon us. Inhale that passion- the feeling of watching coverage get burnt on a slant or  witness that perfectly thrown pass broken up with a pick 6. Yes, the season of weekly upsets and near- heart attacks will soon be here.  The ushering in of a new season means the entrance of a new class that has to define themselves and the opportunity for established players to offer up redefinition.  With the NFL having immense talent, there are a few players on my radar this season that should peek your interest.

The #2016 #NFL Draft possessed a few jewels, one of them being 1^st –round pick #WillFuller, the rookie receiver from #NotreDame drafted by the #HoustonTexans. With a speed 4.32 in the 40, the fastest player in the draft has the ability to get to the ball and leave his opponent in the dust which makes him perfect for deep field passes. Though his size is relatively small for an outside receiver, I believe under the tutelage of established player, #DeAndreHopkins and football skills trainer, Rischad Whitfield a.k.a the #FootworkKing, his skill set will be perfected .

Hopkins, another a player after my own heart, is a go-to guy for those tough catches. His footwork is incredible. Like his mentor, #AndreJohnson, Nukk gets it done with no questions or concerns. He was one of the most targeted players in the NFL last season. If you throw it to him, he will catch it! When the Texans’ unstable QB’s had difficult passes to make, Hopkins was the target. No matter how questionable the pass is, Nukk hauls it in. In his three years in the league, he averaged well over 1,000 yards with the previous season’s total being 1,521 yards.

Talent is also running rampant in D-town. The #DallasCowboys, has spent considerable time building a solid offense.  In 2015, the Cowboys acquired the #Louisianaimal, #LaelCollins,  for a steal. La’el, an offensive lineman out of #LSU is brutal on the field. Just ask the #SeattleSeahawks defense that were at the wrong end of his wrath last season. Collins can maintain the arc with his extensive arm span and he has no problem accommodating for other lineman. He has quick feet that get him to where he needs to be expeditiously which happens to be bulldozing down the opponent’s defensive line.

I cannot mention #Dallas without mentioning #EzekielElliott. The 4^th overall pick of the 2016 Draft is the most “complete backs” his running back coach has seen. The former Ohio State Buckeye player has been wooing Dallas onlookers since he placed the star on his chest. He is a stout player that reminds me of Earl Campbell- willing to attack at all costs. Although this could be seen as a weakness, Elliott has no problem taking a lick. He has grit. He also has the ability to sell jerseys without ever stepping foot into a regular season game.

The #DenverBroncos did well when they acquired veteran receiver, #EmmanuelSanders from the Steelers. The wide receiver is agile and has raw talent.  Couple him with DeMaryius Thomas and we have a solid receiving duo.  Sanders ability has improved since being acquired by the Broncos in 2014. Even with a shaky QB situation in 2015, the receiver managed to get over 1000 yards proving he can produce regardless of team effort. I am excited to see what he will do the season.

#CoreyColeman has become a household name. The 15^th overall pick selected by the Cleveland Browns will be making strides this season. His footwork is incredible, having the ability to separate from a defender with ease.  He is a hard target for anyone in the secondary to cover. The former Baylor player makes his presence known. His ability to avoid tackles lands this Nupe a comfy spot on my radar. 

I’m expecting  #TeddyBridgewater of the Minnesota Vikings to have a break out season this fall. Entering into his third season, Bridgewater has the tenacity and drive of more established QB’s. He has a 65.3% completion rate landing him in great company. Bridgewater footwork is clean and his passing, fluid. He can read the field and adjust accordingly with ease.  He has a hunger to succeed that makes watching him irresistible. I am expecting him to own this season and ball.

The defensive end, #ShaqLawson, will be a force to be reckoned with. He is large enough to handle whoever comes his way. With a sizeable chest and powerful legs, Lawson makes any offensive lineman think twice before lining up with him. Possessing quick hands, Lawson can maneuver around his opponent and manipulate the break down of the play. His physicality is wrapped in intuitiveness.

I couldn’t possibly forget the gems the LA (formerly St. Louis) Rams possess.  #ToddGurley is arguably one of the best running backs in the league. He is driven and precise. Focused, he makes a play happen when the odds seem to be stacked against him. He is number 22 on the NFL’s Top 100 list, but I can see him moving up the ranks. The 10^th overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft is everything the hype said he would be.  In his first year he rushed for  over 1,106 yards and I think he will do it again.

Hailing from the same team, #TreyMason is a running back that all eyes should be on.  His compact size makes him ideal for breaking through blocks. He exemplifies the idea that big things come in small packages. He isn’t afraid to step in the pounding that might lie ahead making his determination remarkable. Placing the ball in his hand means you are in need of the drive to be finished; confidently knowing he will finish it. I honestly believe when he is given the opportunity, the stout running back will make you put some respek on his name.

Of course players such as JJ Watt, Cam Newton, Earl Thomas and the likes go without saying. These are just a few players that I have my eyes on. My list is continually evolving and growing. Training Camp starts in less than a week and there are going to be some players that will earn my attention. For now, I think these players have cushy spots on my radar.

-Niko Rose