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| The Dolphins are expecting Mike Wallace to transform this offense, I'm not sure he can do it. (Credits: Eric Gay/AP Photo) |
5. Steven Jackson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
The longtime Ram now finally has a new team and it's his first time being a starter on a serious contender. There's no question that Jackson's vicious running style gives him a chance to have a big season, yet is he wearing down? Back-to-back 320-plus carry seasons in '09 and '10, make his health and productivity a question mark. I'm not saying he can't continue his career YPC of 4.1, but I don't think a playoff team like Falcons can run him into the ground. Fortunately for him, the Falcons have one of the best wide receiving duos in the league that should take the pressure off of him. I still have concerns about all these carries building up.
Verdict: Jackson won't be able to sustain productivity at a 250-plus carry rate, but if they use him right he could be a monstrous addition to an already serious playoff team.
4. Brian Cushing, LB, Houston Texans
An All-Pro in 2011 and Defensive Rookie of the Year, Cushing was sorely missed by the Texans last year when he tore his ACL. While Cush's on-field performance is undoubtedly elite, we're still not sure what his character is built on. It's been a while since his steroids suspension, but we've still got to see another 2011-like season before we can safely say he's a leader on this defense. I like Cush a lot. I liked him in college and he's a vital part of this defensive unit. I'm just not so sure about his health.
Verdict: Cush's health is the biggest question. Returning from a mid-October ACL tear is no joke, but I think he's going to come back strong as ever, pushing the Texans back toward that top-5 defense they were two years ago.
3. Brian Orakpo, LB, Washington Redskins
Much like Cush, Orakpo missed all of last season due to injury. Yet different from Cushing, Orakpo is a far larger piece to a far inferior defense. The Redskins missed Orakpo a thousand times more than the Texans missed Cushing. The 'Skins were 22nd in scoring defense and 28th in yardage allowed, rankings that definitely will improve with a healthy Orakpo. A torn pectoral muscle is probably seen as a lesser injury than an ACL tear, but the pect muscle is an extremely important muscle to linebackers. If they can't create separation when they rush the QB, then they're almost useless. I'm interested to see how Orakpo carries this major load on defense, because I know the 'Skins are going to rely on him heavily.
Verdict: I'm not entirely sold on the Redskins like most people are and although Orakpo will make the defense better, I'm just not sure he'll be able to be that piece that pushes them even further than last year.
2. Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers
Last year's NFC Champions are completely depleted at the wideout position. Michael Crabtree gave them the explosive, deep-threat option; he's gone. Anquan Boldin headlines as their best wideout, but he's 32 and is simply there to catch everything thrown his way; he's not a playmaker. The rest of the wideout core is mostly an unknown collection of rookies and resume-less veterans. Davis is going to be Kaepernick's number one, two, and three playmaking option in the passing game. He's probably the second best tight end in league and certainly change games, but defenses know that. They know that Davis is the only passing weapon and they're going to key in on that.
Verdict: Davis is going to have a hard time getting himself open with all the attention he gets. That could work for the Niners if wideouts like Kyle Williams and Quinton Patton can take advantage of lesser coverages. If not, San Francisco could disappoint.
1. Mike Wallace, WR, Miami Dolphins
Wallace is a bonafide playmaker, that's never been questioned. But his work ethic and motor have always been in question. He's never caught more than 72 passes in the season and although he's always been the #1 option, I don't think he's ever shouldered the immense pressure that's going to come at him in Miami. Not only is he going to have the burden of carrying the offense, he is supposed to be that guy that comes in and brings the Miami offense to another level. The ability is certainly apparent, but can he and Tannehill find that level of connection that Peyton Manning had with Reggie Wayne? That's the question. The Dolphins will be extremely reliant on Wallace. The question is, will he step up?
Verdict: I've never liked Wallace's attitude. I've always thought he thought he was above everyone, while never putting up stats that really wowed me. I don't think he'll live up to the hype here in Miami and this Dolphins squad as a whole will disappoint.
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