Eight Young NFL Players Who Must Step Up Big in 2017
Blake Bortles | QB | Jaguars
It shouldn’t be surprising to see Blake Bortles; after a tremendous sophomore season in Jacksonville (4,400 yards, 35 TDs) Bortles had major slump in a year in which many thought the Jaguars might take the next step towards a future playoff bid. Instead, Bortles finished the 2016 season with under 4,000 passing yards and only 23 passing TDs. With a new head coach and a go-to weapon at RB in rookie Leonard Fournette, Bortles needs to have a bounce back year if he hopes to be the Jaguars long-term solution at QB for years to come.
Ameer Abdullah | RB | Lions
When the Lions drafted Ameer Abdullah back in 2015, I had high hopes for Abdullah and thought his versatile style of play would get him big time reps in Detroit’s backfield. After a subpar rookie year and an injury riddled season last year, Abdullah has yet to show his full potential and there still seems to be a mystery about whether or not he is the Lions answer at RB for the future. Even though the Lions run a multiple-RB offense with Abdullah and Theo Riddick, Abdullah should see starting reps; but if he is not able to make big plays and show the explosion and athleticism he had while at Nebraska, his days as a starting RB may be numbered in Detroit.
Kevin White | WR | Bears
Two years ago, the Bears pegged WR Kevin White as their next star weapon on offense, but since being drafted back in 2015, White has yet to play a full season in Chicago. Due to multiple injuries, White has only played 4 games for the Monsters of the Midway and it seems like the hype for the 3rd year WR is beginning to fade. The Bears WR group has lost some star power with the departure of Alshon Jeffery and with Cameron Meredith pegged as the #1 WR entering this off-season, the pressure is now on White to show everyone why he was a top 10 pick back in 2015.
Breshad Perriman | WR | Ravens
Just like Kevin White, Breshad Perriman was drafted by the Ravens in hopes he would become the teams next go-to weapon for Joe Flacco. Although injuries have plagued his career early, Perriman had a lot of potential out of college and the Ravens hope to tap into that potential more this season. Perriman only amassed 33 receptions for 500 yards in 2016, but with Steve Smith retired, Perriman should see in increase in his targets and if he can stay healthy, Baltimore may have a good trio at WR with Perriman, Mike Wallce and Jeremy Maclin.
Jesse James | TE | Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are not a team known for having great TEs but over the last decade they had a consistent TE in Heath Miller who was a reliable weapon at times for QB Ben Roethlisberger. Since Miller’s departure the team signed Ladarius Green from San Diego hoping he could be their next answer at TE, and right being Green was young Penn State TE Jesse James. Green had yet to put together consistent games for the Steelers and after a disappointing campaign in Pittsburgh, James stepped up in moments throughout the 2016 season that gave Steelers fans hope. With Green now out the picture, James has the chance to enter this season as Pittsburgh’s top TE and maybe James can become the next TE to hear his name cheered much like Miller did for so many years in the steel city.
Jadeveon Clowney | DE | Texans
In case you are wondering why Jadeveon Clowney is on this list, let me state some quick facts about the Texans defender; Fact- Clowney was drafted #1 overall by the Texans. Fact- Clowney was selected to the Pro Bowl last season. Fact- Clowney finished last season tied for 47th in the league in sacks with 6. Now I know there is more to his game than just sacks but when you’re the #1 overall pick and you’re a pass rusher, many would expect double digit sacks by now, especially playing with to JJ Watt. Clowney is still young and I am a believer in his potential but he still has to prove why he was drafted over fellow Pro Bowler Khalil Mack who has arguably surpassed Clowney as the best player from that draft class.
Demarcus Lawrence | DE | Cowboys
Since Demarcus Ware’s departure, the Cowboys have searched for their next great pass rusher and took a chance on a young prospect in Demarcus Lawrence. With Randy Gregory’s career in jeopardy due to off-field issues and Taco Charlton entering the league as a rookie, Dallas may lean on Lawrence as their week 1 starter and the anchor of their pass rushing group.
Shane Ray | LB | Broncos
During certain times in the 2015 college football season Shane Ray was viewed as a future top 10 pick and a big-time difference maker in the NFL. Instead, Ray fell to the Broncos in the late first round which may have been one of the best places he could have landed in the 2015 NFL Draft. Throughout his early career, Ray was given a chance to develop under Pro Bowler Von Miller and future hall of famer Demarcus Ware but with Ware out of the league, the Broncos will lean on Ray early to contribute more as a starter.