*FAN SUBMISSION by Dan Russell of Canada. Follow him on Twitter @danrussell67.*
1. E J Manuel (QB Buffalo Bills) – He could win the starting job for the Bills, with the recent release of Fitzy and competing with Kevin Kolb. Even if Kolb wins the starting QB job, watch for EJ to take over at the helm at some point, the Bills are counting on making this guy #1 and hopefully sooner then later. With Speedy Johnson and a good compliment of targets on offense, balanced by a good running game, he could make a big impact.
2. LeVeon Bell (RB Pittsburgh Steelers)-I have Bell ranked very high due to the need for healthy running back and the need to establish that Steeler running game back to form. As Big Ben has been taking a beating the past 2 seasons, the new Offensive Cordinator took notice of this last season, finding ways for Ben to speed up his delivery. But we all know the best way to keep Roethlisberger healthy is run the ball, to open things up for the passing game. The Steelers went through several running backs last season, forcing Ben to throw more then normal but this year I look for Steelers to go back to their proven ways to win. Bell should get many carries and opportunities to be an immediate impact player .
Courtesy: Fox Sports/MSN
3. Quinton Patton (San Francisco 49ers WR)- With the recent injury to Crabtree this opens the door for Patton; this guy has all the size and tools to bring it to the next level. Great hands and head fake, good size for the position (height and length) give him the tools to play outside at the next level. He has very good acceleration off the line, gets to full speed in a couple of steps and can shimmy to free himself, while sticking his foot in the ground to get inside position on slants. Patton uses a head fake to get the seam and possesses enough straight-line speed to take advantage of hesitating Cornerbacks in off coverage; also, a fluid, economic mover who does plays under control. Stems to separate with good foot quickness on comebacks and out routes, also extends his arm to create space on short and deep routes. He is a natural hands catcher; catches the ball with his hands away from his body, even when at tracking passes over either shoulder. Patton wins jump balls in the end zone and over the middle with good a vertical and great concentration. Should the 49ers turn to a 2 TE set, until Crabtree returns, opens the door for another rookie, Vance McDonald, as well. Hes a TE with good speed and hands, we will have to watch and see if they sign a FA or go to 2 TE sets though.
4. Tyler Eifert (Cincinnati Bengals TE) – Speaking of TE’s (and 2 TE sets), the Bengals announced this week they plan to change the offense to much like the Patriots. Remember the numbers the TE position has been putting up in NFL (real and fantasy wise), with Pro-Bowlers, like Gronk and Hernandez. The position is evolving into more of a weapon then a blocking role in recent years.
5. Tavon Austin (St. Louis Rams WR)– With the departure of Amendola, the pass-happy Rams have a look a like in Austin. Sam Bradford does not mind the small, speedy-type of receiver, being the main target and with Stedman Bailey also going to the Rams, we may be seeing the return of the greatest Show on Turf. I expect 1, if not both these guys to start the season for the Rams and with very little emphasis put into the running game, it opens the doors and mid to big numbers through the air for the Rams in 2013.
6. Geno Smith (New York Jets QB) – I don’t see him starting in week 1, but I do see him taking over for Sanchez sooner, rather then later. I expect him to be on a very short leash, with a true QB waiting in the wings, unlike last seasons debacle with Tebow. Even given the chance Geno will not put up good numbers, as the Jets lack serious deep threats or fast striking offense, they will be looking to be a ball control team then a risky passing team.
7. Gavin Escobar (Dallas Cowboys TE)– If Witten can stay healthy, he won’t be targetted much, but this 6’5 TE is a great target, so watch for him to find his way into the starting line up in spot duty. I love Witten but with his age creeping up and lack of running game in Dallas, Escobar has a lot of upside and potential to post Witten like numbers.
8. Montee Ball (Denver Broncos RB)- The way the revolving door for running backs continues in Denver and the preservation of Manning, Montee will get the chance to be a #2 or 3 guy to begin the season, would not surprise me to see him as #1 RB in Denver by seasons end.
9. Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs TE)– The draft this year certainly favored the big guys on the lines, but was a decent year for TE’s, especially with the evolution of the position. Andy Reid’s infamous West Coast Offense targets the TE, so I expect him to do much of the same, like he did in GB and Philly. This may be the closest KC has had to a great Tight End, since Gonzalez left the Arrowhead faithful. He’s definitely got the size and with Alex Smith as QB, we will see a lot of short passes.
10. Aaron Dobson (New England Patriots WR)- With Gronk’s status in question for 2013 and Hernandez injuries in 2012 Belichek did not hesitate to load up on WR position. If Gronk can not go, Dobson will be given a golden opportunity in New England as he has the size to fill in the middle of the field.
I look forward seeing what happens in pre season and keeping as up to date and ready for 2013 Season as i can so stay tuned .
