What Are You Expecting from Your Sophomores

[Daniel]

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I look forward to a remake of this thread in 2021 titled "What are you expecting from your Sophomores?" so that us Packer fans can contribute as well. 

@Nick_gb Presented this in What are you expecting from your Rookies?, and I thought why wait til 2021?

What's going on with your second year players (2019 draft picks)?  Who is primed to blow up?  Who is struggling?

What about all those injuries?  Is Clelin Ferrell finally gonna live up to his No. 4 overall status?

Well, maybe not that last one.  This is a serious thread.

[Forge]

49ers: 

1. Nick Bosa is a stud, I expect him to continue to be a stud. I'm not going to predict that he's a DPOY candidate or anything, but it wouldn't surprise me if he were a finalist. 

2. Deebo Samuel - Well, in a normal season, I would have expected him to be a serviceable #1; not elite, but a guy who could maybe put up an Amari Cooper type season? With the foot injury, I expect very little. Jones fractures have a tendency to heal incorrectly, re-fracture, etc. So I'm just not going to expect much because of that. 

3. Jalen Hurd - Well, he's already out for the season, so at this point, I Just consider him a bust who will not likely ever give the team anything. Kind of difficult to miss the first two years of your career and really amount to something afterward. He's 25 in January  and hasn't played a down in the NFL, has missed 3 out of the last 4 years dating back to college, and has played one full season in 5 years. 

4. Mitch Wishnowsky -  He looked good in the preseason, and then the season rolled through and he was wildly inconsistent as a punter and kick off specialist. Sometimes that can take some time for punters, so I suspect that we will see more consistency from him this year. Given his age, if we don't, he could have a camp battle in year 3. 

5. Dre Greenlaw - Obviously a huge surprise last year filling in for Kwon. Dynamite tackler who isn't quite there in coverage yet. Plays a strong game and is faster than people think. He's still stuck behind Warner and Kwon this year, so his real chance will likely come next year, but obviously fans expect a seemless transition from Kwon to Dre when it happens (Kwon is superior in coverage by a decent margin, however) and he'll be very solid in 3 LB sets and filling in for either of the other two when needed. 

6. Kaden Smith - He doesn't play for the 49ers any more, but in all seriousness, watch for him as a sleeper for the Giants at TE. He played really well for them last year when Engram went out, and we all know of course that Engram isn't exactly a bastion of health. I Haven't followed Giants TC or anything, but I would assume that Smith has the TE2 role locked up. Assuming that @minutemancl can give us an update on that. 

7 (6b). Justin Skule (T) - He actually started quite a bit last year because of the injuries, but I thought he was aaaaaaaawful. He's the swing tackle again this year with the opt out of Shon coleman and McKivitz playing Guard and Brunskill also moving to the interior. Obviously, hard to judge a late day 3 pick in his rookie season thrown into a starting role. Reports are that he looks a lot better in quite a few of the offensive line drills this year compared to last year, so that is promising. But he's the swing tackle back up who hopefully only sees the field in jumbo sets. 

8 (6c) Tim Harris (CB) - Sadly, have heard next to nothing about him in camp, which I usually take as a bad thing. He was a guy a lot of fans liked as a sleeper last year, stayed on IR for the season, and was fighting for a roster spot this year. I'd guess, best case scenario, he's on the PS. 

[ET80]

Ok, a year the Texans actually had first and second round picks!

- T Tytus Howard has been a revelation; He's consistently got better at pass blocking at RT, and looks to have the position locked down for the forseeable future. Howard missed six games with a torn MCL, but all reports have him looking spry in TC. 

- CB Lonnie Johnson was pretty lost his rookie season, culminating in a game vs KC where he drew Travis Kelce, who scored about 17 TDs in a 4 minute span that game. Undeterred, Johnson has gained about 10 lbs, putting him at a chisled 226 lbs; The thought is that Johnson will be a "moneybacker" that plays a lot of box S and cover TEs, RBs and slot WRs. I mean, it's not like he's having to cover Kelce every week, right? Just Week 1...

- G Max Scharping moved inside from T, and much like Howard, turned his game up a notch every week. His power at the POA is noticable, he's a power OL who will drive his person out of position on the snap of the ball. I'm high on Howard, but VERY high on Scharping.

- TE Kahale Warring was expected to be a huge mismatch (another Kelce-type TE) but it hasn't happened yet. Last year was spent on IR and this year has been up and down at TC; He'll have a spectacular play down the deep seam, only to follow up with an incorrect route. He's battling for snaps against Darren Fells and Jordan Thomas, and it looks like Fells has a huge lead. Don't be surprised if Warring ends up on the IR again.

- DE Charles Omenihu is the starting DE opposite JJ Watt. He's really looked the part, stacking and shedding at the point of attack and flashing some solid pass rushing moves at times. He's never going to be great, but he's a reliable starter.

- CB Xavier Crawford was waived, then picked up by Miami. He's now on the Bears PS.

- FB Cullen Gillaspia is a ST standout, and will see some snaps on offense this year. People want to see him (and his 4.5 speed) catch the ball a few times.

[RaidersAreOne]

The Raiders had their best draft in a looong time under Mayock's first year.

1. DE Clelin Ferrell - Dude has put on serious size this off season (rumor is 15+ pounds). Looks to be much stronger yet faster according to beat guys and coaches. Will be moved around on the D-line and I continue for him to progress as a pass-rusher (~8 sacks) and be a good run defender. Won't be as flashy as your usual #4 overall pick but will be the definition of solid.
2. RB Josh Jacobs - Total stud and will cement himself as a top ~6 back. Word is he wants to be utilized more in the passing game so should catch more balls.
3. S Johnathan Abram - Missed most of his rookie campaign so it's tough to tell. But he hits like a train and will be our emotional leader on D. Tough to predict.
4. CB Trayvon Mullen - Had a super solid rookie campaign, especially given the little talent our D had last season. Is our #1 CB who should provide solid yet unspectacular play.
5. DE Maxx Crosby - Arguably the steal of the 2019 draft. Put up double digit sacks last year and has an insane motor. He needed to work on his strength to become more well-rounded but I expect big things.
6. CB Isaiah Johnson - Completely busted his face early last year so we didn't get to see him play hardly. Was a project at CB but has A+ athleticism. Our lead beat guy has said he has had a great camp lately so should provide some decent depth on the outside.
7. TE Foster Moreau - Looked to be a very nice TE2 before injury last season. Had 5 TD's and was a very nice compliment to Waller. The Witten signing will hurt his playing time but is great depth.
8. WR Hunter Renfrow - Third and freaking Renfrow. Dude looks like a pizza delivery guy yet just freaking gets open all the time. Over 600 yards as a rookie and will be our go-to slot guy. Should put up very respectable stats likely being our #3 target (Behind Waller and Ruggs).

Forgot to mention our UDFA's too:

1. FB Alec Ingold - Was a surprising stud in Gruden's FB loving system. Good all around player.
2. T Andre James - Depth on the O-line
3. CB Keisean Nixon - Battling for the last CB spot
4. WR Keelan Doss - Battling for the last WR spot

Overall our sophomore class will get tons of playing time and be a huge factor in the Raiders success this season and going forward.

Edited September 1, 2020 by RaidersAreOne

[minutemancl]

1 hour ago, Forge said:

6. Kaden Smith - He doesn't play for the 49ers any more, but in all seriousness, watch for him as a sleeper for the Giants at TE. He played really well for them last year when Engram went out, and we all know of course that Engram isn't exactly a bastion of health. I Haven't followed Giants TC or anything, but I would assume that Smith has the TE2 role locked up. Assuming that @minutemancl can give us an update on that. 

I'm glad you put him in your list. Yes, you're pretty much dead on with what you said. He really came up big at the end of last year and he's been good so far in camp. There are rumors of Garrett using a lot of 2-TE sets, but I don't buy it; he didn't use them in Dallas. Instead, I'm guessing Smith will get a lot of snaps when Engram inevitably gets hurt. He's a solid TE.

[btfd16]

Rams:

Taylor Rapp - Everyday starter. Fringe Pro Bowl type season.

Darrell Henderson - Hurt right now. A little bit of a let down thus far. Serviceable RBBC option with Akers and Brown.

David Long - Was wishing he would be able to beat out Troy Hill, but Troy Hill seems like he's not the old Troy Hill... hopefully. Expecting a good backup/nickel option

Bobby Evans - Was hoping for a starter, expecting a good backup in case of any injuries.

Greg Gaines - rotational DL piece

David Edwards - backup OL

Nick Scott - Special Teams

Dakota Allen - best of luck

 

[animaltested]

1. DE LJ Collier

Looking like he will enter 2020 as 2019 3rd Rounder Rasheem Greens backup at the 5 TECH. Now, from a pure speculation stand point, both Green and Collier will see alot of snaps at the 3 TECH. Currently Seattle is very light at DT, and my head canon is that the 5 TECH edges will fill in alot more kicking inside since Seattle went heavy on the EDGE front [Mayowa, Taylor, Robinson, Irvin, Griffin]. He should be a solid contributer in 2020. Just needs to stay healthy and improve.

 

2. S Marquis Blair

He was one of the most explosive players when on the field last year, but spent much of his 2019 in reserve. Pete/Ken seem to be set on slowly working Blair into a more and more prominent role. Currently Blair is set up to be a backup (behind Diggs and Adams) at safety. A new wrinkle is he has been getting a ton of snaps at nickel. Everything out of camp so far has been extremely raving and glowing about Blair. 2020 is probably going to be a transition year for him, as he is eased into a bigger role. 

3. WR DK Metcalf

A beast. And continuing to BEAST in camp. Dominating everyone Seattle is throwing at him (Griffin, Dunbar, Flowers)

 

4. LB Cody Barton

Played extremely well in the playoffs last year. Seemed to be poised to have a sizable role in 2020, but then Jordyn Brooks was brought in. Barton currently seems 5th in the peaking order (behind Irvin + Brooks). Speaks volumes to the depth and talent at the position. Probably wont have much of a role beyond ST in 2020 barring injury. He will be a huge factor in 2021 as both Irvin and Wright are set to be FA. 2021 probably sees Brooks-Wagner-Barton as the unit. 

 

5. G Phil Haynes

Got his very first playing time in 2019 in the NFC Divisional Game and played ok. 2019 was essentially a redshirt as he spent much of the time injured. He is probably ends up backing up Mike Iupati at LG. Which, given the circumstances gives him a great shot at actually making an impact this year. Should be in the mix moving forward at LG.

 

6. DB Ugo Amadi

The team and staff love the guy. He played really well on ST, but ended the year struggling against Devonte Adams. He is currently slated to battle Blair for snaps at the Nickel back, depending on what happens with the Dunbar-Flower situation. Should see quite a bit of snaps on defense, and be a KEY special teams contributor. 

 

7. LB Ben Burr-Kirvan

Spent all of 2019 on ST, and probably spends all of 2020 on ST as well. Moving forward that is probably his MO.

 

8. RB Travis Homer

Going to be interesting what happens here. Homer is a serviceable 3rd back, and good ST player. BUT 2020 4th pick Deejay Dallas has been blowing up camp thus far., and pretty much does everything Homer does, but better. Going to be really interesting what happens when Penny comes back from the PUP.

 

9. DL Demarcus Christmas

JAG working for snaps at a really thin position. Will be interesting to see if Seattle keeps him or 2020 UDFA Cedric Lattimore as a reserve 3Tech. 

 

10. WR John Ursua

Probably had an inside track to make the team as a 5th WR. But has been limited thus far with a bum foot. That being said with Dorsett also slowed with a bum wheel the door is WIDE open beneath DK + Tyler. The staff + Russell seems to love the guy, so if he is healthy he could see the field in 2020 more. 

 

11. DL Bryan Mone

2019 UDFA saw the field a bit and was decent. I think he makes the team out of camp as Poona Fords back up at the 1 Tech. 

 

 

[candyman93]

Cleveland’s 2019 class looks like a flop. Especially in comparison to 2017 and 2018. It’s not fair to write guys off due to injury, however I don’t trust Greedy or Mack long term. Long term, I have 100% confidence in Jamie Gillan and Austin Seibert. 

 

2. Greedy Williams - Needs to freaking stay healthy. He’s got a shoulder injury now.

3. Sione Takitaki - I’ve read that he’s been solid at times during camp, but sucked last season.

4. Shedrick Redwine - He’s a JAG.

4. Mack Wilson - Can cover well and is a vocal leader. However, he’s hurt and can’t tackle at all.

5. Austin Seibert - One of the few draft picks I feel will contribute long term. Pretty average, but I’ll take it.

6. Drew Forbes - Might have cost himself a roster spot next year by opting out this year. It sucks, but it was going to be a battle against Wyatt Teller to begin with.

7. Donnie Lewis - Would be cut if not for injuries in our secondary.

 

UDFA

Porter Gustin - Actually has been impressive in TC. Very intrigued to see how he develops. He’s our #4 DE.

Jamie Gillan - Very popular among fans and can punt the hell out of a football.

[Trentwannabe]

Buffalo:

Round 1 DT Ed Oliver - He is on the verge of being an absolute star in this league. Will have more talent around him this year on the DL and a full year under his belt to adjust to the speed.

Round 2 OL Cody Ford - Some reports out of camp suggest he will start the season at RG. He can be an absolute stud there and potential Pro-bowl player. He was sloppy at RT last year.

Round 3 RB Devin Singletary - Very good back who'll be apart of a tremendous 1-2 punch in Buffalo for the next few season. Will got a lot of work between the 20's.

Round 3 TE Dawson Knox - Puts his drops behind him and becomes a Redzone threat as well as a beast in run blocking. 8TD's this season. 

Round 5 LB Vosean Joseph - Practice Squad maybe. 

Round 6 S Jaquan Johnson - Becomes a special teams stud that starts to receive some national recognition as well. 

Round 7 Daryl Johnson - Solid rotational guy who also blocks a few field goals. Ends season with 4 sacks. 

Round 7 Tommy Sweeney - Overcomes early season injury to solidify #2 TE spot behind Knox. 

[.Buzz]

Round 1 DE Josh Allen - Made the pro bowl as a rookie and deserved every part of it as a rookie. Going to be a force and one of the best edge rushers in the NFL is due time. I expect him to build on last year, especially with more playing time coming 

Round 2 OT Jawaan Taylor - All the makings of a franchise RT. He had his ups and downs last year but came on really strong the last several games of the season. I expect him to become a legit prominent RT this year.

Round 3 TE Josh Oliver - Was hurt last year and ended up breaking a bone in his foot this year. Bulked up and looked like a freak during TC prior to injury. Unfortunate he can't seem to stay healthy thus far.

Round 3 OLB Quincy Williams - Looked to be a reach on draft day and has continued as such. Played some last year and just looked outmatched. Think he makes the roster but strictly as a depth LB at this point.

Round 5 RB Ryquell Armstead - Didn't get a ton of run but showed some things as a rookie. With the release of Fournette I expect him to get a shot to take the job, but he's been out sick/missed most of camp so far so he's behind the 8 ball. We'll see if he gets a shot or Ozigbo/Robinson take the job and run with it.

Round 6 QB Gardner Minshew - Great rookie campaign as most know. Potential to be "our guy" with continued development. I liked what I saw last year but clearly a lot of work left to be done. I expect an improved Minshew this year with Gruden running the offense and sculpting it around him unlike what DeFillipo did last year. Top 20 QB in the league.

Round 7 DT Dontavius Russell - He has some quality you look for in a big run stuffing DT but we haven't had much of a chance to see him. Given the fact we lost a lot of guys due to opt outs/retirements on the interior he should get a chance. At this point I'm hopeful for a decent depth DT but we'll see.

[KhanYouDigIt]

Josh Allen, Jawaan Taylor and Gardner Minshew will all have big years.

Don’t expect much impact from any of the other rookies besides Armstead.

[AntonChigurh]

Kyler is already looking liking a perennial MVP 

[candyman93]

I might be forgetting guys, but it seems like most future super stars take off from the gates early. Are there any recent late bloomers (after 2 years)?

[Forge]

3 minutes ago, candyman93 said:

I might be forgetting guys, but it seems like most future super stars take off from the gates early. Are there any recent late bloomers (after 2 years)?

Marlon Humphrey was good but not "special" I'd say in his first two years. Last year he was a top three cb. 

If you're looking for guys who were actively not good or didn't play and became studs in year three, not so sure about that. 

 

[Big Snack]

10 minutes ago, candyman93 said:

I might be forgetting guys, but it seems like most future super stars take off from the gates early. Are there any recent late bloomers (after 2 years)?

not that recent but james harrison comes to mind