The Unrealized Potential – generally reserved for 2nd or 3rd year players that were strong college performers and/or high draft choices that have yet to get their chance at the next level and produce like they are capable of doing. Given the right set of circumstances, they could emerge at any time.
- Golden Tate, WR, Seattle Seahawks (5-11, 195 ; age 22)
An explosive playmaker at Notre Dame, Tate often found himself on the outside looking in as a rookie, getting his number called very infrequently despite flashing his skills early. His first regular season grab was a 52 yard catch-and-run that he almost took to the house. One of his first punt returns netted 63 yards. With Pete Carroll suggesting this offseason that he needs to get Tate more involved in the offense there's a good possibility of him racking up some big plays and good yardage as a #2 or #3 WR. He's the prototypical flier pick.
- Early Doucet, WR, Arizona Cardinals (6-0, 207 ; age 25)
An '08 third round pick, Doucet has either been too buried in a top-notch depth chart or too banged up to display his strong hands and after-the-catch ability. The primary showcase of his skills was a 77-yard, 2-TD game in the '09 playoffs that mirrored a young Anquan Boldin. That appeared to be the prelude to a breakout 2010 season, but instead he was dealt more injuries and terrible QB play. A potential free agent, he could land in a better situation or become a starter in Arizona if the Cards keep him and let Steve Breaston sign elsewhere. Either way if he can stay upright and connect with a serviceable passer, he could finally let his talent shine. He's not draftable yet, but worth monitoring for his upside.
- Ramses Barden, WR, New York Giants (6-6, 229 ; age 25)
Barden is an intriguing sleeper for a variety of reasons. One, he's huge and athletic. Two, he came in as a rookie with Hakeem Nicks and was more hyped than Nicks throughout their first training camp. Three, he's huge. Four, he could potentially get some legit playing time. Five, he's really, really huge. If the G-Men don't resign Steve Smith, Barden could wind up the #3 receiver in a strong offense and a redzone terror. Keep close tabs on him after the draft.
- Eric Decker, WR, Denver Broncos (6-2, 215 ; age 24)
Decker struggled as a rookie to work his way into the receiver rotation after having a promising preseason. He has a good combination of size and speed and knows how to find the soft spots in the coverage. With Demaryius Thomas out the first half of the season, don't be surprised to see Decker emerge and possibly wind up the #2 to Brandon Lloyd. Jabar Gaffney and Eddie Royal have greater experience, but both are no better than career slot receivers. Decker can be a legit #2 in this league, so watch him carefully on the waiver wire.
- Damian Williams, WR, Tennessee Titans (6-0, 195 ; age 23)
He didn't put up big numbers as a rookie, with only 16 catches and a shade over 200 yards, but Williams has the size and ability to be a very solid #2 receiver alongside Kenny Britt. If Jake Locker can develop or the Titans can bring in a veteran like Matt Hasselbeck he could steal major minutes from Nate Washington. Regardless of who's triggering the offense though, Williams has the route running and soft hands to become a fantasy factor sooner rather than later. He could be a strong bye-week fill in off the waiver wire.
- Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (5-11, 230 ; age 21)
After rumbling for 175 yards and a touch in the final 2 Steelers' preseason games, Dwyer did not see game action until week 17. But Dwyer was making a difficult transition from the triple option O he became accustomed to at Georgia Tech, and Tomlin has already expressed this offseason that he expects big strides from the bruising runner in year 2. Similar to Rashard Mendenhall, he's built like a tank but has quick feet and an explosive burst going through the line. If he performs well in the preseason he's a good handcuff to Mendenhall who has no one else behind him.
- Javon Ringer, RB, Tennessee Titans (5-9, 205 ; age 24)
Ringer is another in a group of running back sleepers that must be looked at as handcuffs. Stuck behind an elite talent, it would take a Chris Johnson injury for him to emerge, but the 4.7 yards-per-carry average he held for 50 carries last year show that he has the skillset to produce. Built similarly to Ray Rice, he runs with great balance and pad level while displaying good burst through open running lanes. He's not the home-run threat that Johnson is or the pinball that Rice is, but he can get the corner or cut back through the line with speed and decisiveness. He should be a late insurance pick for Johnson owners or an investment for owners who lack RB depth.
- Stephen Williams, WR, Arizona Cardinals (6-5, 199 ; age 23)
After a very promising preseason in which Williams flashed an ability to separate from coverage and run after the catch, this lanky, long-strider struggled to get consistent playing time during the regular season while nursing a back injury. Though he was undrafted out of Toledo he showed the chops, albeit briefly, to stick in the NFL. His length and speed make him a difficult matchup for smaller corners and if the Cardinals part ways with either Steve Breaston or Early Doucet, both free agents, Williams could potentially climb into a starting role. If Arizona lands a quality QB, like a Kevin Kolb, don't forget about this future #2 wideout.
- Cedric Peerman, RB, Cincinnati Bengals (5-9, 216 ; age 24)
A 6th round pick in '09, Peerman could be in the mix for some carries in Cinci this season if Cedric Benson either leaves in free agency or suffers an injury, neither of which would be shocking. With good size at 216 pounds and blazing 4.34 speed, Peerman has the muscle to run inside or outside and the uncoachable ability to get into the secondary in a hurry. Though he has virtually no regular season stats through 2 years, he did have a 93-yard TD run in the '10 preseason. Pay attention to this burner if he can crack the lineup.
- Dorin Dickerson, WR, Houston Texans (6-2, 230 ; age 23)
With Andre Johnson drawing so much attention, everyone else will get single coverage all day. Kevin Walter has taken advantage of it in years past. Even Jacoby Jones stepped up in '09. But with Jones a free agent and Walter declining some, it could be Dickerson's turn. An H-Back at Pittsburgh, he showed an uncanny ability to find open holes in the defense as well as excellent hands to secure the ball. Additionally, his tremendous size and athleticism makes him tough to bring down after the catch. He ran a 4.4 at the '09 combine with a 43-inch vertical. After being a 7th rounder and buried on the depth chart last year, no one will see this potential beast coming. But now you will.