In Around The NFL's "Making the Leap" series, we feature emerging players to keep an eye on in 2016. Whether rising from no-namer to quality starter or vaulting from standout to superstar, each of these individuals is poised to break through in the coming campaign. To view a player spotlight, click on its entry below.
NOTE: Entries will be added as they are completed in this ongoing series.
Marshall Faulk's versatility earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame; he could burn you as a runner or receiver. Chris Wesseling sees the same kind of electric skill set in Cardinals RB David Johnson.
You might remember Byron Jones as a combine stud -- but Kevin Patra explains why the safety is about to make his mark as the playmaking ballhawk the Dallas Cowboys desperately need.
An injury spoiled a large chunk of DeVante Parker's rookie season, but he excelled down the stretch. In fact, Gregg Rosenthal thinks the Dolphins receiver could channel DeAndre Hopkins in Year 2.
After four ultimately frustrating years in Miami, Lamar Miller bolted for the Houston Texans -- and Dan Hanzus explains why he expects the versatile back to become an elite ball carrier in 2016.
As a rookie, Tyler Lockett wasted no time making his name known as an All-Pro kick returner. Kevin Patra explores why the WR will be even more dynamic for Seattle's offense in Year 2.
In Year 1, RB Duke Johnson made his biggest impact in the Browns' passing game. Marc Sessler explains why the back could flourish on all levels in Year 2 under new head coach Hue Jackson.
You might have forgotten about Falcons offensive lineman Jake Matthews -- but Conor Orr explains why people shouldn't sleep on a rapidly improving player in line to make a major splash in 2016.
Think the Falcons overpaid for Mohamed Sanu? Think again. Chris Wesseling sees a versatile No. 2 receiver who can help Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and the rest of Atlanta's offense soar once more.
With the New York Jets' D-line in flux, Leonard Williams has an opportunity to step up. Dan Hanzus explains why he sees Williams becoming a Richard Seymour-type fixture for Gang Green in 2016.
Denzel Perryman turned plenty of heads as a rookie with bone-jarring hits in run defense, but Gregg Rosenthal explains what the Chargers linebacker must do in Year 2 to reach his full potential.
Clive Walford came to life down the stretch of his rookie season. Can the Raiders tight end follow the Rob Gronkowski/Travis Kelce career model with a monster Year 2? Marc Sessler explores.
It was supposed to take time for Marcus Mariota to adapt to the NFL game, but the No. 2 overall pick displayed off-the-charts poise as a rookie. And Conor Orr thinks he can be a top-12 QB in Year 2.
Donte Moncrief has yet to crack the 1,000-yard mark, and Phillip Dorsett had 18 catches as a rookie. But Chris Wesseling says the Colts WRs can play an integral role in Indy's offensive revival.
Ronald Darby's career got off to a roaring start last season. Can he ascend to the level of another CB who famously thrived under Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan? Kevin Patra eyes a rising star.
Former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney has yet to live up to his lofty billing, but he showed plenty of promise last season. In fact, Gregg Rosenthal thinks he could emerge as a Terrell Suggs-like force.