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- Jul 27, 2010
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I like both of your picks.In the category of "exceeded expectations," I'd say the players that stood out the most in 2021 were Brian Allen on offense and Greg Gaines on defense.
I have no problem admitting that I had little faith in Allen going into the season, but he proved me wrong. While he's not going to make anyone forget Rich Saul or Doug Smith, he was a solid and consistent contributor. As for Gaines, he got his chance when Sebastian Joseph-Day was injured, and really performed well enough to secure the starting spot and make SJD expendable.
So which of our players who is not expected by many to be many to make an impact do you think will make a significant jump this season?
My candidates:
Offense: Kendall Blanton. I know @Loyal thought I'd go with Tutu, but Blanton showed flashes in the playoffs and, with Johnny Mundt gone, he'll have the chance to secure the No. 2 TE spot. I considered whether to predict Brycen Hopkins, but I think Blanton's size (260 lbs.) and versatility will keep him above Hopkins on the depth chart.
Defense: Bobby Brown. With SJD gone, Brown has a great chance of securing a role in the DL rotation. I think he has more upside than Michael Hoecht and Marquise Copeland, and could be a significant contributor in what I expect to be an outstanding run defense.
Who are your risers for 2022?
I like what I saw from Blanton in the playoffs, when he hadn't had that many snaps in the regular season.
Bobby Brown was good on the other side and hopefully becomes a monster!
I think Gaines will get even better. We need to lock him up this year!