David Kenyon
The NFL isn’t always kind to its best players. Although talent is never the question with these standouts, personal struggles, health issues or team problems can all create a situation in which it’s difficult to succeed.
But no matter the reason for the disappointing previous campaign, several stars are working toward a resurgent season in 2018.
While nothing is guaranteed, these stars are positioned well to reclaim their deserved praise in the fall.
Odell Beckham Jr., WR, New York Giants
After three straight 1,300-yard seasons to begin his career, Odell Beckham Jr. endured a bit of a roller coaster in 2017. He missed New York’s opener against the Cowboys before catching 25 passes for 302 yards and three touchdowns during his first four appearances. However, an ankle injury ended Beckham’s season in early October. The offseason has included a handful of trade rumors, but the Giants have apparently decided to keep OBJ in town. It’s the smart choice, and it’ll pay dividends in the fall.
Eric Berry, S, Kansas City Chiefs
Last offseason, the Chiefs made Eric Berry the highest-paid safety in the league. The celebration didn’t last long, though. On the season’s opening night, Berry needed to be carted off the field due to a ruptured Achilles. He managed seven tackles in his lone appearance of 2017. Berry, who vowed to return “better than ever,” provided a glimmer of hope when he joined Kansas City for organized team activities (OTAs). The All-Pro should be fully healthy when September rolls around.
Malcolm Butler, CB, Tennessee Titans
The hero of Super Bowl XLIX, Malcolm Butler hardly touched the field for Super Bowl LII despite being a season-long starter for the New England Patriots. For a non-injured player, it doesn’t get much rougher than that. Unsurprisingly, the moment he touched free agency in March, Butler was gone. Besides, he’d also been demoted to the No. 2 corner in New England, whereas he’ll regain the top spot with the Titans. Butler has a fresh outlook during his first season in Tennessee.
Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders
Are the Raiders elite? That was a popular question during the 2017 offseason, and the answer ended up as a resounding no. Derek Carr finished the year with 22 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions, a huge difference from a 2016 campaign that featured 28 scores and only six picks. The arrival of Jon Gruden isn’t an instant fix for Oakland — especially considering the odd personnel moves — but the wise offensive coach should have a positive effect on Carr’s development.
Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings impressed the NFL world en route to the NFC Championship Game last season, but they could’ve garnered even more attention had Dalvin Cook been healthy. In four appearances, the rookie collected 354 yards with an average of 4.8 per carry. But a torn left ACL sidelined him for a majority of the strong campaign. Cook is reportedly ahead of schedule in his recovery, so Minnesota will be anticipating Week 1 availability. And if he’s ready, the Vikings can boast a dangerous rushing attack.
Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots
Preseason games have immense value for back-of-the-roster contenders. The exhibitions, though, sometimes turn from tune-up to season-wrecker. Such was the case for Julian Edelman, whose torn right ACL prevented him from playing an official down in 2017. Edelman has looked explosive in a workout this summer, and he’s expected to participate in training camp. As long as there’s no setback, Edelman will reclaim his spot as Tom Brady’s favorite target during the regular season.
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Considering the circumstance, T.Y. Hilton putting up 966 yards in 2017 really wasn’t terrible. He only had 109 targets because of the youth under center. But when Andrew Luck is healthy, the NFL has seen the best version of the speedy wideout. Hilton racked up career highs of 91 receptions and 1,448 yards in 2016. Luck, theoretically, will be ready for the 2018 season. Should that happen, the Colts will finally have a trusted thrower behind center, and Hilton’s numbers will climb.
Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota showed glimpses of greatness with 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2016. Last season was supposed to be his major breakout year. Instead, the Oregon product tossed 13 scores compared to 15 picks. Yes, the Titans still reached the playoffs, but Mariota was no better than average. Although some coaching changes can be problematic, Tennessee should see an improved version of Mariota with Sean McVay disciple Matt LaFleur overseeing the offense in 2018.
Lamar Miller, RB, Houston Texans
From the “how can this be real” statistical department, Lamar Miller handled 238 carries yet never recorded a run longer than 21 yards. With his speed, that’s truly remarkable — and not in a good way. Miller ended the season at 888 yards on the ground, averaging a mediocre 3.7 per attempt. As a result, the front office put a clear priority on upgrading the unit in free agency. By no means is Houston’s offensive line completely fixed, but Miller will enjoy a few more running lanes in 2018.
Jordy Nelson, WR, Oakland Raiders
The connection between Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson was special. But he and Brett Hundley certainly didn’t have that rapport. In eight games with the backup, Nelson mustered only 164 yards and ultimately ended the year with 482. Green Bay decided to part ways with the veteran, and he soon joined Oakland. Even though the Raiders won’t rely on him as a No. 1 target — that responsibility falls on Amari Cooper — Nelson can double his 2017 production while helping Carr bounce back, too.
Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott’s stellar performance as Tony Romo’s injury replacement in 2016 pushed the veteran into the broadcast booth. Prescott’s first year as the unquestioned starter didn’t go as planned. His interception total rose soared from four to 13, and his completion percentage dropped from 67.8 to 62.9. But between Ezekiel Elliott’s absence and Tyron Smith’s injury troubles, Prescott has a couple of legitimate excuses in addition to his acknowledged sophomore slump. Get ready for a resurgent Dak in 2018.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
One season after leading the NFL with 40 touchdown passes, Aaron Rodgers only played in seven games due to a broken collarbone. As a result, Green Bay missed the postseason for the first time since 2008. However, the NFL has come to expect nothing less than greatness from Rodgers when he’s healthy. And in 2018, he has a shiny new pass-catcher in All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham. The Vikings remain the preeminent competition in the NFC North, but Rodgers will put Green Bay back on a playoff track.
Sammy Watkins, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
By trading Alex Smith to Washington, Kansas City handed the reins to Patrick Mahomes. Sammy Watkins should be a primary beneficiary of the Texas Tech product taking over the Chiefs offense. Over the last two seasons, Watkins managed a combined 67 catches for 1,023 yards in 23 appearances. But it’s within reason that the 2014 first-round pick matches those marks in 2018 alone. Watkins could finally show off his superstar potential as a featured player in Andy Reid’s offense.
J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans
Not only did a tibial plateau fracture cost J.J. Watt most of the 2017 season, back surgery limited him to three games in 2016. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is ready for a healthy campaign. And similar to Rodgers, there’s little evidence to suggest Watt won’t be a nightmare to defend if he avoids injury. From 2012-2015, he racked up 69 sacks and 41 pass deflections. Houston surrendered the fourth-most yards per play in 2017, but Watt’s presence won’t allow that to happen again.
Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are patiently waiting for Jameis Winston to have a true breakout year. While he’s definitely not a bust, inconsistency and poor downfield accuracy have plagued the No. 1 overall pick of the 2015 NFL draft. But this offseason, Tampa upgraded the offensive line and the backfield. Having a legitimate running game would reduce the pressure on Winston trying to do everything for the Bucs. And the result — even if it’s shy of the postseason — should be the best season of Winston’s young career.
