Global News

Tuesday August 31, 2010

• PUBLISHED 13 hours and 30 minutes ago
• LAST UPDATED 12 hours and 47 minutes ago

SN correspondents spotlight three players on each team who are poised to step up their games this season:

OLB Aaron Maybin. although he hasn't shown signs yet of being an effective every-down player, Maybin will get every opportunity to flourish as a situational pass rusher. he lacks stoutness against the run, which is why he probably won't see much time on first down or short-yardage situations. But if he develops some counter moves to complement his explosive first step, he could fill the void left by Aaron Schobel's retirement.

CB Leodis McKelvin. The coaches said McKelvin would bust out last season, but a broken ankle in Week 3 ended his season. Now healthy, he is expected to finally live up to being the 11th-overall pick in 2008. McKelvin has to speed to run with most receivers and the toughness to support the run. he will take risks and sometimes has lapses in concentration. If he maintains his focus and maximizes his physical ability, he could become one of the better corners in the NFL.

RG Eric Wood. a compound leg fracture ended a solid rookie season, but he is back and shows signs of elevating his game. he is physical and plays with a mean streak. his pass-protecting skills need some work, but he has the tools to become the line's anchor. --Allen Wilson

OLB Cameron Wake. The Dolphins let Jason Taylor and Joey Porter leave in free agency in part because of the confidence the coaches have in Wake's potential. he is not yet an elite linebacker, but his presence as a pass-rush specialist is eye-opening. he only needs to improve against the run.

WR Brian Hartline. as a rookie, he averaged 16.3 yards on 31 catches. If he can even stay close to that average as his repetitions increase in 2010, Hartline will have established his place in the NFL. he is slated to line up as the starter opposite WR Brandon Marshall.

FS Chris Clemons. when the Dolphins failed to sign Ryan Clark in free agency, it seemed like Miami could have a big hole on the back line. Clemons, in his second year, has embraced the opportunity. with few mental mistakes in camp, Clemons still must improve during games but has displayed flashes to make the coaches feel better about the position. --Jeff Darlington

WR/KR Brandon Tate. he missed most of last year recovering from a knee injury, but it doesn't look like it when you see him. he established himself as the top candidate to break out with a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Rams. Throw in his quick acclimation to receiving, and Tate could become a favorite of QB Tom Brady.

ILB Brandon Spikes. he might be a rookie, but he plays like a veteran. If Jerod Mayo goes down, he could call the defensive signals. Spikes' ability to read a play and hit like a ton of bricks makes him a Rookie of the Year candidate.

TE Aaron Hernandez. The rookie runs routes with the wide receivers, blocks with the tight ends and catches like a rising star. he already has more dynamic catches in practice than any of the tight ends the Patriots have had in years. he could be utilized like the Colts use All-Pro TE Dallas Clark, expanding the field horizontally and vertically. --Ian R. Rapoport

TE Dustin Keller. he has 93 receptions in two pro seasons but is poised to do a lot more as opponents try to take away WRs Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. Keller emerged as a go-to target for QB mark Sanchez during the playoffs, and that trend should continue.

DE/OLB Vernon Gholston. It's now or never for the third-year pro, a disappointment since the Jets drafted him sixth overall in 2008. he might never become the pass rusher the Jets envisioned, but at least he could develop into a reliable run stuffer as part of a rotation.

FS Eric Smith. The coaches would prefer he didn't start because he is so valuable on special teams. But starter Brodney Pool has had trouble staying healthy and was nicked up in last week's preseason loss to Washington. Smith is a hard hitter but also a smart player who usually is in the right place at the right time. --J.P. Pelzman