The other day our NFL expert Mike Kaye took a look at 10 players ready to break out and make a name for themselves in 2011.  Today we bring you how the other half lives: the NFC, where anything can happen (just ask the Packers and Giants)

MIKE KAYE

There’s more to the NFL than just Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.  In fact, given the large scope of NFL players that perform in relative obscurity, most NFL players are actually guys who float under the radar.  Many never make it.  The average career is shorter than your usual college tenure.  But every year there are a handful of guys who break free from the pack and make a name for themselves.  These are the 10 guys from the NFC who I like to make the next step in 2011.

Starting with the NFC…

1. John Phillips-TE-Dallas Cowboys

Lost in the lust over Jason Witten and the disappointment in Martellus Bennett, is a very talented blocker and under-rated receiver in tight end John Phillips. This team really missed him last year because of injury and some would argue Tony Romo may have not gotten injured had John Phillips been blocking on the play where he got injured. If you watch the Cowboys often, you know that they enjoy pounding the football on the ground and like two-tight end sets. I think Phillips overtakes the very athletic, but inconsistent Bennett early in the season.

2. Victor Cruz-WR-New York Giants

This kid can stretch the field. He has been competing with Domenik Hixon for the slot job, but I think even if Cruz wins that job, he’ll get some looks on the outside. He blew up the preseason last year before he got injury redshirted for his first year (injury redshirting is commonly used for players that teams really want to keep but don’t have the room for due to depth, team needs, etc.). Cruz has great body control and speed. With a year to learn the offense and with his abilities, look for him to make NYG fans say “Steve who?”

3. Jamar Chaney-OLB-Philadelphia Eagles

Chaney took over for Stewart Bradley late into last season and made his starting debut as the middle linebacker in the game now known by Eagles’ fans as the “Miracle in the Meadowlands 2.” The quick, young linebacker was impressive with 16 (12 solo) tackles in the game as a rookie.  New Defensive Coordinator Juan Castillo has now moved Chaney to the strong side to fit the former 6^th round pick’s strengths. He has the ability to be a tremendous leader and coverage linebacker for a team that has been seeking both at the position for too long.

4. Brian Iwuh-OLB-Chicago Bears

Easily the best back-up linebacker for the Bears; I could see him unseating incumbent Nick Roach at the SAM linebacker position. Dude is a tackling machine with good instincts. When he played in Jacksonville, he was a preseason highlight machine, and now in his second year with the Bears, he has a chance to really establish himself. Iwuh is a fantastic special teams players and I think that he has the ability to step-up into a starter role with the competition being thin for the SLB slot.

5. Cliff Avril-DE-Detroit Lions

With talent all over the defensive line, Avril stands benefit as the left end. Corey Williams, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Ndamukong Suh, and rookie Nick Fairley all have the talent for teams to be worried about, so Avril can slip through the cracks on both game plans and the offense line. I expect Avril to reap the rewards of have the best pair of young defensive tackles in the league.

6. Erin Henderson-OLB-Minnesota Vikings

It’s easy to get Erin confused with his much more established older brother, E.J., being that they look so much alike and play for the same team. However, the younger Henderson has been buried on the bench due to Ben Leber in the starting line-up. Leber is gone, so now the undrafted veteran has a starting job. Look for his ability in passing downs, the guy has a great football I.Q. and coverage skills to match. Like most Maryland alumni, he is extremely athletic and can definitely flourish on the outside.

7. Sherrod Martin-SS-Carolina Panthers

Martin started last year and had a decent year, but a new defense of scheme that relies heavily on the safety position, Martin has the opportunity to get national notoriety. He’s a good tackler and can offer some pretty big hits, but I think his nose for the ball makes him ideal with Sean McDermott’s defense.

8. Cody Grimm-FS-Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Grimm is the son of Hall of Fame offensive lineman, Russ Grimm.  Much like his father, he is certainly tough and has great football instincts that show on the field. Now he is the starter at free safety next to veteran Sean Jones at the strong safety spot. Grimm will benefit from corner Aqib Talib staying with the team. He can trust Talib and vet Ronde Barber in coverage, so Grimm will be able to man center field with confidence.

9. Greg Toler-CB-Arizona Cardinals*

With Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie gone, Toler is set for a bigger role. Toler, who has spent a lot of his career as a nickel, will be leaned on a tad more with rookie Patrick Peterson learning the NFL game and Richard Marshall’s ability to bite badly on double moves. Toler won’t have huge numbers but he is consistent in coverage and can tackle. (*This was written right before his injury).

10. Brandon Gibson-WR-St. Louis Rams

Sam Bradford needed a number one guy, but he still doesn’t have one. That doesn’t mean he won’t have a guy on the outside that he can rely on. Gibson was considered one of the best route-runners of the 2009 Draft Class and it has showed on the field when he has been given time. He was 87 catches for 968 yards in two seasons with the Rams and that has been with inconsistent playing time. With his strong showing this preseason (including an 80-plus yard TD) and the Rams lack of receiver talent, it’s hard to bet against the guy.

This is my first of three countdowns of the next three weeks. We will look at the 20 rookies set-up to fail countdown next week. I will not be doing Double Coverage this year, but will have the occasional articles during the season and will have weekly picks with analysis every week. It’s great to be back and I hope you enjoy the reading at work, at kids’ play dates, or even on the toilet (I don’t judge).

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