The National Football League has always been about a "what have you done for me lately" business, so it's always interesting to point out play makers on the rise. The Jacksonville Jaguars are full of young players these days, but three players stand out above the rest as talents clearly on the rise.
1. Marcedes Lewis (TE) -- Marcedes Lewis is a massive tight end that has become known more for his dominant blocking skills over his first few years in the NFL, than any kind of penchant of being an elite receiving target, however that's starting to change. Over the last two seasons, Marcedes has stepped up as a big time play maker on the receiving game that is both reliable, and capable of producing explosive plays for the Jags when they need them the most. Early on in his NFL career, Marcedes looked awkward after the catch and looked like he still needed to grow into his body, however these days the 6'6" tight end looks completely natural in his pursuit for further yards.
The Jaguars seem to have recognized the growth of Marcedes' skills, and decided to use their franchise tag on him to prevent him from testing the free agent market, where he could certainly command a pretty penny after he looked even better during his pro bowl performance in Hawaii.
2. Terrance Knighton (DT) -- Terrance Knighton is a defensive tackle of huge proportions, in fact, that's precisely why his team nicknamed him "Pot Roast" during his rookie season. The team and fans already knew Knighton was a stud at the point of attack due to his hard-to-miss-and-even-harder-to-get-by size, however it was his surprisingly good pass rushing skills that have elevated him to the cusp of the NFL's elite at the position heading into his third year. If Knighton can continue his production against the run, and further improve his ability to impact the quarterback, then the Jaguars could have found a replacement for big John Henderson and Marcus Stroud sooner than they had expected.
3. Mike Thomas (WR) -- Mike Thomas isn't exactly what you would call a big player - his 5'8" frame would never confuse anyone about that - but he clearly plays with a big heart, and shows up in big moments. While many of the Jaguars faithful were expecting to see former UCF star Mike Sims-Walker step into the limelight this past season, it was Mike Thomas who consistently proved he could make plays, and move the chains for the offense. Whether it was on a screen, a reverse or just catching a big pass on third down, Mike Thomas was the go-to receiver for the Jaguars when they needed something to happen, and he did quite well in that role.
Many have speculated that Thomas could be even better if the Jaguars could collect more receiving talent, and allow Thomas to work out of the slot where his speed, and thick lower body could provide mismatches against less talented corners, or slow linebackers. The truth is, Mike Thomas has shown he can be productive anywhere on the field, and it's only a matter of how far he's able to develop his talent.
Author Resource:
David is a Jacksonville native and a huge fan of the Jaguars. When David isn't singing "move those chains" at EverBank stadium with other Jags faithful, he can be found writing articles about Madden 12 and other things on his entertainment Ezine.
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