My most improved player prediction for 2009...

[Chris Luva Luva]

Carlos Rogers. To be quite honest, if he has any more room for improvement (aside from INTs) we'll be extremely lucky because he's already a darned fine DB. Ok, he doesn't get picks, that's an issue. That stops him from being classified as a shutdown DB but really... His lack of picks is only an issue because QB's have had so much time to throw in the past. Los, Smoot, and Springs played EXECEPTIONALLY well under the circumstances they've had to endure. I'm looking forward to seeing how well our secondary plays with a pass rush.

Carlos can cover darn near any WR in this league step for step. He'll have a chip on his shoulder this year. He's going to feel slighted cus they got Hall and paid him but he can't be too mad cus that woulda been his money if he could catch. But I know how some of you get and you're going to blame his breakout year on him being a money grubbing whore when that's not the case. He's improved every year and is still getting better. He needs to be retained and he needs to get paid a decent amount of cheese.

Los will have at least 4 picks this year, that's my prediction.

Who do you predict?

[Bob 0119]

Carlos Rogers. To be quite honest, if he has any more room for improvement (aside from INTs) we'll be extremely lucky because he's already a darned fine DB. Ok, he doesn't get picks, that's an issue. That stops him from being classified as a shutdown DB but really... His lack of picks is only an issue because QB's have had so much time to throw in the past. Los, Smoot, and Springs played EXECEPTIONALLY well under the circumstances they've had to endure. I'm looking forward to seeing how well our secondary plays with a pass rush.

Carlos can cover darn near any WR in this league step for step. He'll have a chip on his shoulder this year. He's going to feel slighted cus they got Hall and paid him but he can't be too mad cus that woulda been his money if he could catch. But I know how some of you get and you're going to blame his breakout year on him being a money grubbing whore when that's not the case. He's improved every year and is still getting better. He needs to be retained and he needs to get paid a decent amount of cheese.

Los will have at least 4 picks this year, that's my prediction.

Who do you predict?

I agree with you. He gets his hands on the ball. That counts. It's only a matter of time before he starts turning deflections into turnovers.

Especially with Hall lined up across the way from him.

[SkinsFreak]

Great topic, I was thinking of a similar one a few days ago.

I know many will disagree with my predictions, but I have a few...

Jason Campbell. That's right, I said it. 2nd year in the system, Zorn as his coach, the use of Thomas, Kelly and Davis, new attitude from wanting to prove himself, contract year... all of those things could help elevate JC's productivity.

Rocky McIntosh. Even though he played fairly well last season coming off his injury, I think he'll be better this year with more confidence.

Thomas, Kelly & Davis have a shot. Keep an eye on Kareem Moore.

[frankcal20]

after reading the interview article on Kelly - I think he will triple his 3 receptions from last year at a minimum. I could see him getting on average 1-2 catches per year.

[Chris Luva Luva]

I agree with you. He gets his hands on the ball. That counts. It's only a matter of time before he starts turning deflections into turnovers.

Especially with Hall lined up across the way from him.

He'll get more balls thrown his way cus of Hall and have more chances. The increased pass rush will increase his chances.

I'm sure that Hall will work with him also... This guy is a stud.

Jason Campbell. That's right, I said it. 2nd year in the system, Zorn as his coach, the use of Thomas, Kelly and Davis, new attitude from wanting to prove himself, contract year... all of those things could help elevate JC's productivity.

Check my sig.

Rocky McIntosh. Even though he played fairly well last season coming off his injury, I think he'll be better this year with more confidence.

He'll be fine.

Keep an eye on Kareem Moore.

I'm looking forward to a cobra package with him, Horton and LL.

[vwoodzpusha]

I am going to go with Andre Carter. I think Haynesworth is going to benefit him the most. More sacks, more disruption.

Second I would go with Deangelo Hall. 2nd year in the defense and now he knows what they expect from him in the scheme.

[VetSkinsFan]

I think Carlos is a prime candidate for this, but my prediction is Thomas. I watched the WAS/PHI game two weekends ago and something jumped out at me about Thomas. He was FIGHTING for yards, a la Fitz. No, I'm not comparing him overall to Fitz, but Fitz always fight for yards. He doesn't duck out of bounds. He doesn't necessarily run away from contact.

I saw some of this in Thomas. On the reverse TD he had, he fought for that TD. He extended knowing he was going to take contact, but he did it.

I know this may sound like I'm really reaching, but I liked what I saw.

I'm not a college ball fan, so I really don't know what he did in college, so my opinions of NFL players are usually their NFL production. I do recall he was a 1 year wonder, so that could also be a contributor to the slow progression at the highest level.

[Chris Luva Luva]

I think Carlos is a prime candidate for this, but my prediction is Thomas. I watched the WAS/PHI game two weekends ago and something jumped out at me about Thomas. He was FIGHTING for yards, a la Fitz. No, I'm not comparing him overall to Fitz, but Fitz always fight for yards. He doesn't duck out of bounds. He doesn't necessarily run away from contact.

I saw some of this in Thomas. On the reverse TD he had, he fought for that TD. He extended knowing he was going to take contact, but he did it.

I know this may sound like I'm really reaching, but I liked what I saw.

I'm not a college ball fan, so I really don't know what he did in college, so my opinions of NFL players are usually their NFL production. I do recall he was a 1 year wonder, so that could also be a contributor to the slow progression at the highest level.

YOU AREN'T REACHING! I've been saying this about Thomas for many months. The guy is aggressive and will fight and claw for yardage. His YAC will be great once everything falls into place.

[langleyparkjoe]

Landry... he's gonna get payback on Jacobs and for that alone he'll be the most improved player

[VetSkinsFan]

Landry... he's gonna get payback on Jacobs and for that alone he'll be the most improved player

LL won't get payback. What will happen is that he'll get smarter about tackling Jacobs, which is sufficient for me.

[SKINFAN]

Landry... he's gonna get payback on Jacobs and for that alone he'll be the most improved player

LL won't get payback. What will happen is that he'll get smarter about tackling Jacobs, which is sufficient for me.

amen, that play made me miss ST21 more than ever. And smart tacling can prolong his career.


I think it will be ACarter, with big Al commandng attention he'd be a bit better cruising down the sides.

[Irn-Bru]

after reading the interview article on Kelly - I think he will triple his 3 receptions from last year at a minimum. I could see him getting on average 1-2 catches per year.

[CanesSkins26]

Rocky McIntosh. Even though he played fairly well last season coming off his injury, I think he'll be better this year with more confidence.

We don't agree often, but I think that you are right on the money with this prediction. If he can stay healthy, I think that Rocky will have a big year now that we have a legitimate presence in the middle of the line.

I would also add Kelly to this list if he can stay healthy. I'm hopeful that with a strong camp he can win a starting job.

[So Cal Skin Dude]

HORTON! Rationale:

* Second year in system
* Better pass rush (Haynesworth factor) more picks
* Nose for the ball (see any game on tape)
* Play'a is a very grounded individal... all about the team

[brad7686]

Devin Thomas. Horton can't do much better than last year, Kelly will probly get hurt, Davis won't see the field much. And that just about covers all the young players, so I'll go with Thomas.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Devin Thomas. Horton can't do much better than last year, Kelly will probly get hurt, Davis won't see the field much. And that just about covers all the young players, so I'll go with Thomas.

I hope you're wrong about a lot of that.

[andyjens89]

I think it will be HB Blades. I think he will step up and play OLB very solid. He was the man at Pitt and he will finally have a starting position, so he will be extra motivated. Plus he has good 'bloodlines' with his dad and uncle both playing in the NFL for a long time.

[brad7686]

Devin Thomas. Horton can't do much better than last year, Kelly will probly get hurt, Davis won't see the field much. And that just about covers all the young players, so I'll go with Thomas.

I hope you're wrong about a lot of that.

If Horton does improve a lot he'll be a sure fire pro-bowler, which would be nice. I hope I'm wrong about Kelly too. As for Davis, I don't know how many two TE sets Zorn is puttin in.

[PulpExposure]

I've been one of the few who thought Carlos has had a very good past few seasons (not just last year). In 2007, he was playing exceptionally well until he got injured...and he basically picked up from that point in 2008.

My pick for most improved is going to be Chad Rinehart.

He may actually dress for a game this year!

[Chris Luva Luva]

If Horton does improve a lot he'll be a sure fire pro-bowler, which would be nice. I hope I'm wrong about Kelly too. As for Davis, I don't know how many two TE sets Zorn is puttin in.

Zorn would be stupid not to. The problem is, I think he could be that stupid. Just like he's stupid for not immediately demoting ARE from PR duties...

My pick for most improved is going to be Chad Rinehart.

He may actually dress for a game this year!

Good pick, I forgot about him.

[VetSkinsFan]

My pick for most improved is going to be Chad Rinehart.

He may actually dress for a game this year!

[Skinna Mob]

I pray the most improved is Snyder, pending he does not not foul up the 13th pick!!!

[CanesSkins26]

I think it will be HB Blades. I think he will step up and play OLB very solid. He was the man at Pitt and he will finally have a starting position, so he will be extra motivated. Plus he has good 'bloodlines' with his dad and uncle both playing in the NFL for a long time.

I really hope that the Skins aren't planning on starting Blades on the outside. He simply doesn't have the size to effectively play on the outside for 16 games.

[riggofan]

I think it will be Campbell, especially if we draft a young stud for the o-line. His stats weren't bad last season.

I keep going back to Hasselbeck's first year as the Seahawks QB. Doesn't anybody remember how bad he was that year? He barely completed 50% of his passes. 2000 passing yards and 7 TDs all season. The next year he's up to 64%, 3000 yards and 15 TDs.

Guess we'll find out if Zorn can really coach or not.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Devin Thomas improve a lot this fall either. Wouldn't take much to be a BIG improvement from last season, would it? heh.

[CanesSkins26]

I keep going back to Hasselbeck's first year as the Seahawks QB. Doesn't anybody remember how bad he was that year? He barely completed 50% of his passes. 2000 passing yards and 7 TDs all season. The next year he's up to 64%, 3000 yards and 15 TDs.

His first year with the Seahawks was also his first season as a starting qb.