Fansided

NFL players poised to break out in their second season

By Andrew Garda

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) catches a pass against the Oakland Raiders for a first down in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Vikings win 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) catches a pass against the Oakland Raiders for a first down in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Vikings win 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 10, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Datone Jones (95) celebrates during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field. Philadelphia won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Datone Jones (95) celebrates during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field. Philadelphia won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Datone Jones, Green Bay Packers

After a rookie season filled with some disappointing games and an ankle injury, the Packers are starting at defensive end in their base 3-4, while shifting him to tackle when the team shifts into their nickel defense, something they do often.

Surrounded by talent, Jones should be able to build on the positive things that he was able to show when he was on the field. He had 3.5 sacks in back-to-back games last season and showed off some explosiveness and a good nose for the ball.

With Julius Peppers (who was ostensibly pushed out of end to linebacker by Jones) and Mike Daniels across the field on the left side and Clay Matthews lining up behind him on the right, offensive lines will have their hands full defending the pass rush.

Jones should find a lot of space to get pressure on the quarterback as well as room to pursue the ballcarrier on run plays.

It should be a big season for Jones.

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