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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Aug 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falconsdefensive back Sean Baker (29) tackles Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter (15) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Titans defeated the Falcons 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falconsdefensive back Sean Baker (29) tackles Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter (15) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Titans defeated the Falcons 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Hunter, Tennessee Titans

While Hunter is buried behind Kendall Wright and Nate Washington on the Tennessee Titans depth chart, it’s pretty obvious watching him play that he is immensely talented.

The problem is, he gets in his own way. He was banged up a ton last season and was suspended in Week 15 last season for undisclosed team reasons. The last two games of the season were ones where his impact was negligible and one can imagine it was in many ways continued punishment for whatever got him benched in Week 15.

Hunter also came down with just 18 of his 42 targets, a mere 43 percent catch rate.

This past preseason saw him featured often in three-wide sets and The Tennessean’s John Glennon has said that when Hunter goes out on an end zone fade route, he’s almost impossible to stop.

The biggest hurdles to a breakout season are Jake Locker, who has been shaky so far in his career but looked very solid this preseason, and Nate Washington who is a decent receiver, but lacks the pure talent of Hunter.

It feels like, if he can stay focused and work hard, it’s only a matter of time before he explodes.

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