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NFL 2015: Top 10 sleepers to break out

By Matt Verderame

Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 39-36. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 39-36. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

10. DaVante Adams

The Green Bay Packers are an offensive juggernaut, chewing up everything in their path from yards to defenders. While Green Bay already has two terrific receivers in Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, a third pass-catcher is set to have a prolific campaign in second-year man DaVante Adams.

Adams was drafted in the second round by the Packers in 2014, with the idea that he will eventually move to the second spot on the outside while Cobb slides into the slot. It appears that time could be rapidly approaching. Adams was solid in his rookie year, catching 38 passes for 446 yards and three touchdowns. However, he was at his best against the biggest challenges, catching six passes for 121 yards against the New England Patriots before going off in the NFC Divisional round, hauling in seven receptions for 117 yards and a score versus the Dallas Cowboys.

With Aaron Rodgers at the controls, it seems almost impossible for Adams not to become a star if he can stay healthy and continually get open. With Nelson and Cobb drawing most of the coverage, Adams will find himself in matchup advantages constantly. With a brilliant mind like Rodgers controlling the show, he will find the open man.

Projection: 68 catches, 1,130 yards, 9 touchdowns

Nov 9, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle (21) scores on a 40-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle (21) scores on a 40-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Joseph Randle

After the Dallas Cowboys allowed DeMarco Murray to leave town, there was considerable panic. Murray had just finished leading the league with 1,845 rushing yards on 392 carries, displaying what he could do behind a premier offensive line which includes Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin. The good news for the Cowboys? The line isn’t going anywhere.

With Murray gone, Dallas didn’t do anything to replace him outside of the signing of veteran Darren McFadden. Considering McFadden gets hurt when he wakes up in the morning, head coach Jason Garrett will likely look elsewhere for production. Enter Joseph Randle, who has shown burst and explosiveness in limited touches.

Last season, Randle had 51 carries for 343 yards, a ridiculous 6.7 yards per carry average. While Randle won’t keep that number with an extended load, he can absolutely keep defenses off-balance. The third-year back will compete with McFadden and veteran Lance Dunbar for the job, and his talent should win out. Look for Randle to become a hot name in Big D, running behind the best line in football.

Projection: 221 carries, 1,049 yards, 9 touchdowns

Next: Kansas City and New Orleans have secret weapons...

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