Fansided

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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Aug 15, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the first half during the preseason game at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 42-35. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the first half during the preseason game at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 42-35. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Jordan Matthews

The Philadelphia Eagles have done a complete overhaul of the roster this offseason. Head coach Chip Kelly has taken a proverbial blowtorch to the team which was left over from the Andy Reid days, letting Jeremy Maclin leave while trading LeSean McCoy and releasing Todd Herremans, Evan Mathis and Trent Cole. However, one of the main men left is second-year receiver Jordan Matthews.

Matthews showed that he can play as a rookie, catching 67 passes for 872 yards and eight touchdowns. Only Maclin posted better numbers on the Eagles in each category, showcasing Matthews ascending value. With Riley Cooper looking like a lower-tier receiver and 2015 first-round pick Nelson Agholor likely learning the ropes, Matthews is primed to be the first option.

While it does hurt Matthews’ value that Sam Bradford and/or Mark Sanchez are throwing him the ball, he still has enough natural ability to make plays. Additionally, Matthews is going to be playing Chip Kelly’s offense, giving him ample opportunities to rack up yardage. Look for the former Vanderbilt star to produce in a big way.

Projection: 82 catches, 1,207 yards and 8 touchdowns

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks to pass in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks to pass in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Derek Carr

For years, nothing about the Oakland Raiders was promising. It always seemed like the team was mired in this awful funk, something that enveloped the entire roster and front office. These days, the sun is beginning to peak through the clouds around O.co Coliseum. The main reason? A second-year quarterback named Derek Carr.

Carr was the second-round pick of Oakland in 2014 after starring at Fresno State University. Coming into the league with high expectations, Carr didn’t disappoint by throwing for 21 touchdowns and 3,270 yards. For anyone, this would be a very solid rookie year. When you consider that the Raiders were the worst rushing team in football and his main receiving weapons were Mychal Rivera, James Jones and Andre Holmes, you feel Carr should have been in the running for the Most Valuable Player award.

General manager Reggie McKenzie gave Carr help in the offseason, drafting receiver Amari Cooper with the fourth-overall pick after signing center Rodney Hudson and receiver Michael Crabtree. With both Cooper and Crabtree in the fold, Carr should be able to provide Oakland with a fairly prolific passing attack.

Projection: 3,890 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, 11 interceptions

Next: The Dolphins have a stud, and so does Denver...

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