With NFL OTAs already starting, we can almost smell the new 2015 NFL season. With a new year comes change and possibly a move up for a few teams, and a lot of it could be because some key roster moves franchises made in free agency.
Everyone wants to believe their favorite team made the right moves and their new players will pan out, but every year there are huge pay offs and massive disappointments. Let’s focus on the guys that could actually pay off as we break down the top 10 faces in new places for 2015:
10. Mike Wallace, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Wallace crushed as a deep threat in Pittsburgh for years, but the minute he went to South Beach he couldn’t connect down the field. Blame that partially on Ryan Tannehill and partially on Miami’s system. Wallace is probably a one-trick pony, but Minnesota’s offense has a specific role for him that he should be able to thrive in. Now, the only question is if Teddy Bridgewater is ready to help everyone maximize their potential within Norv Turner’s vertical offense.
9. Torrey Smith, WR, San Francisco 49ers
The Niners lacked a true deep threat and now they have one after locking down Smith on a multi-year deal. Smith can stretch the field and also has the ability to operate as a possession receiver, so on paper he gives San Francisco exactly what their offense has been lacking. If Colin Kaepernick can make strides inside the pocket, the 49ers’ offense could soar to new heights. Of course so far this year the buzz about the 49ers has been their new black football uniforms.
8. Julius Thomas, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Thomas was largely a red-zone threat with the Denver Broncos the past two years (24 total touchdowns), but in 2015 he takes the training wheels off and sees if he can’t be a serious weapon. Doing so in Jacksonville with second-year passer Blake Bortles is easier said than done, but that’s what he was brought in to do. If his game from the past two years translates to his new city, the Jaguars could suddenly have a somewhat dangerous offense.
7. Andre Johnson, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Johnson was being phased out of Houston, so he bolted for their division rivals, where with Andrew Luck he will be playing with the most talented passer he ever has in his career. He may be slowing down at 33, but he’s still quite good and in Indy he won’t be asked to do everything. As the #2 guy, Johnson could make a solid impact and help round out one of the league’s more potent offenses.
6. Brandon Marshall, WR, New York Jets
Marshall could be the guy that looked on his last legs due to injury a year ago, or he could get back to full health and dominate the AFC East. Considering Darrelle Revis is on his team, that’s certainly possible. Marshall is naturally regressing, but even mild regression could have him as a solid weapon for Gang Green. Just how solid could hinge on the development of quarterback Geno Smith, who no longer has the excuse of not having weapons in the passing game.
5. Frank Gore, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Gone are the days where Indy passes every down or hopes Andrew Luck can will them out of deep holes. With no clear answer at running back over the past three seasons, the Colts finally went after a proven commodity in free agency and came away with Frank Gore. He’s an ageless wonder that could break down at anytime, but at face value he’s a steady, competent lead back that could move the pile for another year or two.
4. Sam Bradford, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Bradford has shredded his knee in two straight seasons but as far as pure quarterback talent goes, he just might be the best pocket passer the Eagles have had since Donovan McNabb. Heck, considering he hasn’t had a chance to fully develop in the past two seasons, he could be even better. He’s a huge risk and he wasn’t lighting the league up before the injuries, but there is upside to be had here. We sure can’t knock the Eagles for going for it with this trade.
3. DeMarco Murray, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Murray could be a huge get for the Eagles, who traded away LeSean McCoy for a linebacker they needed and then still got a top shelf runner with this signing. The issue was McCoy danced too much around the line of scrimmage and too often sought out the big play. Murray brings moderate big-play ability but his main strength is being a north/south runner that takes what is blocked for him and doesn’t waste time making tough decisions: he just goes. We know he can carry a full load after pacing the NFL in rushing and leading the Cowboys to a division title a year ago. Now he’s in Philly. That might make the Eagles a problem for the rest of the NFC.
2. LeSean McCoy, RB, Buffalo Bills
Shady McCoy is potentially the second biggest move, as the Bills swapped linebacker Kiko Alonso and him in a trade with the Eagles. It’s a smart trade for both parties if Alonso’s surgically repaired knee works out, but the big winner is obviously Buffalo if McCoy ends up fitting their scheme. Rex Ryan comes in trying to lead a run-heavy offensive attack that leans on it’s defense, and on paper that sets up McCoy for a huge workload and monster numbers. If he steps up to the plate in 2015, he could play a huge hand in getting the Bills back to the playoffs for the first time since Doug Flutie was a thing.
1. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Miami Dolphins
The biggest change in scenery might just involved Suh and the Fins. Suh was stolen from right under the Detroit Lions and he’ll slide into the middle of Miami’s defensive line to give them a nasty force that can put pressure on the quarterback and also help sniff out the run. Considering Miami’s defense was already solid and their offense has been on the rise, this could be the highest impact signing of the off-season.
