Well, 10 days until Vet MiniCamp, then draftee contract signings, the season is almost here, but who are our players who could surprise this year?

-Phillip Merling
-Jason Allen
-Pat Turner
-Nate Garner
-Tristan Davis
-Joey Haynos
-Kory Sperry
-Kory Sheets
-James Pruitt
-Taurus Johnson
-One of the fmr CFLers?

I'm sorta hoping that Brandon Marshall's presence will really help Pat Turner learn what he has to do to be a NFL quality Wr, Turner's physical talent has never been his question, it is his all around preparation for playing that has held him back..the word is "he doesn't play well when the bullets start flying".

I think that Merling will have a break out year this season. I think he realizes that the clock is ticking and he'll prove the critics wrong.

I also like Taurus Johnson. People made a big deal about Carlton Mitchell in this year's draft, but Johnson was a better receiver than him at USF, IMO, and has a very similar skill set. With the lack of burn-out speed we have at WR, I think he'll get a legit chance.

Joey Haynos is the only guy on that list that gets me excited about football.

Some people like him, some don't, for me I think he could be a Pete Metzlaars type of Te/Tackle for us.

As for the list, I really like RGM, Tristan Davis, and Merling.

He was not on the list, but if he were, I'd agree.

Lex Hillard-This guy runs really hard and has good hands. I think he can really contribute and I hope he gets more of an opportunity this year.

Charlie Anderson-This guy is fast for an OLB. I think if given the chance as a starter he can be a really good pass rusher.

Charlie Clemons-This guy has greasy fast speed and made some nice plays in college. The potential is there.

Joey Haynos-The guy has made some nice catches and runs in the passing game and he is huge body to move as a blocker.

I'm not sure he's ever ran after the catch.

If Pat White were on the list I would get excited....

For me it would be Merling,& Turner. I think they both will have a good "seasons".....thats right I said "seasons". Think this is the year will be the start for those two to show up and play hard and get noticed.

I know he is not on this list but I would have to say Lex Hilliard. He is a tough runner and plays with a lot of heart. He is never mentioned for his blocking but he also blocks extremely well on passing downs. Lex has also shown he can catch the ball out of the backfield and get yards after the catch. I don't know if he can be an every down back but I think he is a really good 3rd down back. I definitely see him in that role and possibly a closer type back. Late 3rd-4th quarter when the defense is tired and he can bruise them with his hard running style.

Jeez, that List should be called the ".500 club" ... Why we're in danger of going 8-8 = .500

I'd say ALL OF THEM ... their talent is hidden & will probably STAY HIDDEN!!
Don't know when Emmit will say any will "broked out" ... but we sure need a few, especially DL & DB!!

Lexxy looked good at the end of the season.

And everyone should feel free to add to the list, those are just names off the top of my head and certainly not meant to cover everyone on the roster.

Check the first NE game last year

To what am I suppose to be looking?

I'm not really sure that Phillip Merling qualifies as a hidden talent. The guy has played in every single game since he was drafted in 2008. He hasn't been explosive, but he has been a steady contributor up front for us the past two years. I'd say he's a solid player that will continue to grow and get better in the system. Will he ever be a Pro Bowler, I'm not sure, but what he is now is a good tough football player. He's hardly a hidden talent in my opinion.
Another thing, everyone is stuck on the notion that Odrick will come in and start for the Dolphins right away this year. I wouldn't be too quick to write off Merling. If I had to put money down right now, I'd say Merling is going to start over Odrick at the beginning of the season. Remember, all of the draft experts were praising us for exactly the same reasons in 2008 when we took Merling as they did this year when we took Odrick. They were patting us on the back and telling us that we stole Merling and that he was a first round talent. I even remember one commentator saying, "Parcells does it again." after we drafted Merling.

To what am I suppose to be looking?[/quote]


C.Henne pass short right to J.Haynos to NE 39 for 21 yards (B.McGowan).

rec yds avg td long
J. Haynos 3 29 9.7 1 21