There Is At Least One Player On Every Team With Something To Prove
College Player In 2018, there is at least one player on each team with something to prove. Whether it’s a high school or college player, the NFL is full of players who have something to prove. Some of these players have their college degrees but are still just starting their professional careers. Patrick Surtain II, the heart of the Buccaneers defense, is one player who could challenge for a top-25 spot. CedeDee Lamb is a future Hall of Famer, while Terrence Armstead has a high shot of playing wide receiver.
Patrick Surtain II could challenge for a top-25 spot
Surtain has shown he’s more than just a capable cornerback. He recorded his best performance in recent memory against the 49ers, allowing only six targets without a catch. His average separation from wide receivers was 1.5 yards. He has already received praise from top-tier defensive backs. His upcoming game against Davante Adams will provide him with the opportunity to validate his hype and prove his ability.
The Denver Broncos’ secondary is loaded with talent. Patrick Surtain II is a legitimate CB1 and has only allowed more than 60 yards in coverage on one occasion. He also leads his rookie class in pass breakups and interceptions.
Lavonte David is the heart of the Buccaneers defense
David’s presence and leadership in the defensive backfield are vital. David helped the Bucs win the Super Bowl last season and is a key piece of their defense. However, he isn’t without controversy. He has missed five games in the past five years and is recovering from a Lisfranc injury to his foot. In the playoffs, David was injured and he estimated he played at about 60 percent. Afterwards, he was furious and slammed his helmet against the turf. He then continued his tirade on the Bucs bench.
Lavonte David was drafted in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft and is the team’s longest-tenured player. David has endured a number of losing seasons with the Bucs, but this season, he helped the team win a Super Bowl. He was also named the team’s captain and was instrumental in developing Devin White.
CedeDee Lamb is the No. 1 receiver for the Dallas Cowboys
CedeDee Lamb has a lot of potential to be the No. 1 receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, but there are some concerns. The rookie only caught two passes for 29 yards on 11 targets and dropped one crucial pass on 3rd down. As a rookie, he lined up mostly in the slot but has the potential to line up outside the slot as well.
Lamb has a huge upside with an increased target share and more player specific play design. He has never been a field stretcher in this offense, but he has the ability to make plays and take a huge step forward this year. As a first-round pick two years ago, he has a great opportunity to make his presence felt in Dallas.
Terrence Armstead is a future Hall of Famer
Terrence Armstead is a future Hall-of-Famer who is dedicated to helping his community. The star offensive lineman attended college at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, a historically black college in the SWAC conference. He was an All-SWAC selection in three of his four seasons and was drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. In addition to football, Armstead was also an outstanding athlete in track and field. He competed in the discus, shot put, and hammer throw.
Armstead has played 97 games in ten seasons, earning three trips to the NFL Pro Bowl. He was also a second-team AP All-Pro in 2018 and a three-time first-team selection from 2010-12. In addition to his exceptional athleticism, Armstead is also a philanthropist and a darn good rapper.