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Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants: Go back and watch last year's Super Bowl. Mario Manningham made the game's signature catch while Victor Cruz had the most memorable TD celebration, but Nicks is the receiver who consistently made big, tough catches for Eli Manning. If he can just stay healthy, he'll be a top five WR this season.
A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: This one's easy. Green has the high-end talent to deal with the increased attention he'll get this season. And don't forget, Andy Dalton will be better this year, too.
Julio Jones, WR, Falcons: More low-hanging fruit to pick from the productive rookie WR class of 2011. This season, Jones will take over as the No. 1 WR in Atlanta ... and don't expect a big dropoff from Roddy White, either.
Isaac Redman, RB, Steelers: The offensive line, which has been a liability for a long time in Pittsburgh (even during those last two Super Bowl trips), is not an issue anymore. The Steelers have plenty of flash-and-dash on the offensive side of things, but new offensive coordinator Todd Haley will use Redman as his blunt-force hammer.
Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens: By the end of last season Smith had emerged as Joe Flacco's favorite big-play target. By the end of this season, Flacco's favorite target will be among the league leaders in TD catches.
Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins: While it'd be almost statistically impossible to repeat what Cam Newton did last year, I do think RG3 will use his big arm, speedy gams and keen noodle to have a great rookie season. If you're in a keeper league, he's worth reaching for as early as the second round.
Fred Davis, TE, Redskins: He would've cracked the top 10 among TEs in 2011 had he not gotten hurt, and his situation is now markedly improved with RG3 under center. I don't love any of the Redskins' WRs, so look for Davis and H-back pal Chris Cooley to pick up that slack.
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Bengals: Tight end is getting more attention in both real and fantasy football because of the rules that have opened up the middle of the field. Gresham is exactly the kind of athletic pass catcher who oughta be able to exploit that freedom, especially in a Bengals offense that figures to be throwing more in 2012.
Jake Locker, QB, Titans: I'm guessing Mike Munchak and company are aware of what happened 400 miles to the east of Nashville last season. Over in Charlotte, a player named Cam Newton rewrote the rookie record book. The nice thing for the Titans is, Locker -- aside from his stature -- has a lot in common with Carolina's Superman: Big arm, great runner, accuracy concerns. The big difference between Tennessee and Carolina is the quality of the weapons Locker will have in his arsenal. A (presumably) hungry CJ2K, talented young wide receivers and potential top 10 tight end add up to big year in Music City.
DeMarco Murray, RB, Cowboys: Of the 10 names listed in this category, Murray's is the one I most doubt. Like everybody else, I recognize the pedigree -- and wasn't terribly surprised by his spectacular 2011 performance prior to injury. Maybe he'll stay healthy for the first time since high school, but my hunch is he'll be a Darren McFadden-sized headache for fantasy owners ... but that's not so bad. At a position where you'll need several options, Murray will be a high-end option when he's on the field.
