From Last Word on Pro Football, by John Kinsley
The new season is upon us, and with a new season comes expectations for star players. We know about the best players in the league like Aaron Rodgers, Le’Veon Bell or Odell Beckham, but what about the under the radar offensive weapons?
Five Under The Radar Offensive Weapons Going Into 2017
That’s where this list comes in. These are five up and coming players that don’t get the same amount of love as the stars, but deserve some anyway. Let’s get this started.
C.J. Prosise (Seattle Seahawks)
A former wide receiver turned running back at Notre Dame, C.J. Prosise is an insane talent. It’s extremely common in today’s NFL to have a running back that can also dominate in the receiving end (that’s all for the better). It’s not common to have a running back that can stretch out as a vertical threat and dominate there.
Prosise’s time during his rookie season was sparse, but he left a giant impact. In his last rookie game, he rushed for a 72-yard touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Notre Dame product can be motioned and put anywhere on the field and show off as a playmaker. With more snaps, Prosise will be able to enhance an already loaded Seahawks receiving corps.
Jalen Richard (Oakland Raiders)
With Marshawn Lynch being assumed as the starting back for the Raiders, Jalen Richard, out of Southern Miss, has gone under the radar. While Lynch will consistently be in the backfield, Richard should be able to be the team’s premiere receiving back.
An undrafted free agent, Richard’s presence allowed for another explosive Raider weapon. He is a shifty, nimble back, one with Darren Sproles-esque impact, and uses his footwork and momentum to burst instantly after the catch, making him difficult to bring down. He also excels at special teams, giving him a multi dimensional level of quality.
Paul Richardson (Seattle Seahawks)
Another Seahawk makes the list. Paul Richardson garnered significant attention in a Wild Card matchup against the Detroit Lions in last year’s playoffs, where he made an insane one-handed touchdown catch, as well as a few others later on in the postseason. Stepping in for Tyler Lockett after his season ended with a knee injury, Richardson’s sudden rise was no fluke.
Ironically, Richardson had trouble staying on the field because of injuries of his own. Finally staying healthy in his third season, he was able to show case his skill set. Richardson is an aggressive, ball attacking receiver, with a wide catch radius and explosive route running ability on vertical play calls. He’s also a force on short passes, as exemplified by his ability to instantaneously burst after the catch.
Paul Perkins (New York Giants)
The Giants aren’t known for having a dangerous run game due to a poor offensive line, but Paul Perkins offers an explosive running back. By the end of his rookie season, Perkins was able to take the starting role in the Giants backfield, and rushed for over 100 yards in the week 17 matchup against Washington.
Perkins is a very talented runner, capable of making deep cuts and showcasing excellent vision despite playing behind a bad line. His role as a receiving back was limited, but he was still able to show the same level of elusiveness he provided as a runner. With Shane Vereen returning from injury, the Giants have a good group of running backs to help enhance a great group of skill players on the offense.
Duke Johnson (Cleveland Browns)
The Browns quietly have developed into one of the best run games in the league thanks to a revamped offensive line and an explosive duo in Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell. Coming into his third season, Johnson is expected to be used more as a slot receiver, a move that should excite Browns fans.
Johnson is a dangerous runner, but what truly makes him an exciting player is his ability as a receiving back. He’s one of the best pass-catching backs in the league at that, being an absolute offensive weapon primarily on third downs. His ability to slip and avoid tackles, as well as his patience behind the line and on routes, and ability to adjust on poor passes without his quarterback paying the price make him a dangerous offensive weapon, one the Browns would be wise to take advantage of. With Kenny Britt and Corey Coleman assuming the WR1 and WR2 roles, Johnson’s presence as the slot receiver would boost Cleveland’s receiving corps even further.
