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Others who look like stars

Patrick Willis, LB, 49ers (No. 11 pick in 2007 draft): He made his presence felt last year and he appears poised for another great season.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills (No. 12): He was solid last year, and I'll be surprised if he doesn't take a huge step this season.

Reggie Nelson, S, Jaguars (No. 21): Fast and physical, Nelson was sensational last season other than a poor playoff game against New England. He will be a Pro Bowler soon.

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs (No. 23): Had he gone to a passing offense last year, he would have produced bigger numbers. He has size and deceptive speed and can make plays.

Joe Staley, OT, 49ers (No. 28): The 49ers' offense has been hard to watch on tape so far this summer, but Staley is a real player and he will be a fixture in San Francisco no matter what style of offense they run.

Jon Beason, LB, Panthers (No. 25): He'll show marked improvement this year -- and he was great last year. Many linebackers in their second year in a system take a big leap.

Aaron Ross, CB, Giants (No. 20): After playing well as a rookie, he looks even more confident and poised this year.

Expecting a big year from these guys

Robert Meachem, WR, Saints (No. 27): He committed himself to becoming a player, putting in the time and effort to get back on the field after missing all of last season. He is an explosive player with great speed and playmaking ability. Meachem will emerge this year playing in a pass-happy offense.

Lawrence Timmons, LB, Steelers (No. 15): Now that he is comfortable in Dick LeBeau's defensive system, he can use his talents and skills to make plays. His speed and quickness will pay huge benefits.

Michael Griffin, S, Titans (No. 19): Settling on a position (at safety) will help him, and he'll be able to use his speed and athletic ability to make more plays. The Titans need him to emerge.

Greg Olsen, TE, Bears (No. 31): He's in a perfect situation with the Bears. While Desmond Clark is an effective blocker at tight end, Olsen can use his receiving skills and create mismatches.

Anthony Spencer, LB, Cowboys (No. 26): As a rookie, he didn't have the suddenness and explosion needed to be a big-time rusher. He is having a better camp so far this year and he will be a key component for the Dallas defense.

Adam Carriker, DT, Rams (No. 13): His play last season was the main reason the Rams passed on Glenn Dorsey in this year's draft. Carriker is big and strong and gives the Rams some power down the middle of the defense.

Leon Hall, CB, Bengals (No. 18): I know this sounds strange, but the Bengals' corners are solid and will be able to show improvement if their defensive line can muster a pass rush.

Darrelle Revis, CB Jets (No. 14): He suffered through the team's lack of a pass rush last year. No player can benefit more from the Jets' offseason spending than Revis.

Ben Grubbs, OG, Ravens (No. 29): The Ravens' offensive line is a mess and may take some more time in the preseason to sort through. But Grubbs looks like a good player who will benefit from the new running game offensive coordinator Cameron is installing.

Brandon Meriweather, S, Patriots (No. 24): He's smart and versatile and can run, all things that will make him a contributor this year. He will add speed to New England's back seven.

Craig Davis, WR, Chargers (No. 30): Davis can fly and the Chargers will pick their spots with how they use him this season. But he has showed great talent and skill.

Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Colts (No. 32): He will benefit the most when Marvin Harrison is back and healthy. Year 2 working with Peyton Manning is always beneficial, too.

This does not look good

Jarvis Moss, DE, Broncos (No. 17): Moss looks lost, hesitant and unsure in his play. He needs to get bigger and stronger if he is ever going to be the pass rusher the Broncos envisioned when they drafted him.

Justin Harrell, DT, Packers (No. 16): When durability is the issue in college, and durability is the issue in the pros, then there is some huge concern. Harrell has enormous talent but can't stay out of the training room.

Brady Quinn, QB, Browns (No. 22): This is not his fault, and in fact, I thought he looked very good in his preseason opener. But with Derek Anderson in front of him, it will be hard for Quinn to get in the game.