[Gotham Dark Knight]

By Dan Pompei - SportingNews

Quarterback

If ever a quarterback appeared ready to take the next step, it is Chris Simms of the Bucs. He played well in his first extended opportunity a year ago, and he's capable of much more. Simms will benefit from Jon Gruden's excellent game plans while not having to worry much about Gruden's impatience because Brian Griese no longer is looking over Simms' shoulder.
on error resume next infinity_flashinstalled=( IsObject(CreateObject("ShockwaveFlash.ShockwaveFla sh"))) if (window.yzq_a == null) document.write("");if (window.yzq_a){yzq_a('p', 'P=JSHvUc6.I.b1D1RrRKmcMAWuQiBKoESseJUADSla&T=13qs m8vss%2fX%3d1152153749%2fE%3d95861054%2fR%3dsports %2fK%3d5%2fV%3d1.1%2fW%3d8%2fY%3dYAHOO%2fF%3d26228 7142%2fS%3d1%2fJ%3dC223BECE');yzq_a('a', '&U=139ok8l6n%2fN%3dzuGLCNhtfF4-%2fC%3d401454.8940385.9720561.1414694%2fD%3dLREC%2 fB%3d3786193');}http://us.bc.yahoo.com/b?P=JSHvUc6.I... fB%3d3786193Simms' work ethic has endeared him to coaches and teammates. He often could be found throwing on the practice fields at One Buc Place at 5 p.m. in the middle of the offseason, and the only way his wife can see him during the day is if she brown-bags a lunch and comes to the team facility. And Simms is playing for money; his contract is up after this season.

Running back

Being a repeat member of the all-breakout team shows how highly I think of Detroit's Kevin Jones, but it also shows he failed to break out last season. Over an eight-game stretch at the end of his rookie season, Jones was one of the best backs in football. He regressed in 2005, but there's no reason he can't thrive again. If the Lions' line is even a step above worthless, Jones likely will make the Pro Bowl.

Miami's Ronnie Brown will have a lot more going for him this year than as a rookie. Last year, he reported late, and it took time to integrate him into the offense. He got rolling, then got nicked up and failed to sustain his roll. This year, Brown probably will get 85 percent of the carries with Ricky Williams on an NFL-induced sabbatical. And new quarterback Daunte Culpepper will help open up the running game.

Wide receiver

My only question about Roddy White of the Falcons is whether Michael Vick can get him the ball consistently and accurately. Say this about Vick: He can fling it -- and White has the speed and ball skills to make the home run catch. In the offseason Vick and White appear to have developed a chemistry that could result in White's being the team's lead dog at receiver.
One of two things will happen with the Bears' Mark Bradley. He will suffer another knee injury, or he will become a star. He has too much big-play ability not to break out if he's healthy. Bradley was just starting to put it together last season when he blew out his knee.

Tight end
There probably isn't a more talented tight end than Kellen Winslow, though it's unclear how a broken leg and a blown-out knee have affected his abilities. What Winslow has shown running around in shorts on the Browns' practice fields this offseason has been very encouraging. And here's the best part -- he appears to be developing a rapport with quarterback Charlie Frye.

I like the odds with Ronnie Brown. I'd like to think Bradley is the real deal...and I am hoping Winslow does get to show he is a chip of the old dad.