Every free agent class includes a group of players who aren't big names, but
who might make a significant contribution, particularly if they can find a
team where they fit into the system.
This free agent class won't be any different, with a number of undervalued
veterans perhaps on the brink of emerging if they find the right situation.
Here is a look at 15 such players:
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Free agent sleepers
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Player
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Teams
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Years
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Comment
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LB Jamie Duncan
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Tampa Bay
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4
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Replaced Hardy Nickerson at middle
linebacker two years ago and had 151 tackles in 2000-2001. A bit undersized
but very quick, good technique, and could move to strongside for a few
teams.
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DE/DT
Lorenzo Bromell
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Miami
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4
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His numbers aren't overly impressive and
he doesn't rush the quarterback as well as people felt he would. Can play
inside or outside and he has only scratched the surface of his potential.
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CB Eric Warfield
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Kansas City
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4
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Has 21 starts the last two seasons,
including 16 games in 2001, and posted four interceptions. Just 25 years
old, nice size and physical temperament, and has learned from some great
cover men.
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OG Steve McKinney
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Indianapolis
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4
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Just a blue-collar guy, a mid-round
draft pick who had made himself into a solid player, and will be very
popular in the market. Good in-line blocker and surprisingly sound pass
protector as well.
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LB Kailee Wong
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Minnesota
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4
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Classic "in between" defender who played
defensive end and outside linebacker early in career before moving to middle
linebacker in 2001. Had 99 tackles and just starting to learn the inside
position.
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WR Corey Bradford
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Green Bay
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4
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Great size, speed, pure physical skills,
eye-popping tools. If he can stay healthy, he can be a terrific deep
receiver, as demonstrated by 16.8-yard average, and Packers are trying to
keep him.
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CB Artrell Hawkins
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Cincinnati
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4
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Not especially big or fast, but has
some quickness to the ball and will play much tougher than his size. The
best corner on a bad team, could get a whole lot better in new surroundings.
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OG Kerry Jenkins
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N.Y. Jets
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4
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Good power as an in-line blocker, very
strong and knocks defenders off the ball when he gets it going. Hard to say
how much money he'll garner, since even good guards rarely get the big
bucks.
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DE Reinard Wilson
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Cincinnati
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5
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Found his niche in 2001 as a
situational pass rusher after four years of bouncing between end and
linebacker. His four sacks last season will get attention of teams looking
for an upfield guy.
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LB Shawn Barber
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Washington
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4
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Coming off anterior cruciate ligament
surgery that kept him out for entire 2001 season. Fluid and athletic, can be
an every-down player, but teams will have to check out his rehabilitation.
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CB Brian Kelly
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Tampa Bay
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4
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Bumped the Bucs' best single-coverage
player, Donnie Abraham, out of the starting lineup. Former "nickel" defender
better in zone situations but made very positive strides last season.
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WR Jerome Pathon
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Indianapolis
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4
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Was on his way to huge '01 season when
foot injury forced him out after four games. Had pins removed from his foot
last week and could be a solid No. 2 wideout for somebody.
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DT Steve Martin
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N.Y. Jets
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6
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Journeyman who has banged around with
three different teams in last four seasons but played well against the run
in 2001. Had 98 tackles, showed the ability to get some penetration, maybe a
late bloomer.
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DT James Cannida
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Tampa Bay
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4
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Hasn't progressed as well as Bucs staff
thought he might a couple years ago. Some injury problems and still just
isn't very experienced, but big-bodied tackles are tough to locate.
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FB Mack Strong
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Seattle
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8
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Older than most teams would prefer (30) but a
terrific guy in the locker room and one of the league's most selfless
players. Only 20 carries and 40 catches last two years, but a superior
blocker.
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