Ones To Watch

By Ralph Mancini, Draft Bible Senior Writer

TROY SMITH (BAL-QB)- At 4-6, the Ravens might only be a loss or two away from giving some extra playing time to their younger, untested players. One of these is rookie quarterback Troy Smith. Built more like a halfback at 6’ 0” 225 pounds, Smith is an ultra-athletic passer that will probably make more plays with his legs than his arms in the early going. The 2006 Heisman trophy winner has natural leadership qualities and remarkable toughness.

KYLE ECKEL (NE-RB)- Eckel had a season-high 10 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown in New England’s 56-10 shellacking of the Buffalo Bills. The former Naval Academy standout is a hard, straight-ahead plowhorse, who may see added time as the Patriots will probably continue to hand him the pigskin while running out the clock in their blowout losses. The 245-pound Eckel is a powerful short-yardage runner.

SINORICE MOSS (NYG-WR)- Moss finally gave fans a glimpse of what he can do when healthy (four receptions for 46 yards) by serving as Eli Manning’s safety valve on underneath routes and gaining yardage after the catch. The one-time Miami Hurricane should be called upon more frequently in the coming weeks due to Plaxico Burress’s ankle injury and Amani Toomer’s lack of big-play ability.

DEVARD DARLING (BAL-WR)- In Baltimore’s overtime loss to Cleveland, Darling had a career day by serving as Kyle Boller’s deep threat to the tune of 107 yards and a touchdown on only four receptions. The 6’ 1” 215-pound wide out may continue getting more snaps if Demetrius Williams’s high ankle sprain keeps him out for an extended period of time. Darling is much better at going long than he is at running short routes.

KEVIN BOSS (NYG-TE)- The 6’ 6” 252-pound rookie has shown flashes of outstanding athleticism and running ability despite only having two catches for 33 yards so far this season. The former basketball player at the University of Western Oregon might soon see a few more balls thrown his way on a Giants offense that’s been losing some steam in recent weeks.