Welcome to the first edition of The Dark Phoenix! Here we take a look at some deep sleepers that could someday make an impact in the NFL. The preseason is a time for unknown players to shine, and The Dark Phoenix is where we take a look at some potential diamonds in the rough.

Seneca Wallace, QB2 Seattle Seahawks
5'11" 196 lbs. - Iowa State - 4th round pick (2003) 110 overall

Seneca Wallace has been patiently waiting for his chance to show off his skill set on the pro level. He started his collegiate career at Sacramento City Junior College and then transferred to Iowa State. He had a tremendous impact for the Cyclones, and even received some Heisman consideration in his senior year.

The last 2 years he has learned behind Trent Dilfer and Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle. He enters the 2005 season as the #2 QB for the first time in his career. He has earned the trust of the Seahawks coaching staff, and now must prove his worth on the field. Some thought Wallace would make a position change in the NFL, but Seneca felt otherwise. He refused to work out as a WR at the combine and has been dead set on earning his keep. He certainly has the arm strength to make all the throws in the NFL. He has great speed and quickness, and can move around well behind the line of scrimmage. His feet make him absolutely deadly in the open field. However, his 5'11" frame may keep him from being more than a situational player in the NFL.

This year is his chance to prove that he belongs, and that he can make it as a QB. The Seahawks drafted David Greene to be the 3rd QB for Seattle, and perhaps take over for Seneca if he falters. So far, so good, for Wallace who has some value in dynasty leagues. Look for Wallace to keep "wowing" coaches, and possibly get his chance with the Seahawks or with another team, in the near future.

Michael Turner, RB2 San Diego Chargers
5'11" 235 lbs. - Northern Illinois - 5th round pick (2004) 154 overall

Michael Turner "Burner" is the man. Well, he's the man behind the man- LaDainian Tomlinson. Turner had an impressive college career at Northern Illinois where he rushed for over 4,500 yards. He had a disappointing Senior Bowl, and his draft stock seemed to fall. He had a decent 40 time (4.5), but was thought by some to lack the speed to make it to the corner in the NFL.

Now, in his second year with the Chargers he could earn some significant playing time backing up LT2. Jesse Chatman was recently released by the team, opening up an opportunity for Burner to see some more action. Burner is a big powerful back that can get it done between the tackles. He is a patient runner that has good vision and good burst to the hole. When a hole doesn't open up, Turner can make one. He is a tough player that runs with a good pad level and keeps his feet moving after initial contact. He is not a creative runner, and thus takes a lot of punishment.

LaDainian Tomlinson is a workhorse back. However, last year Chatman saw considerable playing time (65-392-3TD) while LT2 rested. This year those carries will go to Turner, who is showing that he can be effective in this league. If Tomlinson misses significant time due to injury look for Turner to put up decent numbers.

Alvin Pearman, RB3 Jacksonville Jaguars
5'9" 208 lbs. - Virginia - 4th round pick (2005) 127 overall

Mike Mayock has a crazy case of Man Love for Alvin Pearman. Watching the combine coverage Mayock looked like he was on Love Connection when talking about Pearman. All kidding aside, Pearman has impressed his coaches nearly every time he touches the ball. Alvin is a good all purpose back from the University of Virginia. He excelled on the field, doing anything that was asked of him and showing a work ethic and dedication to the game that most don't have.

Alvin Pearman is a patient runner that runs with a good pad level. He has good footwork and a decent burst through the hole. He is adept at "getting skinny" and squeezing through improbable running lanes. He is also a decent receiver out of the backfield. He did not display great speed at the combine and cannot challenge the edges of the defense. He is an aggressive and determined runner between the tackles.

The "fragile" title has returned to Fred Taylor. After a couple of years where he was injury free, it seems that his old injury habits die hard. This opens the door for Pearman, who's out to prove that he belongs in this league. Pearman looked good in his first live action in the preseason against the Miami Dolphins. He even had a screen pass in which he gained over 20 yards called back because of a holding call. With the oft-injured RBs in front of him on the depth chart (Taylor & Toefield) we may see Pearman have a lot of value sooner than later.

Mark Bradley, WR4 Chicago Bears
6'1" 201 lbs. - Oklahoma - 2nd round pick (2005) 39th overall

Mark Bradley started his career at Arkansas Pine Bluff. He transferred to Oklahoma where he put up decent numbers, but was overshadowed by fellow Sooner Mark Clayton. He showed good versatility in college, returning kicks and punts as well as being a receiver. He is a big play receiver that averaged over 21 yards per reception his senior year.

Mark is a smooth WR that can get off the line cleanly. He is difficult to jam because of his size and has a great leaping ability that he uses to get up over defenders. He is fast and has great moves after the catch. He needs to improve his concentration, but often comes up big when you need a big play.

Bradley started off his pro career with a great performance in the Hall of Fame Game versus the Dolphins. In that game he had 5 catches for 131 yards although he failed to score a touchdown. Mark has been inconsistent in practice, routinely dropping catchable passes. But come game time, Bradley plays big. Look for Bradley to develop into the young playmaker at WR that the Bears have been looking for.

That'll do it for this week of The Dark Phoenix. Be sure to check in next week when we take a look at some more super sleepers.