Fantasy owners are always looking for the next diamond in the rough. Dynasty owners are especially thorough when it comes to looking for the next star. In this article we look at some up and coming players that are making a name for themselves over in NFLE.

Jarrett Payton: RB Tennessee Titans
6'0" 220 lbs. - Miami
26 years old - Undrafted Free Agent (Ten) 2004 - allocated to the Amsterdam Admirals

Upside
Jarrett is a patient runner and has good vision. He runs with an excellent pad level and can run through arm tackles. He keeps his feet moving after initial contact and works hard to finish runs, often falling forward for extra yardage. He has good hands coming out of the backfield and has decent moves in the open field. A versatile player, Jarrett played some fullback and returned kicks during his collegiate career while waiting for an opportunity behind modern NFL stars (Portis, McGahee).

Downside
Jarrett does not have breakaway speed. Hasn't shown the ability to get to the corner at the NFL level. He is good at everything but not great at any one thing. Injuries are a concern.

Conclusion
Jarrett is a very determined runner and he is getting better with time and experience. This season in NFLE his short area burst has improved. Jarrett has also shown a great nose for the endzone. He is a very instinctive runner and is out to prove that he belongs in the NFL. The Titans may have a need for his services. Starter Chris Brown has durability issues, and the Titans have yet to sign a veteran backup (although they may trade for Travis Henry). The Titans drafted Damien Nash this year to compete for a backup spot, and they also have Joe Smith the NFLE's leading rusher. Jarrett has been one of the star's of NFLE this year and has really impressed the coaching staff with his display of power and toughness. With Brown's injury history Jarrett could see significant playing time this year.

Ruvell Martin: WR San Diego Chargers
6'4" 215 lbs. - Saginaw Valley State
23 years old - Undrafted Free Agent (SD) 2004 - Allocated to the Amsterdam Admirals

Upside
Ruvell has great leaping ability and times his jumps well to catch the ball at it's highest point.
Martin's large hands and wingspan enable him to force separation from defensive backs. His ability to change directions swiftly, out jump the opposition, and flexibility to get down to receive a low pass, as well as his willingness to take bodily risks for the good of the team make him a standout.

Downside
Ruvell has a rather slight build and can be jammed at the line by physical cornerbacks. He needs to become a better route runner if he wants to have more of an impact in the NFL. He sometimes loses focus and needs to enhance his concentration.

Conclusion
Martin has a good chance to make some noise for the Chargers, although it remains to be seen how soon his impact will be felt. He had an outstanding season in NFLE and showed what kind of a big play threat he could be. His YPC was the highest of anyone in NFLE and he led the league in TDs There is quite a bit of marginal talent on the Chargers right now. That plus the fact that they have some aging veterans could lead to a deadly 1-2 punch of Vincent Jackson and Martin in the near future.

Jonathan Smith: RB Kansas City Chiefs
5'8" 196 lbs. - Washington State
23 years old - Undrafted Free Agent (KC) 2004 - Allocated to the Amsterdam Admirals

Upside
Jonathan Smith is a good change of pace back that is quick and agile. He has a good initial burst and hits the hole quickly. He is a natural receiver out of the backfield and he frequently catches the ball away from his body with is arms extended. He is dangerous in the open field because he has good hip swerve and sets up defenders well. He is also a fast back that can get to the corner quickly. He's not too bad of an inside runner and likes to put his head down and fight for the extra yardage. He is a late bloomer and has relatively low mileage for a RB.

Downside
His size is a bit of a concern. There are questions as to whether he could be a full time back. His somewhat reckless style could lead to a lot of injuries. He has had to work on fumbling problems.

Conclusion
Jonathan Smith showed good versatility in NFLE. The Chiefs may have a need for him on their roster as a 3rd down, or change of pace back. Smith could also help return kicks and punts if need be. Derrick Blaylock is now with the Jets so the Chiefs are hoping that Smith can step up and fill the void. He is a determined inside runner so if he can stay injury free he should have a place on the Chiefs roster.

Joe Smith: RB Tennessee Titans
6'2" 224 lbs. - Louisiana Tech
25 years old - Undrafted Free Agent (Jax) 2003 - Allocated to the Rhein Fire

Upside
He led the NFLE in rushing in 2005. He joins Lawrence Phillips and Mike Green as the only backs to rack up more than 1,000 yards in NFLE's short season. He had six 100 yard games and showed an ability to wear down defenses. He is a powerful back that has good forward lean. He runs with a good pad level and keeps his knees up, making him tough to bring down. He is a good north/south runner that can run to daylight.

Downside
Smith is not very fast or elusive. He can be run down from behind. Joe's hands need improvement and his pass blocking could use work as well. He is not a very creative runner and thus misses out on some big gains by not using the cutback lanes to his advantage.

Conclusion
Joe Smith is a hard nosed runner that could see some time on short yardage or goal line situations. The Titans have an open competition behind starter Chris Brown. With Brown's durability issues there are plenty of opportunities for the backup in Tennessee this upcoming season. Smith has shown that he can be successful in NFLE but there are doubts about his overall skill set. He is one to watch because he has been productive and there is a need for a solid backup with the Titans. It remains to be seen if Joe can continue to improve and take his game to the next level.

Larry Croom: RB Arizona Cardinals
5'10" 205 lbs. - UNLV
23 years old - Undrafted Free Agent (Ari) 2004 - Allocated to the Hamburg Sea Devils

Upside
Transferred from the University of Arizona to star at UNLV. He is a versatile athlete and a tough runner with good vision and patience. Shows some elusiveness in the open field and has great body control and balance. He's a bit undersized but a decent inside runner that can put his head down and get the tough yards. Is a solid route runner out of the backfield and a very confident receiver that catches the ball away from his body and also adjusts well to poorly thrown balls. He has deceptive speed and uses that skill to be a solid kick returner.

Downside
His skill set has looked rather pedestrian in the NFLE and for his one start in the NFL. He too often is looking for the big play rather than taking what his line gives him. He makes too many moves in the backfield without getting to the 2nd level first.

Conclusion
Croom will have more competition in the Arizona backfield this year. Rookie J.J. Arrington looks to be the favorite to win the starting job. Croom's skill set is decent but his low YPC in NFLE lead some to believe that he may never be more than a change of pace back or a kick returner. He is a decent option out of the backfield and could see some time as a 3rd down back.

Dave Ragone: QB Houston Texans
6'3" 225 lbs. - Louisville
26 years old - 3rd round pick in 2003 (Hou) - 88th overall QB 5 - allocated to the Berlin Thunder

Upside
Ragone is a south paw with great zip on his throws. He has great measurables and is a tough and durable QB. He is very fundamentally sound and has a good throwing motion. He also has a quick release and great anticipation. He can feel the rush and buy time with his feet. He throws well on the run and has a knack for finding the soft spot in a defense. He plays with a good competitive fire and is a natural leader.

Downside
Had an up and down college career. He sometimes forces the ball into coverage when looking to make plays. Relies too much on his arm strength when touch is needed. If he is battered in the pocket he gets happy feet and it severely affects his accuracy.

Conclusion
Ragone has a good skill set and is the prototypical size for a NFL QB. He is backing up David Carr currently and hasn't seen a lot of playing time on the professional level. He has excelled in NFLE and that has helped his confidence. While Ragone has little chance of beating out Carr, he could see some playing time because of Carr's propensity to take a beating. It looks like Ragone could be relegated to a career backup role, but hey, if A.J. Feeley can get a starting gig, then maybe Ragone just needs a change of scenery.

Little John Flowers: RB New York Jets
6'0" 215 lbs. - Michigan State
25 years old - Undrafted Free Agent (NYJ) 2002 - Allocated to the Berlin Thunder

Upside
Has good vision and is a good one cut runner. Keeps his feet moving after initial contact and has good forward lean. He has decent hip swerve in the open field and has the ability to run over smaller defenders. He is a good receiver out of the backfield where he catches the ball away from his body and looks the ball in.

Downside
Named for the character "Little John" from Robin Hood. I can't help but think of that pudgy LJ from the famous Bugs Bunny cartoon, "Duh, don't you worry never fear!" Seriously, LJ Flowers lacks a burst through the hole and doesn't run with much power. He doesn't have breakaway speed and is not a very creative runner.

Conclusion
He seems to have an ongoing relationship with the New York Jets. He is signed and re-signed all the time. It remains to be seen if he can ever break through on the active roster. The Jets went out and signed Derrick Blaylock to back up Curtis Martin since LaMont Jordan signed with the Raiders. That means that LJ is best served as a special teams player or possible back up 3rd down running back.

Aaron Boone: WR Carolina Panthers
6'2" 205 lbs. - Kentucky
27 years old - Undrafted Free Agent (Dal) 2003 - Allocated to the Berlin Thunder

Upside
Boone has great concentration skills. This season he had made some amazing catches. Yeah, it's the NFLE and the competition is not the greatest but a great catch is a great catch. What's been most impressive is his consistency and his ability to get open on underneath routes. He is rarely jammed at the line of scrimmage and gets off the ball quickly. He uses his frame to shield defenders from the ball and has strong hands. He has formed a great rapport with Dave Ragone and is a very reliable target.

Downside
Lacks elite speed. He can be caught from behind on deep routes. He is not very quick in and out of his breaks.

Conclusion
This is Boone's second season in NFLE. He has shown great progression over the last 2 years. He is now on a Carolina team that is desperate for solid depth. He will never be a deep threat but has the consistent ability to get open and could develop into a solid possession receiver. It may take some time but Boone is in an excellent situation and has the determination and the passion to make the most of it.

Kory Chapman: RB New England Patriots
6'1" 202 lbs. - Jacksonville State
24 years old - Undrafted Free Agent (Bal) 2003 - Allocated to the Cologne Centurions

Upside
Chapman is a very versatile runner. He has good hands coming out of the backfield. He regularly catches the ball away from his body and has strong hands. He gets to top speed quickly and is deceptively fast.

Downside
Injuries are a concern with Chapman. He is very slender for a back that is 6'1". He is not a creative runner and doesn't have much hip swerve. He is arm tackled too easily and is not a threat to run over anyone.

Conclusion
Chapman has a tough road ahead of him if he wants to make an impact on the pro level. Not only is his skill set that of a change of pace or 3rd down back, he also has some good talent ahead of him on the depth chart in New England. It would take some injuries for Chapman to move up the depth chart, so for now it looks like he's relegated to a practice squad player.

Cedric James: WR New England Patriots
6'1" 197 lbs. - Texas Christian
25 years old - 4th round pick in 2001 (Min) - 133rd overall WR 14 - Allocated to the Rhein Fire

Upside
He is a physical player that is very aggressive. He's not afraid to go over the middle and sacrifice his body to make a catch. He can catch the ball over his shoulder and has good concentration skills. He has good body control and can make plays while working the sidelines. He regularly makes tough catches look easy.

Downside
He sometimes takes his aggression too far and plays recklessly. He has a tendency to get injured because of his fearless style of play.

Conclusion
James has a good skill set and has a decent opportunity to get some playing time, provided that he stays healthy. New England has good depth at the WR position so James is going to have to have a good camp and preseason to make the team. Cedric is the type of receiver that every team wants. Unfortunately for him he hasn't been able to stay on the field and show what he can do on a full time basis because of injury.

Here's a list of other players from NFLE that could make an impact in the NFL.

• Sam Breeden, WR, Green Bay Packers
• Derek McCoy, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Mike Gomez, TE, Buffalo Bills
• Kurt Kittner, QB, Chicago Bears
• Cal Murray, RB, San Diego Chargers
• Bobby Blizzard, TE, Arizona Cardinals
• Jeris McIntyre, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
• Ricky Bryant, WR, New England Patriots
• Jason Fife, QB, Minnesota Vikings
• Tony Donald, TE, Green Bay Packers