FOXBORO -- Training camp is nearly upon us, that special time of year when an NFL player can go from relative obscurity to potential stardom with a strong showing on the practice field. The New England Patriots have no shortage of potential breakout candidates this summer, a list that includes a number of exciting and promising rookies.
We're always looking for guys who "pop" during training camp in the hopes they'll ride that to a successful season. Last year, it was litterally a guy named "Pop" who pulled it off for the Patriots, as Demario "Pop" Douglas broke out in the summer before a steady rookie season for the sixth-round pick.