Top Five Players That Must Rebound From Sophomore Slumps

Robert Griffin III, Redskins Quarterback

2012 Draft Position: Round 1, Pick 2

2013 Statline: 3,203 Yards, 16 Touchdowns, 12 Interceptions, 82.2 Rating

Robert Griffin impressed just about everybody in his rookie season, recording 27 touchdowns (20 passing, 7 rushing) to just 5 interceptions and 2 lost fumbles. After an injury last in the year, though, concerns of a sophomore slump arose. Griffin played 13 games in 2013, which is not too bad, but he failed to play as well as he did previously, recording just 16 touchdowns to 16 turnovers. The Redskins record also dropped from 10-6 to 3-13! Being a former second-overall pick, Griffin will be counted on to step up and lead his team.

Bruce Irvin, Seahawks Linebacker

2012 Draft Position: Round 1, Pick 15

2013 Statline: 31 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 1 Interception, 1 Forced Fumble

Considered a reach by many, Bruce Irvin recorded 8 sacks as a situational pass rusher. The people then began to believe in Irvin, but the Seahawks picked up Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril in free agency, who combined for 16.5 sacks in 2013. Irvin, who started at outside linebacker, recorded just 2 sacks in a season where he only played 12 games. Irvin now has starting experience under his belt, so he will be expected to play well both as a 4-3 linebacker and as a pass rusher.

Doug Martin, Buccaneers Running Back

2012 Draft Position: Round 1, Pick 31

2013 Statline: 456 Yards, 3.6 Average, 1 Touchdown, 2 Fumbles

Doug Martin was on pace for a very disappointing year. After recording 12 touchdowns and nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage, Martin took a huge step back. He recorded an average of 87 yards per game, which is not necessarily bad, but worse than his 2012 average of 120. Martin only recorded 1 touchdown, though, in the 2013 season. That would project to a sixth of his 2012 total. The Buccaneers now have more pieces around him, most notably a quarterback and a few receiving threats. The offensive line, though, is worse, so Martin will have to play his best for this team to take a step forward towards contention.

Casey Hayward, Packers Cornerback

2012: Round 2, Pick 62

2013 Statline: 5 Tackles, Missed Most of the Season

It may not be fair to include Casey Hayward, who missed most of the season with an injury. Hayward, though, was so impressive in his rookie year, recording 21 pass deflections and 6 interceptions. While the Packers have two good corners, Tramon Williams and Sam Shields, they will certainly be grateful if Hayward plays as well as he did in 2012. Teams consistently targeted backup corner Davon House last year, but with Hayward back, teams will struggle to attack the Packers in the passing game. The Packers have been playoff contenders, and now have a chance to return to the Super Bowl.

Alfred Morris, Redskins Running Back

2012 Draft Position: Round 6, Pick 173

2013 Statline: 1,275 Yards, 4.6 Average, 7 Touchdowns, 5 Fumbles

Alfred Morris was a pleasant surprise for the Redskins in 2012, leading all rookies with 1,613 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He was not bad in 2013, but he took a step back. Morris will likely stay steady, as it will be incredibly difficult to match his rookie totals. With Roy Helu and Lache Seastrunk both looking to receive extensive playing time, Morris' rushing attempts will likely go down once again.