Abordnet

What's in a name? In the NFL free-agency period, it usually means money. And it usually happens for those name p_layer_s in a hurry. Like many fans, teams often get enamored with name p_layer_s. Fans crave for their teams to sign them, and team executives often get caught up in the fever. But the reality is a lot of the times those p_layer_s are either on the downside of their careers or about to get there. That's dangerous. So while your neighbor might be calling for your team to sign a big- name guy this free-agency period, we offer the alternative: p_layer_s you might not know who have yet to reach their NFL peaks. For these p_layer_s, their best football is in front of them, which is why they should be key targets. We have five p_layer_s listed, and here's a good bet that outside of their families, their own fans and the NFL personnel people who deal with them on a regular basis, they aren't that well known. That doesn't mean they can't play. They all can. And they all have several good years left. So let's forget about the aging passers (Jeff Garcia), the high-priced corners (Nate Clements) and the flavor of the month (Dominic Rhodes) for a moment and take a look at five guys who can actually help your team. These no-names can play. Kevin Curtis, WR, St. Louis Rams He has what teams want, which is blazing speed. Curtis is small at 5- feet-11, 195 pounds, but he can get down the field. He wasn't used as much last season as he was when Mike Martz was the coach, but he has the tools to be a solid starter. Used mostly as a third receiver in his time with the Rams, playing behind Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, Curtis did start nine games in 2005 when Bruce was hurt. He responded with career highs in catches (60) and yards (801). He had 40 catches for 479 yards last season but started just one game. Curtis had four catches for 40-plus yards in 2005, including an 83- yard touchdown. He also had six touchdowns that season and four in 2006. Although he has only been in the league four years, Curtis will turn 29 in July. That's because he went on a Mormon mission in 1998-99 before walking on at Utah State. Even so, his body is young by NFL standards, which means there's a lot of good football left in him. Dewayne White, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers There's always a shortage of good, young pass rushers. It's why the Cincinnati Bengals gave Robert Geathers a five-year contract to keep him off the market. The Bucs haven't been as lucky with White, so he will likely be available. A second-round pick in 2003, he spent most of his first three seasons being used as a situational rusher but took over as a starter late last season when Simeon Rice went down with an injury. He had five sacks and showed he had the speed off the edge. He has 14 sacks the past three seasons. He turns 28 in October, so his best football is in front of him. Tampa Bay would love to keep him, particularly because Rice and Greg Spires are both over 30. Eric Steinbach, G, Cincinnati Bengals It's not often that a p_layer_ of this caliber hits the market. But the Bengals have already put the franchise tag on defensive end Justin Smith, which means Steinbach will be unrestricted free agent. He turns 27 in April, but he has already had 62 career starts. That's a lot of experience for a p_layer_ of his age. Steinbach is a good in pass protection, and since he has improved his strength, he has improved as a run blocker. He is one of the Bengals who was arrested in the past year, being tagged for boating under the influence, which could scare off some teams. Ken Hamlin, S, Seahawks After suffering a serious head injury in a bar fight in 2005, an injury that forced him to miss the second half of the season, Hamlin responded in 2006 by starting all 16 games. He is a big hitter who plays with a lot of aggressiveness and passion. He's the p_layer_ who can often be heard screaming at the opposition. Hamlin just turned 26, so he's at the target age. Hamlin had 75 tackles, three interceptions and two sacks last season. Teams will have to address the head injury from 2005 if they plan to spend on him, but he didn't show any signs of it affecting him last season. Cory Redding, DT-DE, Lions Redding picked a good time to have his career season. He had eight sacks in 2006, playing both end and tackle. He finished the season at tackle, but at 290 pounds he is small by those standards for some defenses. The fact he can play both positions bodes well for his free-agency status. Redding has played four seasons since being drafted by the Lions out of Texas and had four sacks before last season Redding is 26

Kevin Curtis, WR, St. Louis Rams Although he has only been in the league four years, Curtis will turn 29 in July. That's because he went on a Mormon mission in 1998-99 before walking on at Utah State. Even so, his body is young by NFL standards, which means there's a lot of good football left in him. Eric Steinbach, G, Cincinnati Bengals He turns 27 in April, but he has already had 62 career starts. That's a lot of experience for a p_layer_ of his age. In the first example, he seems to be claiming experience is a bad thing, because it means there's less wear-and-tear on the p_layer_'s body. In the second case, however, he seems to argue that it's a good thing, although you're talking about one of the most physically devastating positions on the field. -Ron

names will be overpriced, especially because they're probably on the downside of their careers) the following comments made me laugh: Kevin Curtis, WR, St. Louis Rams Although he has only been in the league four years, Curtis will turn 29 in July. That's because he went on a Mormon mission in 1998-99 before walking on at Utah State. Even so, his body is young by NFL standards, which means there's a lot of good football left in him. Eric Steinbach, G, Cincinnati Bengals He turns 27 in April, but he has already had 62 career starts. That's a lot of experience for a p_layer_ of his age. In the first example, he seems to be claiming experience is a bad thing, because it means there's less wear-and-tear on the p_layer_'s body. In the second case, however, he seems to argue that it's a good thing, although you're talking about one of the most physically devastating positions on the field. -Ron Personally I'd rather see the 49ers go after Laurent Robinson the WR from Illinois State as a sleeper if possible. The market for receivers doesnt look that great right now.