There is so much discussion about the current group of rookies entering the NFL, and deservingly so, but there are plenty of second-year players that are eager to prove themselves in their second season in the NFL. Being able to transition from the collegiate level to professional level is not an easy task and for most players it takes some time in the incubator before they blossom into big-time talents. Injuries also play a humongous part in the derailing of a promising start. The players listed below enter year two with high expectations after less than desirable rookie campaigns.

Troy Niklas, TE, Arizona Cardinals

Draft Entry – Second Round

Niklas appeared in seven games and made one start in his rookie season. He caught three passes for 38 yards in limited action before ending up on the IR in Arizona. In his final season at Notre Dame, he finished third overall in catches (38), receiving yards (498) and touchdowns catches (5). It was a little bit of a surprise when another Notre Dame tight end and Cardinals teammate John Carlson decided to retire this past May. Along with former third round pick Rob Housler heading east to sign with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent, it seems Niklas is the beneficiary of his former teammate’s departures. He is a bit raw but has the necessary tools to become a real play-maker for the Arizona offense.

Brent Urban, DE, Baltimore Ravens

Draft Entry: Fourth Round

The Canadian born defensive end missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL. Good size (6-foot-7, 298 pounds) with long arms, Urban is an extremely athletic player and should be an enormous addition the Ravens defensive front this season. Urban should be able to contribute early rotating with veteran Chris Canty, who is entering his 11^th season in the NFL and turns 33 in November. When training camp officially begins later this summer the Ravens will basically have an experienced rookie joining the 2015 draft class due to Urban’s absence last season.

DeMarcus Lawrence, DE, Dallas Cowboys

Draft Entry: Second Round

The Dallas Cowboys defensive line may grow by leaps and bounds this upcoming season. They signed Greg Hardy and drafted Randy Gregory in the second round. Both players come with giant waving red flags along with immensely gifted athletic attributes. Add in last years second round selection DeMarcus Lawrence and the Cowboys could be on the verge of one of their best defensive fronts in decades. Lawrence missed the first eight games his rookie season as he recovered from a fractured foot. Although he did not record a single regular season sack on an opposing quarterback, he did register two in the playoffs. Expect big things from the second-year defensive end.

Cody Latimer, WR, Denver Broncos

Draft Entry: Second Round

Latimer entered last season buried on the depth chart. His second year in the NFL should be a lot more rewarding with an increase in production. Gone is Wes Welker and Latimer is in line to earn more and more snaps with Welker’s departure from the Broncos. Recently drafted tight end Jeff Heuerman tore his ACL in rookie training camp and Julius Thomas signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, which likely will lead to and increased role in his second-year in the Broncos pass-happy offensive system.

Andre Williams, RB, New York Giants

Draft Entry: Fourth Round

It was hard to notice any other rookie on the Giants roster last season after witnessing the amazing performance displayed by rookie receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Digging a little deeper into the players selected last year by the Giants, you will discover that former 2,000 yard single season rusher from Boston College (Andre Williams) may be in store for a breakout season in 2015. Williams started seven games and produced two 100-yard rushing games in two of the last four weeks of the regular season. He averaged 82 yards over and 20 carries over the last four games of the season leaving plenty to be excited about. Shane Vereen is third-down back and Rashad Jennings seems incapable of staying healthy, leaving an open door for Williams to seize and secure the starters job in New York.

Marqise Lee, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Draft Entry: Second Round

Lee had 21 passes targeted to him during the first five games of his rookie season. Those targets nearly doubled (40) over the course of his final five games. Lee appeared in 13 total games and started eight, and appeared to find a comfort level with fellow rookie quarterback Blake Bortles down the stretch. The receiving corps in Jacksonville is young and talented with another rookie Allen Robinson showing signs he’ll be able to contribute after catching 48 passes in only ten games. Lee however, possesses speed and great open field ability to make something out of nothing.

Dominique Easley, DT, New England Patriots

Draft Entry: First Round

Easley was hurt during his final season at Florida tearing his ACL in September (2013). His rookie season was basically a wash and the Patriots will look for him to become a factor, especially with Vince Wilfork not being resigned. The departure of Wilfork leaves a giant hole in the interior of the Pats defense, a particular skill Easley is well accustomed to filling when healthy. The Patriots also added 2015 rookie defensive tackle Malcom Brown showing the teams need to replenish their interior defensively. Easley and Brown both have the potential to plug the middle for years to come in New England.