Dan Pompei

Last year, it was Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards, Antonio Cromartie, Marion Barber and Trent Cole.

Each of those young players made the transition from rank-and-file hopeful to star player.

Who will make the transition this year? Here are five solid candidates.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
Rodgers appears poised to take off for a couple of reasons. First, he has played exceptionally well in rare opportunities to spell Brett Favre in the past. Second, he has been set up to succeed.

Look at Rodgers' past. A former first-round pick, he has been brought along slowly, without the pressure that has brought down other high draft choices. He has had two-plus years to learn coach Mike McCarthy's system and has reached a level of comfort with the playbook. Rodgers benefits from having the guidance of McCarthy and Tom Clements, one of the game's better quarterback coaches.

Rodgers also takes over a team that was one of the best in football a year ago. He is throwing to what could be the deepest set of wide receivers in the NFL, including rookie Jordy Nelson. And the Packers' fine defense should give Rodgers' offense opportunities to win games.

McCarthy put it well when he told me, "I feel we have a good solid team in all three phases to help the quarterback be successful."

Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
He has too much talent not to take off as a sophomore. Johnson struggled with a back injury for most of his rookie year, and never got into the swing of Mike Martz's complex offense.

Now that new coordinator Jim Colletto is simplifying things, Johnson has a better feel for his assignments. It also helps that Johnson has been one of the hardest workers on the team in the offseason.

The Lions will make a concerted effort to feature Johnson because they used the second overall pick in the draft to take him. He is ready and able to take advantage.

Michael Turner, RB, Falcons
He has averaged 5.5 yards per carry over four years. No NFL starter approached that number over the same period of time.

Of course, it might have been easier to be LaDainian Tomlinson's caddy in San Diego than it will be to be The Man in Atlanta. Especially considering the Falcons offensive line is unproven and they don't have an established quarterback to back the safety off. But Turner's physical, low-to-the-ground running style should play well in the NFC South.

Gaines Adams, DE, Bucs
Gaines finally started to get it late last season, when he had 5½ sacks over his last seven games, including the postseason. The fourth pick of the 2007 draft is in the perfect defensive system to put up big numbers, and it helps to have hungry Greg White playing the opposite end.

Laron Landry, S, Redskins
He was one of the most gifted safeties to come out of college in along time, and Landry should start to show it in his second season. He could benefit from defensive scheme changes implemented by new coordinator Greg Blache.

Now that the Skins know they will be without Sean Taylor, look for them to try to capitalize more on Landry's athleticism and play making ability.

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