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NFL predictions: Unlikely stars for all 32 teams entering 2019

By Dillon Appleman

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 15: Darrius Shepherd #10 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates with Allen Lazard #13 after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 15: Darrius Shepherd #10 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates with Allen Lazard #13 after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Tuzar Skipper #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackles Jordan Scarlett #20 of the Carolina Panthers during the first half of their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Tuzar Skipper #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackles Jordan Scarlett #20 of the Carolina Panthers during the first half of their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Baltimore Ravens: Bradley Bozeman, IOL

The Ravens run heavy offense hinges on good offensive line play in 2019 and one name that looks primed to help out in that department is Bradley Bozeman.

Bozeman was a sixth round pick in 2018 out of Alabama and acted as a rotational option for the Ravens at left guard and played in 14 games as a rookie.

That’s a lot of experience to be had for a second year sixth round pick but now Bozeman is looking to lock down that full-time starting position in 2019.

It looks like he could be headed that way, as the Ravens traded former starting guard, Alex Lewis, to the Jets in early August. Bozeman has also played quite a bit of snaps thus far this preseason, leading the team with 196 snaps in three games.

Seems to me that the team is giving him a real trial run to be the last cog on one of the NFL’s best offensive lines in 2019.

Cincinnati Bengals: Ventell Bryant, WR

The Bengals will need young receivers to step up in the early season absence of A.J. Green, as he heals up from a foot injury. Cincinnati has quite a few young pass catchers on the roster but one surprise that has really stood out during the preseason is undrafted free agent, Ventell Bryant.

Bryant lead the team in receptions with 14, including a nine-catch performance in the team’s final preseason game, and his final shot at proving he should be kept around.

Bryant is a long receiver at 6’3” and is the all-time leading receiver at his alma mater, Temple. He has shown an ability to go up and get the football and looks pretty quick for a guy with his build.

Even if he isn’t able to lock down a roster spot, I expect Bryant will be signed to the Bengals practice squad as a developmental option, not unlike Auden Tate last season.

Cleveland Browns: D’Ernest Johnson, RB

The Cleveland Browns have gone through a lot to get to this point where they now have playoff expectations going into 2019.

They are fresh off the heels of their best season since 2007 and have one of the more exciting young rosters in the NFL, but there is a new face to the team that has stood out for a few reasons.

Running back D’Ernest Johnson’s story is very fitting of a Browns player, as he has gone through a lot to end up in the position he is in today.

Johnson played collegiate ball at USF and went undrafted in 2018, but was able to get a shot with the Saints at their rookie minicamp in 2018. He wasn’t able to make the team and got no other nibbles from anybody else afterword, so Johnson decided to get those nibbles elsewhere.

He worked on a fishing boat for a time before getting his next shot at football in the AAF with the Orlando Apollos.

When the league folded, Johnson was again looking for opportunities to earn his shot and after a few tryouts with some other teams, he landed with the Cleveland Browns back in May.

Since then, Johnson has been out to prove that he belongs and looks every bit the part.

He leads the team with 86 rushing yards in the preaseason and has proved ability in the passing game as well, reeling in 7 passes for 76 yards and his first score.

This is a classic sports story of a guy who didn’t give up and has earned his place in the league and I for one can’t wait to see what’s next for D’Ernest Johnson.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Tuzar Skipper, DE

Tuzar Skipper has been one of the most dominant players during preseason action in 2019.

He leads the league with five sacks, has forced two fumbles and has truly been an absolute menace against both the run and pass.

This is not a typical start for a guy like Skipper.

After starting his career at the JUCO level, Skipper transferred to Toledo. While he did perform well as a senior with the Rockets, he ended up going undrafted this past April.

However, ever since he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Skipper has been a force and should be a lock to make the team’s final roster as the final outside linebacker.

This means he will likely only see action on special teams in 2019 but if he keeps performing like he has been, Skipper could see some reps on that defense in short time.

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