While NFL teams expect rookies to make a considerable impact, it is in year two where their expectations really ramp up. Players will have one season under their belt, which means they will be more comfortable with the NFL environment and schemes. Also, they will be stronger with a year in an NFL strength and conditioning program. Many players’ bodies look incredibly different from year one to two.

Entering 2015, there are numerous easy answers as to which players will make a huge impact. Players like Aaron Donald, Zack Martin, Khalil Mack, Teddy Bridgewater, Odell Beckham Jr. and Mike Evans would all be easy answers to this simple question. However, we don’t like to take the easy route at Football Insiders; therefore, we are going to discuss five lesser-known sophomores who are primed for a huge season in 2015.

Joel Bitonio, OG, Cleveland Browns

The “other” elite guard to come from the 2014 draft class is Joel Bitonio. He thrives in the Cleveland Browns’ zone-blocking scheme where he is able to utilize his athleticism to get to the second level and also work laterally down the line of scrimmage. Bitonio played tackle in college, but he has been a natural in his move to guard. His play has led to him and Joe Thomas being the premier left tackle and left guard duo in the entire league.

In 2015, Bitonio shouldn’t slow down at all as he should shore up his weakness and exacerbate his strengths. Bitonio will likely be stronger at the point of attack in 2015, which will help him against some of the power interior rushers that gave him a tad bit of trouble in 2015. It wouldn’t be surprising at all if Bitonio made the Pro Bowl or even the All-Pro team in 2015, he is that good.

DeMarcus Lawrence, DE, Dallas Cowboys

Last year, DeMarcus Lawrence didn’t get much of an opportunity to really make an impact because he was out half of the year with a foot injury sustained in training camp. He primarily played as rotational right defensive end when he returned and didn’t make much of an impact for most of his return. However, during the playoffs, the Cowboys got a glimpse of what Lawrence was developing into. He had two sacks in the two playoff games and he showcased the violent and powerful rushing ability that made him so good at Boise State.

Going into 2015, Lawrence appears to have completely reshaped his body, as he looks thicker throughout his body. This could be because of a switch to left defensive end in 2015. The Cowboys head coach believes Lawrence has the traits to play both sides at defensive end:

“He [Lawrence] has traits to play both sides,” head coach Jason Garrett said. “The left defensive end typically is the sturdier, bigger guy, maybe a little bit more of a run defender to go along with being a pass rusher. The right defensive end typically is the guy that is in the back side of the quarterback’s vision, and he’s typically the elite pass rusher. But there have been a lot of great left defensive end pass rushers and a lot of good right defensive end run defenders.”

If you ask Lawrence; however, he believes he will be better on the left side in 2015. “I actually feel I am best at left end,” Lawrence said. “I feel like I get off way better on my left side, keeping my right hand down. So we are working on that right now. We’re still trying to fill in some spots at right end.”

With Lawrence playing the left side, he will be rushing against slower footed right tackle and Lawrence wide variety of pass-rush moves should be extremely beneficial there. Look for Lawrence to get between 8-10 sacks and lead the Cowboys revamped pass-rush into the playoffs this year.

Scott Crichton, DE, Minnesota Vikings

The surprise player on this list is a player who didn’t even get on the field very often in his rookie season. Scott Crichton was inactive for eight games last season; however, this season should be the one where he breaks out. Crichton wasn’t able to participate in many off-season activities last season because of the NFL rules about graduation. For a player who thrives on power and technique, it really put Crichton behind the eight ball.

Nevertheless, this year Crichton has been able to participate in all the off season activities and he has been catching a lot of people’s eyes. “One guy that’s starting to pop out right now is Scott Crichton,” Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said. “The difference in what we’ve seen so far in year one to year two is tremendous. We’re very excited about all these young guys, but we think Scott is going to have a very productive year for us too, with the way he’s shown so far.”

Crichton is a player with a lot of position flexibility as he can play at defensive end in base and move down to defensive tackle in the nickel while being extremely effective at both. Crichton will never be a dominant sack player, but look for him to be extremely disruptive and a great run defender in 2015.

Jason Verrett, CB, San Diego Chargers

Continuing the theme of this list thus far, Jason Verrett is another sophomore stud who didn’t get a lot of playing time in 2014. Verrett tore some cartilage in his shoulder, which kept him out for the majority of the season last year. However, in his short time on the field, he showcased big time talent.

As a rookie, Verrett showcased the athleticism to mirror wide receivers routes and close quickly once the ball is thrown. Verrett has fluid hips and fantastic footwork, which allow him to always be in great position to make a play on the ball. In his second season, Verrett should only improve as he should play even faster and more fluid with a better understanding of the Chargers’ scheme and the different route combinations he sees in the NFL. Look for Verrett to cement his place among the best young cornerbacks in the league as he starts to knock on the door of the elite cornerbacks in the NFL.

Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers

The last player on this list, Carlos Hyde, makes it because of the opportunity he will get. With Frank Gore gone, Hyde appears to be the bell cow running back for a team that loves to run the ball, the San Francisco 49ers. Hyde his an imposing running back who runs hard and plays with a ton of power. He fits in the 49ers’ power-running scheme as he gets downhill quickly and he’s not afraid to drop his pad level and take on defenders to get the dirty yards.

Hyde is a dark horse candidate to be in the top-5 in rushing yards this season as he will get a ton of carries and the sheer volume could allow him to put up big yards. Furthermore, the 49ers will need him to put up some big games, as they need to control the clock and wear down teams to win.