ESPN & Scouts.com released their list this week of the top 10 AFC and NFC players due for "breakout" seasons in 2012 this week (In$ider) and coming in at #3 for the NFC was Eagles' C Jason Kelce.

He was a sixth-round pick in 2011 and started every game as a rookie but played like a veteran. His guru offensive line coach, Howard Mudd, developed longtime center Jeff Saturday at Indianapolis, and Kelce's skill set is similar. He doesn't have great size, but he is very savvy and he can get to the second level and block in space. Best of all, the coaches trust him to make the line calls and adjustments, which is a huge help to QB Michael Vick. He can become an anchor of a vastly improved unit.

The only other NFC East player to make their list was Cowboys' LB Sean Lee, who seems like an odd fit here given that he already led that team in tackles and interceptions last season. Seems like they're a year late in predicting a breakout year.

But Kelce is certainly an interesting candidate. For one, he's kind of obvious in that he was the Eagles' best rookie last season. Plus, as the blurb points out he's got a great position coach with a track record of developing great centers just like him. Still, I do wonder what a "breakout" season for a center looks like... It's not really a position where the average fan will even notice what he does.

It's one of those positions where if you make one Pro Bowl, you have a good shot at making the next 5 or 6.