Derek Carrs impressive sophomore season was only a first step.The Oakland Raiders are a fashionable pick to make the playoffs and even win the AFC West thanks to a quarterback who appears on the verge of becoming an upper-tier player for the next decade.Carr threw for 3,987 yards, 32 touchdowns and posted a 91.1 passer rating in 2015, helping the Raiders improve from 3-13 in 2014 to 7-9. Hes been on the rise and could get better as he continues to master coordinator Bill Musgraves system and develops more continuity with a supporting cast that features wide receiver Amari Cooper.Here are other players who could be trending upward in 2016:David Johnson, RB, Cardinals: After getting only 32 carries in the first 11 games, Johnson took over as the starter following an injury to Chris Johnson and put together a fantastic three-game stretch: 378 yards rushing, 3 TDs, 11 catches, 94 yards receiving. Theres plenty of hype surrounding the dynamic runner as he enters his second season. Hes big, strong, fast and shouldnt disappoint.Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers: Evans caught more passes for more yards but had far fewer TDs in 2015 (three) than he did his rookie season (12). He also led the team in dropped passes. But Evans should thrive in new coach Dirk Koetters system, which helped Roddy White and Julio Jones become superstars in Atlanta. Evans and quarterback Jameis Winston have a year together so expect them to develop into one of the top QB-WR tandems in the league.Lael Collins, LG, Cowboys: Collins lost millions when he went from being a projected first-round pick in 2015 to an undrafted free agent because of off-field issues. Dallas gambled on his talent and Collins started 11 games his rookie season. He can eventually make up that lost money by playing like a guy whose name is called by Commissioner Roger Goodell.Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Packers: He led the team with 100 tackles and added three sacks and two interceptions in his second season after a strong rookie year in 2014. Clinton-Dix should take the next step forward this season and earn a trip to Orlando for his first Pro Bowl.Ryan Shazier, ILB, Steelers: Staying healthy was Shaziers biggest challenge his first two seasons. He missed the first four games last year after missing parts or all of nine of the final 14 games his rookie year in 2014. When hes on the field, hes outstanding. Shazier had 13 tackles, forced two fumbles and recovered one in a playoff win over Cincinnati last January. He should become the next dominant force for the Steel Curtain.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org---Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP-RobMaaddi Cheap Balenciaga Shoes Online . -- Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson asked his players a simple question during Fridays morning shootaround: How many of them had ever been on a team 14 games over . Wholesale Balenciaga China . Catch all the action on TSN2 at 11pm et/8pm pt. The nine-time Big 12 champion Jayhawks are positioning themselves for another title, as they have run out to a flawless 6-0 mark in conference play thus far. http://www.balenciagacheap.com/ .C. United of Major League Soccer. United chose the defender in the second round of the 2013 MLS re-entry draft. Balenciaga Outlet . The mixed zone is not a place to make friends. Wholesale Balenciaga Shoes . -- Arizona raced out to a big lead and did not back off, hitting the accelerator instead.The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenceman Karl Alzner to a four-year contract extension, the team announced Thursday. Alzner will earn $2.8 million per year from 2013-14 through the 2016-17 season. "We are very pleased to sign Karl Alzner to a contract extension," said GM George McPhee in a statement. "Karl is just entering his prime and has been a model of consistency for our organization since he entered the League. He plays tough and valuable minutes against some of the NHLs top players every game." Alzner, 24, recorded one goal and four assists in 48 games during the 2012-13 season. He ranked third on the Capitals in average ice time per game (20:57) and finished ranked second in blocked shots (85). Last season marked the third consecutive campaign in which Alzner appeared in every Capitals game (including the playofffs), joining John Carlson as the only two players to appear in every Capitals contest since the 2010-11 season.dddddddddddd The Burnaby, British Columbia, native has collected 44 points (5 goals, 39 assists) and a plus-17 plus/minus rating in 263 career NHL games. Alzner ranks tied for seventh in games played among his 2007 draft class and has ranked in Washingtons top-3 in blocked shots each of the past three seasons. The defenseman has recorded one goal and four assists in 31 career NHL playoff games with Washington and ranked in the Capitals top-5 in average time on ice in each of the past three postseasons. From 2008 through 2010, Alzner appeared in 103 AHL games with the Hershey Bears, collecting 41 points (seven goals, 34 assists) and a plus-57 rating while helping lead the team to the 2010 Calder Cup championship. ' ' '