We continue my NFC South Top 25 with No. 13:

Darren Sproles, running back, Saints

What he did in 2012: Sproles carried 48 times for 244 yards and a touchdown, and caught 75 passes for 667 yards and seven touchdowns.

Why he’s No. 13 in 2013: Sproles didn’t have quite as much impact in 2012 as he did in 2011. But you can attribute that to the Saints having a down year and being without coach Sean Payton for an entire season. I can only imagine that Payton spent a lot of his time away thinking about more ways to use Sproles. I think Sproles’ numbers will spike this season, because Payton knows he has a rare talent as a runner and a receiver, and he’s going to take advantage of it.

For previous entries in the NFC South top 25, click here.