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32 unheralded NFC players whose names you'll know by season's end

Sergio Estrada / USA TODAY

You can almost taste the 2017 NFL season, with the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs kicking things off Thursday night.

While there are plenty of household names for fans to look forward to watching, there are even more players who most have barely heard of. But all it takes is a few highlight-reel (or lowlight-reel) plays to get noticed.

Here is one player from every team who you may not know at the moment, but will by the time Week 17 wraps up in January:

NFC | AFC

RB Tarik Cohen, Bears

Nicknamed "The Human Joystick," Cohen has already begun contributing to his highlight reel with his blistering speed and quick-cutting ability. The Bears are short on playmaking weapons, and the rookie runner will have the benefit of opposing defenses focusing on starter Jordan Howard.

WR Chris Godwin, Buccaneers

With all eyes on the additions of DeSean Jackson and O.J. Howard, third-round pick Godwin has flown under the radar, but the 6-foot-1 receiver could be a force as a depth player. Godwin can make ultra-athletic catches and has the skill set to play anywhere the Bucs need him to line up, which can't be said about the entire receiving corps.

CB Justin Bethel, Cardinals

Bethel is in his sixth season with the Cardinals and has actually made three Pro Bowls as a special teamer. He will be relied upon to start opposite Patrick Peterson, making him a popular target for opposing offenses. Bethel will either become a household name due to giving up big gains or from a breakout performance.

QB Cooper Rush, Cowboys

Though Rush won't be on the field much, he's a tough name to forget once you've heard it. Realistically, he probably beat out veterans Luke McCown and Kellen Moore because Jerry Jones likes his name so much. Cooper Rush - he sounds like a fictional quarterback Jones created playing Madden.

CB Jalen Mills, Eagles

Mills quickly went from the seventh-round pick who puts green dye in his hair to a starter for the Eagles in 2016. As his confidence grows and his distinct look becomes known, Mills could become the face of the Philadelphia secondary.

LB Duke Riley, Falcons

Riley joins Deion Jones as the next in a tradition of LSU linebackers that can play with speed and do well in coverage. Riley may not begin the year as a starter, but he and Jones could be a dynamite duo by the end of his rookie campaign.

TE George Kittle, 49ers

The fifth-round pick will start for Kyle Shanahan's offense, and without much depth in the receiving corps, he is likely to be relied upon heavily - especially in the red zone.

S Andrew Adams, Giants

No one gave much credit to Adams as a rookie last season with Landon Collins, Janoris Jenkins, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie garnering the bulk of the attention. As an undrafted free agent, Adams went from the practice squad to starting 13 games in the Giants' top-notch defense last season. He won't go unnoticed two years in a row.

WR Kenny Golladay, Lions

Already nicknamed "Babytron," Golladay had a stellar preseason coming out of Northern Illinois as a third-round pick. He will be a starting receiver for Detroit after quickly gaining chemistry with Matthew Stafford. Look for him to be making plays in the end zone not unlike Mr. Calvin Johnson did in the Motor City.

WR Trevor Davis, Packers

The Packers always seem to find talent among their depth of pass-catchers in big thanks to Aaron Rodgers, but Davis broke out on his own this preseason as a kick returner. Whether he gets on the field as a receiver or a returner, Davis will be showing off his speed in 2017.

OT Taylor Moton, Panthers

Moton may not actually step on the field this season, but with the Panthers shelling out big bucks to mediocre left tackle Matt Kalil, there is a strong chance Carolina fans will be calling to see the rookie take the field if Cam Newton keeps taking big hits.

WR Cooper Kupp, Rams

While the addition of Sammy Watkins will push Kupp down the depth chart, he looked to have a solid connection with Jared Goff in the preseason and can be used out wide or in the slot. The chip on his shoulder and his small school background makes him a likable character that should be motivated to make a splash.

S D.J. Swearinger, Redskins

Swearinger was forced to play second fiddle to Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Peterson in the Cardinals' secondary, but in his first year with the Redskins, the fifth-year pro has already been named a captain. His hard-hitting style and outspoken opinions will be on full display as he is relied upon in Washington's defense.

WR Tommylee Lewis, Saints

Without Willie Snead for the opening three games, the Saints will need some extra speed out of the slot and Lewis is their best shot to find it. The second-year receiver is a bit undersized at 5-foot-7, but if his speed is enough to make up for Snead through three games, he won't be phased out of the offense soon.

CB Shaquill Griffin, Seahawks

The newest member of the "Legion of Boom" is a 6-foot corner who has already caught the eye of Richard Sherman and will likely see a lot of the field. With all the other Seahawks defenders already having made their name, Griffin will be tested early and often - for good or for bad.

C Pat Elflein, Vikings

It's tough to find a hole in Elflein's game after studying his performance at Ohio State. The rookie interior lineman impressed the Vikings enough to get rid of veteran guard Alex Boone, and now he'll be tasked with leading Minnesota's new-look offensive line as it makes way for Dalvin Cook.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

NFC | AFC

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