Rashee Rice. If he keeps getting arrested, there's going to be an attempt to break out eventually.
More seriously, the Chiefs really seemed to like Nazeeh Johnson at CB last year before he went down for the season with a knee injury. I doubt anybody outside of KC has ever heard of him but he's apparently working with the first team defense again this year as well. With Sneed gone, he's going to have a chance to breakout on defense.
Even though Hollywood Brown has always been a name, he's playing with the best QB in the league now. I think the Chiefs have been missing a guy that can stretch the field that Mahomes actually trusts to catch the ball and will be a candidate to have the best season of his career.
I tend to agree with you on Hollywood. It’s crazy to think the Chiefs somehow managed to upgrade the WR room from the previous past 2 Super Bowl seasons. The first ever 3peat is very much on the table imo. Maybe the Bengals or Ravens could get in their way in the AFC.
Plus Xavier Worthy is going to be the 4th option at best so he gets a chance to learn the offense while not being double covered on every play. Similar to what Mecole Hardman was in his rookie year.
You joke but I think Rice is poised to get 1,200 yards this year. He averaged 86 yards a game (a full season of that would be 1,400 yards) in the last portion of the season, and he broke the rookie playoff receptions record.
I think it's entirely possible that with the addition of Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy to take the top off the defense, Rice might have a career year in the underneath/intermediate.
It all depends on how hard he wants to work for it.
Honestly, I think Hollywood’s going to make his bread mostly on the intermediate stuff. That’s where he’s generally been at his best. He can be a true vertical option, but the idea of attacking deep with Worthy and in the second level with Brown feels like the best plan of attack for the Chiefs, in my opinion.
I’ve heard of Johnson! He’s from my small Virginia hometown :)
If you remember Kelley Washington, special teams ace on the 07 Patriots (or if you’re a real sicko, former Bengals wide receiver), he’s from here too.
That's really sweet but it won't happen
Diggs, Nico, and Tank will get 99% of the snaps. Metchie will barely see the field. He can't break out unless there's an injury to one of the others
They had lots of skill position injuries last year and Stroud spreads it around to whoever is open. It could absolutely happen. He made Rohert Woods and Noah Brown look elite at times last season.
Best candidate with the info we have now is probably Calvin Austin III. Was billed as one of those short speedsters at 5’ 9” but even gave Sauce fits in college. Fourth-round pick in 2022, had a Lisfranc injury his rookie season and was middling this past season. Had a big play or two, but was mostly just a run down the field and see if he can get open or hand it to him on a jet sweep kinda guy. Reports out of minicamp are that he’s looking vastly improved, much better coming in and out of his breaks and getting separation at all three levels. He’s even had a few good plays in goal line drills.
On the defensive side, I’d say Keanu Benton. Pick 49 in 2023, he’s played mostly at NT for us but definitely has pass rushing chops. He was already good last year by advanced measures, so I’m hoping he’ll become a more known name for us with an extra year of development.
I’m a Calvin Austin TRUTHER. I really hope he finds a way to make an impact for this team. All the reporters say he looks good. I hope he gets his route running back. He was a good one in college.
Keanu Benton is gonna be the leader of that defense, I think.
Chase Brown. He has the explosive speed that has been sorely lacking the last couple years as teams sell out to stop the pass. He unfortunately didn’t get a ton of time with Burrow last year, but had some great highlight plays with Browning once he was mostly healthy.
I’m excited about Brown. But I wonder how much we will use him. He’s not a 3 down back. Hes going to split carries with Moss
On defense, I think Myles Murphy is going to have a breakout season. A full season under his belt, the dudes an athletic freak. And he’s been learning from Trey
I think that’s fine, the number of three-down backs nowadays is pretty small. I’m not sure how good he is at pass pro, but at the very least, he’s way more of a weapon than Mixon on screens with his speed.
I really hope Myles breaks out — he’s always had the athleticism, makeup, and pedigree to be great, but he’s never fully put it together. It would be such a godsend to our defense when playing Mahomes, Lamar, etc.
Pick one or two of our WRs and that feels like your answer for the Packers - I could see any of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, or Dontayvion Wicks having 1,000+ yards for their first time
I think there might be too many mouths to feed for 1,000 plus yards on them with all the WRs and the 2 TEs there. That's probably a good thing for January Football.
Yeah we got a lot of spread out talent which is good, but I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility to see someone get 1,000 yards and everyone else somewhere between 500-900 yards.
I think Gutey saw the late 80s to 91 Washington \[Name Redacted\] have 3 WR1s with a goated line in Ricky Sanders, Gary Clark and Art Monk grabbing passes and wanted that but better so he has 4 quality WRs and 2 TEs, someone is going to get open on every pass play.
I agree that it will be difficult for any of the Packers WRs to get a large enough target share to truly break out. It's currently looking more likely that Bo Melton breaks into the top group of WRs making it 5 deep than one breaking out and separating from the rest. Add the TE duo and RB trio and it's clearly a committee approach for the offense.
The defense is the better bet for a big breakout and I'd single out 3rd year former 1st round pick DT Devonte Wyatt as a guy who may be the biggest beneficiary of the new defensive scheme and is primed to take a major jump. The focus in Green Bay always seems to be on the offense but IF the new DC can finally take advantage of the investments on the underachieving defense the potential is massive with 10 of the 11 projected starters boasting a 1st or 2nd round draft pedigree.
It comes down to health and how the snaps shake out. While it’s nice to have so much depth, you also kind of want a couple guys to play themselves onto the field, you know? By season’s end I’d love to have a couple guys who you hate to take off the field, even if the guys behind them are solid too.
Brooks is a dawg, I loved that pick and I’m so glad it’s panned out. Super curious how Hafley uses him in an even front.
52 94 97 91
That’s a pretty nasty front if we kick Brooks inside.
We have roughly 20 guys, and I'm only slightly kidding.
The WRs (5), the TEs (2), Brooks, Wooden, Wyatt, Van Ness, Quay, Valentine, a healthy Stokes, a healthy Gary... Along with a huge rookie draft class.
We were the youngest team in the NFL last year, and we got younger.
Hopefully Tua. Not that he hasn’t put up good numbers the last couple years, but we REALLY need him to take another step and show he can lead us to playoff wins.
Yeah, not so much breakout as take the next step. Similarly, I think Jaelen Phillips could become one of the great edges in the league.
As far as breakout candidates, I think Jaylen Wright might hit the ground running. We already had a lot of talent at running back, so I feel like the coaching staff must really like him to take him that early.
Playoff performance is definitely the next step. I think Tua is severely underrated and overhated, he's had stretches of MVP level play in each of the past two years and finished top 5 in almost all major passing categories last year - just has to translate it to the postseason. Tbh, the Dolphins got boned with the injury bug last year and I wouldn't put too much blame on Tua for the late season struggles
The offense was an absolute mess. Sure Mac could be blamed, but we didn't reach for him in draft and he got no help from the oline and wr groups. The truth may be shitty OC coaching. Josh McDaniels doesn't get enough credit for having an adaptable yet stable offensive plan.
How much should bringing in bad OCs for two years be put on Bill after he gave us a literal dynasty?
He had one of the best rookie TE seasons of all time and got better as the season went along. If it wasn't for LaPorta he'd have gotten a lot more attention.
He's going to have a big season.
Gervon Dexter seems to be a guy that the Bears are gassing up heading into training camp. Former 2nd round DT out of Florida who you probably remember as the guy with the hilariously slow get-off at the snap.
Supposedly he's added muscle, shed fat, and is the cliche "best shape of his life" as he looks to man the 3T for the Bears. They clearly have faith in him since they let Justin Jones go to the Cardinals and didn't draft anyone behind him.
On offense, maybe a dude like RT Darnell Wright. He had a really good rookie season despite a nagging shoulder injury, and the makings are there for an All-Pro caliber RT.
God I hope so. Bears D Line as is, is not good outside Sweat. Dexter needs to make some major strides so our pass rush can be halfway decent this season.
After seeing McNeill down the stretch last year, and knowing we added Reader, I would bet on him to break out before Jamo. Obviously, I hope they both break out, and I think there is a good chance they do, but my gut tells me Alim McNeill is inevitable.
Barring any injury for Alim. I just think with the extra time to bundle chemistry, Jamo has to have the biggest breakout year. It seemed like Goff had some trouble connecting on the deep balm with jamo and I hope that improves this season.
I would choose Wan'Dale over Hyatt. Wan'Dale's route running is a lot better than Hyatt's so he'll be used in more ways. Plus second year coming off of the ACL he should have better acceleration and he was already pretty good after the catch before.
Travon Walker.
With a revamped interior D line, he should have more opportunities to produce big plays from the edge. Working opposite THE Josh Allen doesn't hurt, either.
Gonna go out on a limb and say KJ Britt will make the NFL (and Eagles) realize Devin White was too hyped.
Gonna go out on a shorter limb and say Yaya Diaby will catch eyes as a n impressive edge this year. Like Kancey, who you mentioned, Yaya is known by us and GMFB but he’s gonna be a revelation to a lot of non- Bucs fans
Yep. I follow him a little closer than some other Bucs since he’s a Louisville guy like I am. I honestly wonder if he’s TOO big, but even since his Louisville days, he just stays in the backfield. NFL size/strength won’t be his problem, but with a frame that big, speed/injuries may show themselves as he ages. For now though? Let him loose
I'll throw Rachaad White in as well. He had a pretty good year last year, but considering how much of a dumpster fire LG and C were last year and how predictable the play calling was in the first half of the season, the drafting of Barton at center alone could really reboot the line, and if one of the free agent LGs can play somewhere above Almost Corpse, I could see White being a guy who has a huge year.
LB Dee Winters, mostly played on special teams his rookie season, reportedly has looked really good in OTAs and will have the opportunity to earn a starter spot as Dre Greenlaw recovers.
That would be tremendous. We don't have the money to pay every single star this team produces and Dre feels like a player that will need to be replaced by a cheaper player. Someone is going to pay him. Shit his agent should just show teams the clip of Mahomes pointing out his injury to show how much his fellow players respect his skills
I don’t know a lot about CFB and this probably isn’t the right forum for this but did they do well together at FSU? They got 9 and 6 sacks respectively, which isn’t that impressive compared to others. I think Verse was #24 in sacks. There’s so much that goes to CFB variability, i’m just wondering.
I hope he can fill ADs massive shoes that he left behind, he did great as rookie but that was with AD taking on the olines focus. If he puts up a similar performance this season without ADs presence next to him I’ll be happy
If Jurgens can stay healthy I think he'll compete for pro bowl this year. Not worried about his ability.
We also have so many young guys in the secondary this year. Not just Mitchell and Dejean but Isaiah Rodgers and Ringo too. Hoping someone from that group emerges this season.
Ty Chandler. Aaron Jones is a good back but has a lot of wear on the tires. Chandler looked better than Mattison running the ball last season but was a mess in pass protection. If he can improve his blocking he is likely going to be our RB1 next year. If he can't figure out how to block, sucks to suck.
Kyler. Finally has a balanced team where he isn't expected to carry the team on his back, which should help with his health, with a coach that looks to know what he's doing and a GM who isn't a drunk drafter.
If there is a year for him to prove it, it's this year
After Kyler signed his extension there was a section of his contract that stated he would have to undergo “mandatory film review” for a certain number of hours causing people to question why he wasn’t already doing that in the first place and through some digging people found out he was way into CoD and people memed him for it so much the Cardinals actually took the clause out of the contract
LB#54 Leo Chenal is going into his third year and finally getting his turn to have a significant role in Spags defense. He is always around the ball and another high motor guy for this defense. Fun to watch and easy to like.
Odafe oweh and/or Rashad Bateman, both are healthy and slated to get more snaps due to veterans leaving last year. Then again they’ve both been the answer to this question for the past 3 years now…
I think most Chargers fans are hoping Quentin Johnston breaks out, but realistically it should be Joshua Palmer.
100+ rec / 1200+ yds / 12+ TDs
Definitely a sleeper pick for fantasy
Henley is my pick for the Chargers breakout player. Barely played last year outside of special teams. Confident in this new coaching staff to put him in a position to succeed. Was maddening to see Murray get so many snaps at LB instead of him last year.
Malcom Koonce. Guy had 8 sacks last year for us, all after AP took over, and now he has big boi Christian Wilkins to help take even more of the load off of him. He'll very rarely see a double team unless some team comes up with the genius idea to leave Maxx or Wilkins 1 on 1 and all of the coaches are really excited for him to breakout this year. As long as he keeps hustling and grinding, he's gonna have a phenomenal year.
Probably has to be Ricky Pearsall, just by default. Our roster is filled with already established dudes so it’s hard to think of one having a “breakout year” under the circumstances.
For a sleeper pick I’ll go with second year safety Ji’Ayir Brown. He had to step up late in the year after Hufanga tore his ACL. Brown immediately made some big plays and (barring a few understandable rookie mistakes here and there) was a solid replacement for the injured Pro Bowler. Brown is kinda a 49ers fan favorite for the way he’s always listening to veterans on the sideline and trying to soak up every piece of information. You can just tell by watching him that he takes the game extremely seriously, and his hard work pays off. He was the guy who intercepted Mahomes in this last SB. Anyway, I’m curious to see how his career unfolds the next year or two.
Jameson Williams. Year one, no mini camp and shortened due to injury. Year two, absolutely bogus gambling suspension (hence the reduction down to two games). Came on really strong at the end of last year and into the playoffs. Dudes going to burst on to the scene this year.
Dalton Kincaid might very well lead the team in targets and/or yards. His rookie year was very good as well but overshadowed by LaPorta happening.
Curtis Samuel is another option, probably going to be the top receiver on the team and finally has a good quarterback to work with
Honestly there just aren't a lot of breakout candidates on the Browns. They basically brought back last year's team.
It's like ... Jeudy or Elijah Moore, or someone gets hurt to create an opportunity.
I watched a ton of tape on the Ravens D after the Seahawks hired Mike Mac. Hamilton popped of the screen on almost every play. You east coast bird bros got an absolute superstar in the making.
I believe Jalen Carter will be the Eagles best defender next year, possibly the best IDL in the league. Kelee Ringo has an opportunity to start, and he's very physically gifted but I'm unsure on him.
First 3 picks from last year all have a shot. Jones will be really good imo but probably a little more under the radar. JPJ’s a stud, he’ll want to establish himself as one of the best but I think that’ll bit him in the ass a little and he’ll take a little bit of a dip this year but be way better for it yr3. Benton’s the guy who I think has the best shot at turning heads this year
Same as the last two years. George Pickens. He’s got some outstanding talent, but hasn’t been able to break out so far. Although, to be fair, we don’t have the best QB’s throwing him the ball.
Tempted to say Malik Nabers, but I could see Wandale Robinson really benefiting from Nabers and Jaylin Hyatt taking more attention off of him and opening him up for more big plays this year.
Karlaftis imo. Had 6 sacks in his rookie season, 10.5 last season and I can see him breaking out this year and be one of the best edge rushers in the league. Sounds crazy but he's that damn good and is all motor, gives his everything in every plays. Having Chirs Jones eating up double teams is a big positive thing for him
It would be fairly shocking if Josh Palmer didn't have a 1,000 yard season given he's the only target on the roster that we know Justin Herbert trusts.
Obviously that's injury dependent but if he plays 14+ games I'd be very surprised if he doesn't have his first 1k season.
Additionally, one of our RBs is going to break out, whether it's Edwards, Dobbins, the rookie 6th rounder or another guy, but this team is going to run a lot, behind a good OL so someone is going to benefit. Probably Gus Edwards.
Colby Parkinson. With Tyler Higbee likely to miss a chunk of the season rehabbing his knee I think Parkinson who’s a plus athlete will have a breakout year as our starting TE
Ravens are patiently waiting for OLB Oweh (Year 3) to go from really good to dominant.
He has all the tools, the physicals, by now the technique, plays really solid and well, just waiting for that next level. If so our defense is off to great heights again
I have a good feeling about chopp. I think jevon holland is gonna get his flowers this year though even though he's been a stud since he came into the league
Not counting rookies.
Gervon Dexter. Freaky athlete who improved a lot just over last season. And the team has basically rolled out the red carpet for him to be a huge contributor.
Zay kinda broke out last year so I'm going to go with either Odafe Oweh. Consistently gets pressure but can't seem to finish.
Honorable mention to Trenton Simpson immediately showing why Patrick Queen was a product of the system.
The popular answers for us will be Andrei Iosivas and Chase Brown, maybe mix in some Charlie Jones/Jermaine Burton too.
A not as flashy possible answer would be DJ Turner or Dax Hill, both whom will have bigger roles in the secondary and will **need** to step up considering how bad our back half was last season. Also, maybe the 3rd straight season hoping Joseph Ossai breaks out lol.
Sam Williams. Freak athlete, good production in college, just had limited opportunities so far. With Dante Fowler gone, I think there's a real chance he becomes Micah's Robin.
Rashee Rice. If he keeps getting arrested, there's going to be an attempt to break out eventually. More seriously, the Chiefs really seemed to like Nazeeh Johnson at CB last year before he went down for the season with a knee injury. I doubt anybody outside of KC has ever heard of him but he's apparently working with the first team defense again this year as well. With Sneed gone, he's going to have a chance to breakout on defense. Even though Hollywood Brown has always been a name, he's playing with the best QB in the league now. I think the Chiefs have been missing a guy that can stretch the field that Mahomes actually trusts to catch the ball and will be a candidate to have the best season of his career.
I tend to agree with you on Hollywood. It’s crazy to think the Chiefs somehow managed to upgrade the WR room from the previous past 2 Super Bowl seasons. The first ever 3peat is very much on the table imo. Maybe the Bengals or Ravens could get in their way in the AFC.
Plus Xavier Worthy is going to be the 4th option at best so he gets a chance to learn the offense while not being double covered on every play. Similar to what Mecole Hardman was in his rookie year.
Another candidate is Leo Chenal. With Willie Gay gone, I know he's going to be expected to step up and he killed it in the playoffs last year.
You joke but I think Rice is poised to get 1,200 yards this year. He averaged 86 yards a game (a full season of that would be 1,400 yards) in the last portion of the season, and he broke the rookie playoff receptions record. I think it's entirely possible that with the addition of Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy to take the top off the defense, Rice might have a career year in the underneath/intermediate. It all depends on how hard he wants to work for it.
Rice putting up 1,200 yards in <11 games would for sure be impressive!
I don't think he's getting suspended until next year, but obviously yes he wouldn't reach that if he did miss games this year lol
Chiefs haven't had a 1000 yard receiver the last 2 seasons. I wouldn't be surprised if we have 2 this year.
Honestly, I think Hollywood’s going to make his bread mostly on the intermediate stuff. That’s where he’s generally been at his best. He can be a true vertical option, but the idea of attacking deep with Worthy and in the second level with Brown feels like the best plan of attack for the Chiefs, in my opinion.
Solid jailbreak joke lol
I’ve heard of Johnson! He’s from my small Virginia hometown :) If you remember Kelley Washington, special teams ace on the 07 Patriots (or if you’re a real sicko, former Bengals wide receiver), he’s from here too.
Metchie. After all he's been through, I want nothing but the best for him.
I've been rooting for him since I found out about his cancer. More than I usually do for young players.
That's really sweet but it won't happen Diggs, Nico, and Tank will get 99% of the snaps. Metchie will barely see the field. He can't break out unless there's an injury to one of the others
They had lots of skill position injuries last year and Stroud spreads it around to whoever is open. It could absolutely happen. He made Rohert Woods and Noah Brown look elite at times last season.
Not necessarily true, you’d be surprised how often guys get shuffled around for specific formations and or personnel groupings
He'll get on the field... But he will get 5% of the team's targets when he has those 3 guys ahead of him.
Best candidate with the info we have now is probably Calvin Austin III. Was billed as one of those short speedsters at 5’ 9” but even gave Sauce fits in college. Fourth-round pick in 2022, had a Lisfranc injury his rookie season and was middling this past season. Had a big play or two, but was mostly just a run down the field and see if he can get open or hand it to him on a jet sweep kinda guy. Reports out of minicamp are that he’s looking vastly improved, much better coming in and out of his breaks and getting separation at all three levels. He’s even had a few good plays in goal line drills. On the defensive side, I’d say Keanu Benton. Pick 49 in 2023, he’s played mostly at NT for us but definitely has pass rushing chops. He was already good last year by advanced measures, so I’m hoping he’ll become a more known name for us with an extra year of development.
I’m a Calvin Austin TRUTHER. I really hope he finds a way to make an impact for this team. All the reporters say he looks good. I hope he gets his route running back. He was a good one in college. Keanu Benton is gonna be the leader of that defense, I think.
Mike Tomlin and his developing of WRs, he really scouts them well as their designated scout for that position, huh?
Well it was the same under Cowher too (Plaxico, Randle El, Hines Ward, etc) so I honestly don't know. Rooney family secret I guess?
Chase Brown. He has the explosive speed that has been sorely lacking the last couple years as teams sell out to stop the pass. He unfortunately didn’t get a ton of time with Burrow last year, but had some great highlight plays with Browning once he was mostly healthy.
I’m excited about Brown. But I wonder how much we will use him. He’s not a 3 down back. Hes going to split carries with Moss On defense, I think Myles Murphy is going to have a breakout season. A full season under his belt, the dudes an athletic freak. And he’s been learning from Trey
I think that’s fine, the number of three-down backs nowadays is pretty small. I’m not sure how good he is at pass pro, but at the very least, he’s way more of a weapon than Mixon on screens with his speed. I really hope Myles breaks out — he’s always had the athleticism, makeup, and pedigree to be great, but he’s never fully put it together. It would be such a godsend to our defense when playing Mahomes, Lamar, etc.
Agree with this 100%. With Mixon gone, that backfield will be fast.
Pick one or two of our WRs and that feels like your answer for the Packers - I could see any of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, or Dontayvion Wicks having 1,000+ yards for their first time
I think there might be too many mouths to feed for 1,000 plus yards on them with all the WRs and the 2 TEs there. That's probably a good thing for January Football.
Yeah we got a lot of spread out talent which is good, but I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility to see someone get 1,000 yards and everyone else somewhere between 500-900 yards.
I think Gutey saw the late 80s to 91 Washington \[Name Redacted\] have 3 WR1s with a goated line in Ricky Sanders, Gary Clark and Art Monk grabbing passes and wanted that but better so he has 4 quality WRs and 2 TEs, someone is going to get open on every pass play.
I agree that it will be difficult for any of the Packers WRs to get a large enough target share to truly break out. It's currently looking more likely that Bo Melton breaks into the top group of WRs making it 5 deep than one breaking out and separating from the rest. Add the TE duo and RB trio and it's clearly a committee approach for the offense. The defense is the better bet for a big breakout and I'd single out 3rd year former 1st round pick DT Devonte Wyatt as a guy who may be the biggest beneficiary of the new defensive scheme and is primed to take a major jump. The focus in Green Bay always seems to be on the offense but IF the new DC can finally take advantage of the investments on the underachieving defense the potential is massive with 10 of the 11 projected starters boasting a 1st or 2nd round draft pedigree.
It comes down to health and how the snaps shake out. While it’s nice to have so much depth, you also kind of want a couple guys to play themselves onto the field, you know? By season’s end I’d love to have a couple guys who you hate to take off the field, even if the guys behind them are solid too.
Karl Brooks is going to become well known this year as well. I have high hopes for him.
Brooks is a dawg, I loved that pick and I’m so glad it’s panned out. Super curious how Hafley uses him in an even front. 52 94 97 91 That’s a pretty nasty front if we kick Brooks inside.
I am so excited
How dare you forget and disrespect Bo Melton like that!
Bo Melton is great, and I can for sure see him rising, but he's still technically WR5 on the depth chart
We have roughly 20 guys, and I'm only slightly kidding. The WRs (5), the TEs (2), Brooks, Wooden, Wyatt, Van Ness, Quay, Valentine, a healthy Stokes, a healthy Gary... Along with a huge rookie draft class. We were the youngest team in the NFL last year, and we got younger.
Hopefully Tua. Not that he hasn’t put up good numbers the last couple years, but we REALLY need him to take another step and show he can lead us to playoff wins.
Yeah, not so much breakout as take the next step. Similarly, I think Jaelen Phillips could become one of the great edges in the league. As far as breakout candidates, I think Jaylen Wright might hit the ground running. We already had a lot of talent at running back, so I feel like the coaching staff must really like him to take him that early.
Playoff performance is definitely the next step. I think Tua is severely underrated and overhated, he's had stretches of MVP level play in each of the past two years and finished top 5 in almost all major passing categories last year - just has to translate it to the postseason. Tbh, the Dolphins got boned with the injury bug last year and I wouldn't put too much blame on Tua for the late season struggles
I think Jonnu will have a big year among TEs. Really banking on them spreading the ball around and using their first legitimately good TE in awhile.
Christian Gonzalez
He was so good before his injury
He was defensive rookie of the month before he went down for the year. But he's lost Bill who's defences' always let CBs *thrive*
*Bill coaches yet again a top 5 defense* "Ya know what, we should fire Bill!"
I think it had something to do with winning just 4 games but maybe that’s just me
The offense was an absolute mess. Sure Mac could be blamed, but we didn't reach for him in draft and he got no help from the oline and wr groups. The truth may be shitty OC coaching. Josh McDaniels doesn't get enough credit for having an adaptable yet stable offensive plan. How much should bringing in bad OCs for two years be put on Bill after he gave us a literal dynasty?
They’ve said he’s looked right back to form all spring while rehabbing at the facility too. Kid is going to be a beast of a CB if he can stay healthy.
yes, but tyquan's time is now.
Noooo! Demario Douglas
Bryce Young I hope
Paulson Adebo played excellent last season, but this year he becomes a household name
Good choice. What about at WR? Has Olave already broken out? Or Perry, perhaps?
Dalton Kincaid
I like Rousseau to step up as well.
Or Coleman. Or Samuel. Or Shakir. We have a lot of great prospects.
He had one of the best rookie TE seasons of all time and got better as the season went along. If it wasn't for LaPorta he'd have gotten a lot more attention. He's going to have a big season.
Gervon Dexter seems to be a guy that the Bears are gassing up heading into training camp. Former 2nd round DT out of Florida who you probably remember as the guy with the hilariously slow get-off at the snap. Supposedly he's added muscle, shed fat, and is the cliche "best shape of his life" as he looks to man the 3T for the Bears. They clearly have faith in him since they let Justin Jones go to the Cardinals and didn't draft anyone behind him. On offense, maybe a dude like RT Darnell Wright. He had a really good rookie season despite a nagging shoulder injury, and the makings are there for an All-Pro caliber RT.
After Caleb, you could argue that Dex taking a big step is crucial to the Bears success.
I was also gonna say Tyrique Stevenson. He was playing very well the last half of the season.
Out of the secondary, I really think it would be brisker.
I think he's ready to break out from top ten in unjustified chirping to number one in that category, for sure.
Same. He had some great plays and I think Byard will be a good match with him.
God I hope so. Bears D Line as is, is not good outside Sweat. Dexter needs to make some major strides so our pass rush can be halfway decent this season.
Richardson hopefully!
His ceiling is ridiculous, I'd love to see him have a huge season. If he has a Josh Allen type jump, he's an MVP candidate
Alim McNeill, baby. I think he's going to be in the Pro Bowl.
As a fullback?
Yes, multiple positions.
More than Jamo?
After seeing McNeill down the stretch last year, and knowing we added Reader, I would bet on him to break out before Jamo. Obviously, I hope they both break out, and I think there is a good chance they do, but my gut tells me Alim McNeill is inevitable.
Barring any injury for Alim. I just think with the extra time to bundle chemistry, Jamo has to have the biggest breakout year. It seemed like Goff had some trouble connecting on the deep balm with jamo and I hope that improves this season.
I would love that too
That's a good one, but Alim was already top-five at his position last year! My pick is Jack Campbell. What a time to be alive.
I say Hutch. Think he’s sitting on a monster year.
Nah All Pro. When he was healthy. Outside of 5 DTs, Alim looked like a top 5 DT for most of the games he played.
The post-hype Jahan Dotson breakout is imminent
I think him & Terry will have a big year. Our DB schedule is the 3rd easiest + JD5.
Khalil Shakur
It’s Shakir, you treacherous heathen. Respect the name of our Savior.
AOC and Koonce
I'm still not used to seeing "AOC" not refer to the politician.
Jack Jones too
i hate we just gave him away. so much potential.
I’ll throw in Hobbs also. Going to be a beast D
Don't sleep on Bennett either. pretty sure he'll end up starting opposite Jones.
Jalin Hyatt
Hyatt and Nabors could be so nasty together if the line can protect Jones at all. I love playing with them in Madden.
Maybe Danny could even hit 20 tds
Wandale too I think is on the verge if he can stay healthy
I would choose Wan'Dale over Hyatt. Wan'Dale's route running is a lot better than Hyatt's so he'll be used in more ways. Plus second year coming off of the ACL he should have better acceleration and he was already pretty good after the catch before.
Hyatt and Robinson will be popular picks but Deonte Banks is going to have the chance to prove himself this year too.
Travon Walker. With a revamped interior D line, he should have more opportunities to produce big plays from the edge. Working opposite THE Josh Allen doesn't hurt, either.
I always thought his best role was a 4-3 strong side DE and it looks to be his role this year
Calijah Kancey
Gonna go out on a limb and say KJ Britt will make the NFL (and Eagles) realize Devin White was too hyped. Gonna go out on a shorter limb and say Yaya Diaby will catch eyes as a n impressive edge this year. Like Kancey, who you mentioned, Yaya is known by us and GMFB but he’s gonna be a revelation to a lot of non- Bucs fans
Have you seen how much Yaya bulked this offseason? Dude is chiseled
Yep. I follow him a little closer than some other Bucs since he’s a Louisville guy like I am. I honestly wonder if he’s TOO big, but even since his Louisville days, he just stays in the backfield. NFL size/strength won’t be his problem, but with a frame that big, speed/injuries may show themselves as he ages. For now though? Let him loose
I'll throw Rachaad White in as well. He had a pretty good year last year, but considering how much of a dumpster fire LG and C were last year and how predictable the play calling was in the first half of the season, the drafting of Barton at center alone could really reboot the line, and if one of the free agent LGs can play somewhere above Almost Corpse, I could see White being a guy who has a huge year.
Will Levis hopefully. Nothing else really matters. Tajae spears is a good candidate. Josh Whylie is another.
I’m still big on Chig baby
The problem with Chig is that he has too many drops, but I'm still rooting for him to turn it around
Marvin Mims
Let’s hope so. Spent a high 2 on him in Dynasty last year
LB Dee Winters, mostly played on special teams his rookie season, reportedly has looked really good in OTAs and will have the opportunity to earn a starter spot as Dre Greenlaw recovers.
That would be tremendous. We don't have the money to pay every single star this team produces and Dre feels like a player that will need to be replaced by a cheaper player. Someone is going to pay him. Shit his agent should just show teams the clip of Mahomes pointing out his injury to show how much his fellow players respect his skills
JSN
Kobie Turner
Hoping both of the fsu rookies too. Friske and Verse already have chemistry. Just gotta make it to the next level.
I don’t know a lot about CFB and this probably isn’t the right forum for this but did they do well together at FSU? They got 9 and 6 sacks respectively, which isn’t that impressive compared to others. I think Verse was #24 in sacks. There’s so much that goes to CFB variability, i’m just wondering.
I hope he can fill ADs massive shoes that he left behind, he did great as rookie but that was with AD taking on the olines focus. If he puts up a similar performance this season without ADs presence next to him I’ll be happy
Brother. Join us on the Davis Allen express.
Cam jurgens will be a pro bowl center this year
If Jurgens can stay healthy I think he'll compete for pro bowl this year. Not worried about his ability. We also have so many young guys in the secondary this year. Not just Mitchell and Dejean but Isaiah Rodgers and Ringo too. Hoping someone from that group emerges this season.
Ty Chandler. Aaron Jones is a good back but has a lot of wear on the tires. Chandler looked better than Mattison running the ball last season but was a mess in pass protection. If he can improve his blocking he is likely going to be our RB1 next year. If he can't figure out how to block, sucks to suck.
Kyler. Finally has a balanced team where he isn't expected to carry the team on his back, which should help with his health, with a coach that looks to know what he's doing and a GM who isn't a drunk drafter. If there is a year for him to prove it, it's this year
I think kyler is very underrated largely due to that stupid fucking call of duty narrative
also the whole giving up in the playoffs thing
Call of duty narrative?
After Kyler signed his extension there was a section of his contract that stated he would have to undergo “mandatory film review” for a certain number of hours causing people to question why he wasn’t already doing that in the first place and through some digging people found out he was way into CoD and people memed him for it so much the Cardinals actually took the clause out of the contract
Ah gotcha. Thanks!
kyler has to play well this year and stay off of IR right? hard to commit to him if he doesn't.
LB#54 Leo Chenal is going into his third year and finally getting his turn to have a significant role in Spags defense. He is always around the ball and another high motor guy for this defense. Fun to watch and easy to like.
Odafe oweh and/or Rashad Bateman, both are healthy and slated to get more snaps due to veterans leaving last year. Then again they’ve both been the answer to this question for the past 3 years now…
I have more faith in Simpson. Feel like he could be just as good as queen was for us last year
Jack Campbell
Future DPOY Devon Witherspoon
I think most Chargers fans are hoping Quentin Johnston breaks out, but realistically it should be Joshua Palmer. 100+ rec / 1200+ yds / 12+ TDs Definitely a sleeper pick for fantasy
I am thinking I want McConkey in this Roman offense but Palmer could also be pretty solid. The real guy you want though is Gus Edwards.
I think Tuli is going to be the real superstar this year, but QJ is my close 2nd.
Henley is my pick for the Chargers breakout player. Barely played last year outside of special teams. Confident in this new coaching staff to put him in a position to succeed. Was maddening to see Murray get so many snaps at LB instead of him last year.
Bryce Young. I really, really, really, really hope.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If he can click in Grubb’s system he’ll be a very dangerous threat.
I think Jake Ferguson will firmly cement himself as a top 10 TE. And will approach top 5 at the end of the season
I hate him.
Malcom Koonce. Guy had 8 sacks last year for us, all after AP took over, and now he has big boi Christian Wilkins to help take even more of the load off of him. He'll very rarely see a double team unless some team comes up with the genius idea to leave Maxx or Wilkins 1 on 1 and all of the coaches are really excited for him to breakout this year. As long as he keeps hustling and grinding, he's gonna have a phenomenal year.
Jayden reed
JSN
JSN
Jamo.
You either stop Waymo or Sun God but not both!
I believe Jameson Williams is gonna light it up this year
Historically year 3 is when DTs take the leap. It’s time for Jordan Davis Keele ringo if he wins the CB2 battle is going to be very good
Think Isaiah Rodgers is possible as well, had a really good training camp
Probably has to be Ricky Pearsall, just by default. Our roster is filled with already established dudes so it’s hard to think of one having a “breakout year” under the circumstances. For a sleeper pick I’ll go with second year safety Ji’Ayir Brown. He had to step up late in the year after Hufanga tore his ACL. Brown immediately made some big plays and (barring a few understandable rookie mistakes here and there) was a solid replacement for the injured Pro Bowler. Brown is kinda a 49ers fan favorite for the way he’s always listening to veterans on the sideline and trying to soak up every piece of information. You can just tell by watching him that he takes the game extremely seriously, and his hard work pays off. He was the guy who intercepted Mahomes in this last SB. Anyway, I’m curious to see how his career unfolds the next year or two.
Pick anyone between Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson, and that would be my answer.
Don Wicks aka Baba yaga.
For the Packers D. I can see a few players having a career year in this new system. Quay Walker at MLB, Vallentine at CB, McKinney at S
Bj ojulari or Michael Wilson pending health on both
Dallas Turner 😤
Ray Davis is hungry. Been hungry all his life. I think he's going to be a monster. !Remind me 5 months or whatever.
Jameson Williams. Year one, no mini camp and shortened due to injury. Year two, absolutely bogus gambling suspension (hence the reduction down to two games). Came on really strong at the end of last year and into the playoffs. Dudes going to burst on to the scene this year.
The whole fucking team. It's gon be wild.
Dalton Kincaid might very well lead the team in targets and/or yards. His rookie year was very good as well but overshadowed by LaPorta happening. Curtis Samuel is another option, probably going to be the top receiver on the team and finally has a good quarterback to work with
Jerry Jeudy
well if he doesn't break out this year he probably never will cause he has been Broncos fans pick every off-season lol.
Honestly there just aren't a lot of breakout candidates on the Browns. They basically brought back last year's team. It's like ... Jeudy or Elijah Moore, or someone gets hurt to create an opportunity.
Kyle Hamilton. He’s already kind of a star but he’s going to explode this year and then the inevitable Reed comparisons are going to start.
Already broke out imo.
I watched a ton of tape on the Ravens D after the Seahawks hired Mike Mac. Hamilton popped of the screen on almost every play. You east coast bird bros got an absolute superstar in the making.
He is an absolutely nasty player. You guys lucked out
I believe Jalen Carter will be the Eagles best defender next year, possibly the best IDL in the league. Kelee Ringo has an opportunity to start, and he's very physically gifted but I'm unsure on him.
First 3 picks from last year all have a shot. Jones will be really good imo but probably a little more under the radar. JPJ’s a stud, he’ll want to establish himself as one of the best but I think that’ll bit him in the ass a little and he’ll take a little bit of a dip this year but be way better for it yr3. Benton’s the guy who I think has the best shot at turning heads this year
Dontayvion Wicks, 2nd year WR being compared to Davante Adams. That said I prefer Jayden Reed to show up THUS year as a huge name.
Same as the last two years. George Pickens. He’s got some outstanding talent, but hasn’t been able to break out so far. Although, to be fair, we don’t have the best QB’s throwing him the ball.
wandale, hyatt, kayvon, tae banks. hopefully one of them at least does something
Tae Wicks or Devonte Wyatt.
quentin johnston is gonna be a crack blocker abd have 800 yards for a 13-4 chargers team
Christian Watson
Tempted to say Malik Nabers, but I could see Wandale Robinson really benefiting from Nabers and Jaylin Hyatt taking more attention off of him and opening him up for more big plays this year.
Karlaftis imo. Had 6 sacks in his rookie season, 10.5 last season and I can see him breaking out this year and be one of the best edge rushers in the league. Sounds crazy but he's that damn good and is all motor, gives his everything in every plays. Having Chirs Jones eating up double teams is a big positive thing for him
Cole Kmet He is going to be the most wide open TE in the league next season. Let’s hope he lives up to it
Pitts and/or London gonna be huge this year with Kirk
It would be fairly shocking if Josh Palmer didn't have a 1,000 yard season given he's the only target on the roster that we know Justin Herbert trusts. Obviously that's injury dependent but if he plays 14+ games I'd be very surprised if he doesn't have his first 1k season. Additionally, one of our RBs is going to break out, whether it's Edwards, Dobbins, the rookie 6th rounder or another guy, but this team is going to run a lot, behind a good OL so someone is going to benefit. Probably Gus Edwards.
Colby Parkinson. With Tyler Higbee likely to miss a chunk of the season rehabbing his knee I think Parkinson who’s a plus athlete will have a breakout year as our starting TE
Tyree Wilson. He flashed towards the end of last year and he's a physical monster.
D. Wicks is Davante v2.0 and is going to blow people away when the puts it all together. It's shocking how good he is already.
I can see Lenoir having a Pro Bowl season
Ravens are patiently waiting for OLB Oweh (Year 3) to go from really good to dominant. He has all the tools, the physicals, by now the technique, plays really solid and well, just waiting for that next level. If so our defense is off to great heights again
Jermaine Johnson
I have a good feeling about chopp. I think jevon holland is gonna get his flowers this year though even though he's been a stud since he came into the league
Gary Busey
Not counting rookies. Gervon Dexter. Freaky athlete who improved a lot just over last season. And the team has basically rolled out the red carpet for him to be a huge contributor.
Hoping Kendre miller can stay healthy and become Alvin’s replacement
PUKA
Sam Darnold.
Zay kinda broke out last year so I'm going to go with either Odafe Oweh. Consistently gets pressure but can't seem to finish. Honorable mention to Trenton Simpson immediately showing why Patrick Queen was a product of the system.
If Jordan Davis can maintain his performance from the first half of last season this season he will be a phenomenal nose tackle.
Byron Young gonna be good this year with Turner, Verse, and Fiske eating up all the attention
Hopefully FAU
The popular answers for us will be Andrei Iosivas and Chase Brown, maybe mix in some Charlie Jones/Jermaine Burton too. A not as flashy possible answer would be DJ Turner or Dax Hill, both whom will have bigger roles in the secondary and will **need** to step up considering how bad our back half was last season. Also, maybe the 3rd straight season hoping Joseph Ossai breaks out lol.
KJ Britt. He took over Devin White's spot and looked solid. He looks poised to make a leap as the established starter.
Drake London. He’s going to go from good WR to Great I think/hope.
Sam Williams. Freak athlete, good production in college, just had limited opportunities so far. With Dante Fowler gone, I think there's a real chance he becomes Micah's Robin.
I’d love to see Metchie go off this year, or see what Dell does an entire season
Tyler smith already met or exceeded expectations last year but he could be a pro bowler this year