With mandatory minicamp in the rearview and training camp a month away, it's summer break in the NFL. This is the calm before the storm of another football season, a time to reflect on rosters and project what could be in store for the coming campaign. With that in mind, I'm here to identify players who can make the leap to stardom in the fall.
I performed this same exercise last offseason, accurately predicting breakout years from guys like George Pickens, Tyler Smith, Derrick Brown and Derek Stingley Jr. Of course, not every selection proved savvy -- SEE: Kenny Pickett, Kadarius Toney, Nakobe Dean -- but that won't stop me from providing another forecast on future stars.
The players listed below have yet to receive any All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors, but I believe they could garner consideration with their play in the coming campaign.
QB
Bryce Young
Carolina Panthers · Age 22
A disappointing rookie season spurred a mass exodus from Young's bandwagon, but I believe last year's No. 1 overall pick can bounce back under new head coach Dave Canales. The quarterback guru just helped Baker Mayfield resurrect his career in Tampa; now Canales can perform his magic in another NFC South city, helping Young regain his swagger in Charlotte. As the coach reshapes the Panthers' offense to feature more quarterback-friendly concepts with better weaponry at Young's disposal, the talented gunslinger could re-emerge as the blue-chip player who won a Heisman Trophy at Alabama and entered the 2023 NFL Draft as the belle of the ball.
RB
De'Von Achane
Miami Dolphins · Age 22
Yes, Achane did burst on the scene as a rookie, racking up 518 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns in Weeks 3 through 5 while looking like one of the most explosive players in the game. But knee issues forced the running back to miss most of October and November, preventing him from a full breakout. All in all, Achane averaged 90.6 scrimmage yards and one touchdown per game, but he could be due for a yardage uptick in an expanded role that should lead to more touches and big-play chances for the speedster. As Mike McDaniel continues experimenting with one of the league's most dynamic offenses, Achane could become the X-factor on a unit loaded with potent playmakers.
WR
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Seattle Seahawks · Age 22
The No. 20 overall pick from last year could enjoy a breakout campaign in new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb's high-flying attack. With defenses intent on slowing down DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, JSN could flourish whipping CB3s alongside Seattle's established pass catchers. The smooth route runner posted modest production (63 catches, 628 yards and four scores) as a third option in 2024, but those numbers could surge in an offense that features more concepts designed to get the ball to a dangerous slot receiver on the move.
WR
Khalil Shakir
Buffalo Bills · Age 24
The trade of Stefon Diggs opened up the WR1 role in the passing game. Although the team drafted Keon Coleman with the 33rd overall pick to potentially fill the void, Shakir could take over as the lead receiver following a 2023 campaign that showcased his potential as a big-play threat (39 catches for 611 yards and two scores). With more opportunities in Joe Brady's scheme, the third-year pro could crack the 1,000-yard mark.
WR
Jayden Reed
Green Bay Packers · Age 24
On a team without a true WR1, Reed could ascend to the top spot as a reliable chain mover with strong hands and dynamic running skills. Operating primarily out of the slot, the second-year pro is a rare find as a vertical threat, possessing polished route-running skills that enable him to win on crossers, digs and deep overs. Reed earned Jordan Love's trust during a fine rookie season (64 catches, 793 receiving yards and eight scores) that put the former second-rounder on the radar as a potential No. 1 option in Green Bay. These two should make even sweeter music in their second season together.
TE
Dalton Kincaid
Buffalo Bills · Age 24
With Buffalo poised to routinely utilize "12" personnel, Kincaid could become a household name as a dominant pass catcher over the middle. Although the second-year pro will share the marquee with fellow tight end Dawson Knox, the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder should thrive as Josh Allen attacks defenses with an inside-out approach that puts the Bills' TEs in prominent roles. Kincaid took a little bit to get his footing as a rookie, but still finished the season with solid numbers: 73 catches for 673 yards and two scores. And I expect a big jump in production this fall. In fact, I won't be shocked if he ends up leading all tight ends in receptions and yards in 2024.
OT
Darnell Wright
Chicago Bears · Age 22
The Bears' hopes of making the playoffs in Caleb Williams' debut season hinge on the performance of an offensive line anchored by this rugged right tackle with a nasty disposition. As a rookie in 2023, Wright delivered a series of eye-opening performances. With the spotlight on Williams and Co. in 2024, Wright should catch even more attention. He's a bully on the edge with long arms and quick feet, possessing the tools and talent to play at a Pro Bowl level as a sophomore.
OT
Dawand Jones
Cleveland Browns · Age 22
The extra-extra large edge blocker (6-foot-8, 374 pounds) earned rave reviews for his work filling in for Jack Conklin at right tackle. After Conklin went down with a torn ACL in Week 1, Jones played in 11 games, making nine starts, before suffering a season-ending knee injury of his own during a practice session late in the year. Depending on how Jones, Conklin and left tackle Jedrick Wills (who is also coming off a season-ending knee injury) progress heading into 2024, the former fourth-rounder might need to beat out veteran competition to claim a spot in the Browns' starting lineup this September. Still, Jones' size, strength and consistent play make him an intriguing talent to track this season.
OG
Peter Skoronski
Tennessee Titans · Age 22
With Brian Callahan taking over as head coach in Tennessee (and with Callahan's father, stellar offensive line coach Bill Callahan, joining him on staff), Skoronski should excel in a scheme that better suits his talents as a crafty positional blocker with superb instincts and awareness. The 2023 first-rounder is a sturdy blocker at the point of attack, with the athleticism to shadowbox defenders in pass protection. As the Titans transition to a pass-centric offense that emphasizes throwing the ball all over the yard instead of adhering to the ground-and-pound philosophy of the previous staff, the second-year pro should play up to expectations as a franchise player in 2024.
OG
Matthew Bergeron
Atlanta Falcons · Age 24
The athletic interior blocker is poised to shine in a revamped offense under new coordinator Zac Robinson that makes the most of his talents as a people mover at the point of attack. Bergeron's movement skills should lead to more space for running back Bijan Robinson on runs while providing sufficient protection for Kirk Cousins to attack from the pocket. As Robinson builds a game plan that enables the Falcons to showcase their skill players on the perimeter, the football world could come to better appreciate the work Bergeron does between the tackles in 2024.
C
Joe Tippmann
New York Jets · Age 23
Tippmann didn't make his first regular-season appearance until Week 3 last season, and he didn't move from right guard to center until Week 9, with the Aaron Rodgers-less Jets winning just three of Tippmann's 10 starts from that point forward. Rodgers' return from the Achilles injury that cost him all but four offensive snaps in 2023 should make life easier for Tippmann at the point of attack. The four-time MVP quarterback can alleviate some of the stress on Tippmann to make all the calls at the line while helping the young pivot master some of the nuances of playing the position. As a scrappy blocker with exceptional length and athleticism, the former second-rounder could settle into his role in Year 2 and show more dominance after flashing blue-chip potential.
EDGE
Kayvon Thibodeaux
New York Giants · Age 23
After amassing 11.5 sacks in his second season, Thibodeaux could become the next elite pass rusher to flourish in the Big Apple. The 6-foot-5, 258-pounder thrives as a speed rusher off the edge -- and now he's in position to really wreak havoc, lining up across the formation from two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns. New York's blockbuster trade acquisition will command most of the attention as the team's most established edge rusher, leading to more one-on-one opportunities for Thibodeaux. With second-team All-Pro DT Dexter Lawrence also wrecking shop inside, Thibodeaux could post monster numbers in Year 3.
DT
Jalen Carter
Philadelphia Eagles · Age 23
The ultra-talented interior D-lineman flashed serious disruptive potential in a rotational role as a rookie, despite playing on a dysfunctional Eagles defense that lacked an identity. With Vic Fangio taking over the unit, Carter could blossom as a featured playmaker at the point of attack. Whether harassing quarterbacks up the gut or punishing runners attacking the middle, Carter could destroy opponents at the line of scrimmage, especially given the defensive architect's history with interior playmakers -- like Christian Wilkins just last season in Miami. Considering Carter totaled six sacks, nine quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and a scoop-and-score touchdown despite logging just one start, the Eagles' young standout could move into the top-five conversation at his position with a strong sophomore campaign.
DT
Keeanu Benton
Pittsburgh Steelers · Age 22
The Steelers are known for identifying and developing worker bees on the defensive front. Benton appears to be the next young DT poised to give opponents fits. The 6-4, 309-pounder held his own as a part-time starter for a unit specializing in bully ball in the trenches. As an energetic defender with a non-stop motor and active hands, Benton outworks and outlasts blockers to win battles on critical downs. Though it is easier to win when playing alongside T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith, Benton's disruptive talents could help the Steelers get back to playing championship-caliber football.
EDGE
Lukas Van Ness
Green Bay Packers · Age 22
Jeff Hafley's arrival as the Packers' new defensive coordinator could unlock Van Ness' dynamic talents. A freakish athlete with natural pass-rush skills, the second-year pro could emerge as one of the NFC's top edges if he takes the next step as a playmaker after finishing his rookie season with a bang. Van Ness tallied five sacks and 15 pressures, per Pro Football Focus, from Week 12 through the playoffs, displaying intriguing potential as a relentless pursuer. With Hafley implementing a "see ball, get ball" approach that creates splash plays, this 2023 first-rounder could flourish as a difference-maker.
LB
Trenton Simpson
Baltimore Ravens · Age 23
Stepping into Patrick Queen's role isn't easy, but this former Clemson standout is ready for the challenge as a "hit, run and chase" defender. Simpson's speed, quickness and acceleration could make him a star on an aggressive unit that always encourages defenders to play in attack mode. Though he heads into the coming campaign with limited experience, the 2023 third-rounder will benefit from playing beside a heat-seeking missile in Roquan Smith. As opponents attempt to avoid running or throwing at the perennial Pro Bowler, Simpson will have plenty of chances to register "bang-bang" hits and timely takeaways against unsuspecting rushers and pass catchers.
LB
Devin Lloyd
Jacksonville Jaguars · Age 25
Lloyd could be the biggest benefactor of the Jaguars' scheme change under new DC Ryan Nielsen. The third-year pro could reprise his role as a SAM linebacker, which helped him earn high marks as a prospect in the 2022 draft class. A unique playmaker with instincts, awareness and pass-rushing skills, Lloyd can make his mark as a linebacker who attacks from all angles. He thrived in a similar role at the University of Utah, which helped him walk away with a plethora of honors after dotting his résumé with splash play after splash play. Though the Jaguars haven't been entirely open about Lloyd's expected role, it's not hard to envision the third-year pro crushing it as a DPR (designated pass rusher) with on- and off-ball linebacker skills.
CB
Christian Gonzalez
New England Patriots · Age 22
The Patriots might have landed the league's next superstar on the island with the 17th overall pick of the 2023 draft. Gonzalez showed rare traits as a big corner (6-1, 205) with ballerina-like feet and hips in an injury-abbreviated rookie season. The smooth-moving playmaker can blanket receivers utilizing various techniques to shrink the field for the passer and pass catcher. Moreover, Gonzalez displays the ball skills and instincts to develop into a takeaway specialist on a defense that could utilize more zone coverage to keep more eyes on the ball. Given the 22-year-old's talents, traits and technique, it is only a matter of time before Gonzalez is recognized as one of the elites on the island.
CB
Joshua Williams
Kansas City Chiefs · Age 24
Perhaps the Chiefs were willing to move on from L'Jarius Sneed due to Williams' potential as a sticky cover corner in a man-heavy scheme. Since his arrival as a fourth-round pick out of Fayetteville State in 2022, Williams' growth has raised eyebrows around the league, with scouts and executives appreciating the small-school standout's game. As an instinctive playmaker with exceptional length, Williams has earned rave reviews for his work as a part-time player in Kansas City's defensive backfield. He is not afraid of the bright lights and big stage, as evidenced by his play as a young defender on the back-to-back Super Bowl champs. With more opportunities to showcase his talents against elite receivers in the AFC, Williams could emerge as a worthy complement to Trent McDuffie on the perimeter.
CB
Joey Porter Jr.
Pittsburgh Steelers · Age 23
The second-year pro is a dark-horse contender for Pro Bowl honors in 2024 after thriving as the CB1 in Pittsburgh down the stretch last season. Porter's toughness, tenacity and tools make him a difficult matchup for pass catchers who lack the speed and physicality to escape his clutches at the line. Though he remains a work in progress on the island, Porter's alpha-dog mentality and unshakeable confidence could enable him to shine without a polished game.
S
Ji'Ayir Brown
San Francisco 49ers · Age 24
The ball-hawking safety lived up to his reputation in Year 1. Brown notched a pair of regular-season interceptions and a postseason pick as a part-time starter who was thrown into the fire following Talanoa Hufanga's season-ending injury. The INTs showcased his range and ball skills, adding a dimension to a defensive backfield that feasts on tipped passes and overthrown balls down the field. With the 49ers expected to return to a scheme that places a premium on turnovers, the second-year pro could become a household name as a takeaway specialist on an elite defense.
S
Andre Cisco
Jacksonville Jaguars · Age 24
The fourth-year pro has a chance to become an elite defender in a new defensive scheme that suits his talents as a ballhawk. Cisco already has logged seven interceptions over the past two seasons while playing as a center fielder in a system that lived and died with blitz pressure. Now, though, the Jaguars' young standout could see his takeaway number spike as the designated deep-middle defender in a scheme designed to bait quarterbacks into mistakes. Cisco is a high-IQ player with a nose for the ball; his range and awareness could help him spark a defensive revival in Jacksonville.
07-03-2024, 02:16 PM
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NFL.com - Bucky Brooks - 2024 NFL All-Breakout Team
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