Breakout players happen every year in the NFL. It’s what makes the NFL so interesting. This offseason has changed a ton and affected a ton of players. Whether that be positively or negatively, players have been affected. Here are five players who I see being the breakout player this upcoming season.
QB, Daniel Jones, New York Giants
This season is Daniel Jones’ make-or-break year. After free agency and the draft, it seems as coach Judge and GM Dave Gettleman are aware of that. Dating back to Jones’s time at Duke, he’s never been around talent. The Duke team he led, his wide receiving group, led their division in drop passes.
Not one of his offensive teammates had been drafted, so it’s safe to say Jones has been carrying his load for a while. The young quarterback showed signs of franchise QB and signs of the average backup in his first two seasons.
The Giants have added John Ross, Kenny Golladay, Kyle Rudolph & Kadarius Toney during this off-season. On top of that, Saquon Barkley, arguably the best running back in the NFL, comes back. Jones’s first time being around talent after a while, so if he can limit the turnovers, Jones may find himself in New York this time next year.
WR, A.J Brown, Tennessee Titans
Now yes, Brown is already a top 15 receiver in the NFL, but that doesn’t mean he can’t get better. Brown is a part of one of the most run-heavy offenses in the entire league. When the Titans opted to pass, he had to share with Corey Davis & Jonnu Smith. Both of those players have found themselves on different teams.
Brown has all the physical with being one of the strongest receivers, great after the catch, and runs like a running back. If the Titans acquire Julio Jones, Brown’s targets would, of course, take a hit but do not be surprised if Brown ends the season as a top five receiver.
QB, Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Despite one of the worst offensive lines in the league, Herbert put up record-breaking numbers earning himself offensive rookie of the year. Herbert was alongside division rival Patrick Mahomes, achieving the highest grades under pressure via PFF. Herbert, under pressure, had a 99.4 passer rating which is first along with 1,468 passing yards. The Chargers went out and got all-pro center Corey Linsley & rookie left tackle Rashawn Slater. Justin is a dark horse MVP if everybody stays healthy.
QB, Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
I’m aware Stafford is 33, which nowadays may even be considered on the younger side for quarterbacks. The Rams gave up multiple first-rounders for the 33-year old quarterback. Stafford has spent his entire career trying to revive the disgruntled organization that the Lions have had.
Matthew Stafford had always been the bright spot on that team but never enough to make any actual noise. Stafford now gets an upgrade offensively, defensively, and coaching-wise. Matthew Stafford is also a dark horse MVP with all the upgrades he has now received.
WR, Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos
Jeudy’s Main problem this season was he couldn’t find a way to catch the ball. Jerry had multiple two-plus drop games as a rookie. Let’s go back a few years to a young Davante Adams who also had struggled with catching the football. The reason I correlate the two is because of their lethal route running. Jeudy has fantastic footwork, as does Adams. Jeudy’s only red flag is who he has throwing him the ball. Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater aren’t too promising when it comes to delivering the ball. Jeudy can become the breakout wide out in Denver if the quarterbacks step up.