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While the free agency fire begins to fizzle out and the calm before the storm (NFL Draft) begins, let's take a look at some players from last year who were on the cusp of breaking out. Things may not have gone right for these players, but due to their talent or a situation change, they should have a big 2024 fantasy football season.

Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints

Injuries slowed down Kendre Miller’s rookie campaign with the Saints, and he didn't quite get the playing time initially expected when the Saints drafted him. Toward the end of the season, we saw a little bit of the flashes which made Miller a sought-after prospect. Against the Falcons, who were a top-12 run defense last year, Miller had 13 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown. 

Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams are still in the backfield along with Miller, which isn’t exactly a negative. Miller will still be able to find opportunities and will probably be ahead of Williams on the depth chart if he has a good off-season. The Saints were very content to run Kamara into the ground last season. If Kamara were to miss time for any reason, Miller could slot into a nice workload. 

Don’t forget the type of prospect Kendre Miller is

We knew year 1 was chalk behind Alvin Kamara while coming off a season ending knee injury

He has a true 3-down skill set with crazy upside, currently sitting as the RB31 ?pic.twitter.com/u4VVKK5ClM

Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders

Zamir “Zeus” White is another talented running back who may have just been forced into a premier situation with the departure of Josh Jacobs. White possesses all of the key attributes required when looking for a running back. White's combination of speed, size, and toughness has kept him as the backup for Jacobs for quite a few years. 

Now, with Jacobs gone, White has an opportunity to have a breakthrough season with a Raiders team that is seemingly finding their swag. White already knows the team and the offense, which is always good. Although the Raiders just signed Alexander Mattison, he underachieved while filling in his role the previous year as the Vikings starting back.

Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals

Another running back who will compete with a veteran for touches is Michael Carter of the Arizona Cardinals. Carter was drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round in 2021 and ultimately displaced by Breece Hall. Now, with a new home in Arizona, Carter has an opportunity to become a staple on an offense that is in the process of rebuilding and finding its identity. 

Carter showed flashes last year and is still relatively young. James Conner, who looked pretty solid last year, is entering the later stages of his career. Even if Carter ends up in a 1A/1B situation, his upside might be worth a late-round pick.

Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Duh. This is a slightly more obvious one, but it might finally be time for Bijan Robinson. With Arthur Smith out as the head coach, a new regime is in place, and the Falcons are focused on winning games. A great way to win games is to get Robinson the football. 

Robinson possesses a blend of speed, agility, and power that coaches dream of having. Expect Robinson to be a focal point of the offense and a key balance for Atlanta’s new Quarterback, Kirk Cousins. Robinson recently stated how excited he was for the next season, and to excite managers, here is what Bijan had to say.

“Yeah, I had 1,400 yards, but for me, I have such high expectations. That’s not a great season,” Robinson stated. “From the expectations people have from me, I could see them looking at that season like, ‘That may be great somewhere else,’ but that shouldn’t be the standard for me.” Robinson also said his new goal for the upcoming year is 2,000 all-purpose yards.

Bijan Robinson has big goals for next season ? pic.twitter.com/1rk0DRPfKT