Washington Commanders: Jahan Dotson, WR
With a new offensive scheme and quarterback, Dotson is expected to become a key playmaker for the Commanders. His solid rookie season and potential for growth position him as a breakout candidate. Under a new offensive system, Dotson is expected to elevate his game and become a standout receiver, providing a reliable target and making big plays downfield.
Tennessee Titans: Tyjae Spears, RB
Spears’ power running and vision position him as a potential primary ball carrier, making him a key player to watch. His solid rookie season and potential for growth highlight his breakout potential. As the Titans' primary running back, Spears is expected to have a significant impact in 2024, taking on a larger role in the offense and contributing both on the ground and through the air.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Calijah Kancey, DT
Following a strong finish in 2023, Kancey's pass-rushing skills are expected to make him a standout player for the Buccaneers. His impressive playoff performance and ability to pressure the quarterback highlight his potential. With a full season, Kancey is expected to become a key player in the Buccaneers' defense, potentially leading the team in sacks.
Seattle Seahawks: Charles Cross, OT
Cross's improved pass blocking and the offensive scheme change are expected to elevate his game significantly. His solid performance in his first two seasons and the potential for growth position him as a key player for the Seahawks. With more experience and a new offensive system, Cross is expected to become a standout tackle, protecting the quarterback's blindside and opening up the run game.
San Francisco 49ers: Jair Brown, S
Brown’s solid rookie performance and complementary skill set to Talanoa Hufanga position him as a breakout safety. His ability to play multiple roles and solid grading in limited snaps highlight his potential. With a full season, Brown is expected to become a key player in the 49ers' secondary, adding depth and versatility to their defensive backfield.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Broderick Jones, OT
Jones’ physical traits and improved run blocking are expected to elevate him to a top-tier tackle. His solid rookie season and potential for growth position him as a key player for the Steelers. With improved coaching and more experience, Jones is expected to significantly impact the Steelers' offensive line, contributing to both their run and pass game.
Philadelphia Eagles: Cam Jurgens, C
Handpicked by Jason Kelce, Jurgens is expected to seamlessly transition to the Eagles' starting center and excel. His solid performance at guard last year and the endorsement from a veteran like Kelce position Jurgens for a breakout season. His role in the Eagles' offensive line will be crucial for their success, ensuring the team remains strong in the trenches.
New York Jets: Will McDonald, DE
McDonald's impressive rookie pass rush stats and increased role position him for a breakout season. His ability to pressure the quarterback and solid performance in limited snaps highlight his potential. With more playing time, McDonald is expected to become a key player in the Jets' defense, following in the footsteps of previous standout defenders.
New York Giants: John Michael Schmitz Jr, C
With improved offensive line coaching, Schmitz is expected to significantly enhance the Giants' center position. Despite a challenging rookie season, his potential and talent position him for a breakout year. Under the guidance of new offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, Schmitz is set to become a cornerstone of the Giants' offensive line.
New Orleans Saints: Jordan Howden, S
Howden’s impressive forced incompletion rate and coverage skills position him as a key player in the Saints' secondary. His solid performances as a rookie and the departure of Marcus May create an opportunity for Howden to become a standout safety. His ability to complement Tyron Matthew enhances his breakout potential.
New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB
Christian Gonzalez’s exceptional size, length, and fluidity make him a top breakout candidate. His impressive rookie season, despite limited playing time, showcased his potential to become one of the NFL’s top corners. With a full offseason to refine his skills, Gonzalez is expected to have a significant impact in 2024.
Minnesota Vikings: Mekhi Blackmon, CB
Blackmon’s competitiveness and coverage skills position him to become the Vikings' top cornerback. His solid rookie season and ability to force incompletions make him a promising candidate for a breakout year. With increased playing time and experience, Blackmon is expected to elevate his game and become a key player in the Vikings' secondary.
Miami Dolphins: De’Von Achane, RB
Achane’s explosive rookie performance and potential to be the primary ball carrier make him a standout player for the Dolphins. His 7.8 yards per attempt and ability to score touchdowns highlight his playmaking skills. As the Dolphins' primary running back, Achane is expected to have a significant impact in 2024.
Los Angeles Rams: Steve Avila, G
Avila’s transition to center, supported by strong guards, positions him for a breakout season in the Rams' offensive line. His impressive rookie season at guard and the potential to play his natural position make Avila a key player in the Rams' offensive line. With improved protection for Matthew Stafford, Avila is expected to elevate his game.
Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Johnson, G
Johnson’s role in a more power-based run game is expected to highlight his first-round talent and improve the Chargers' offensive line. His solid performances in his first two seasons, combined with a new offensive system, position him for a breakout year. Johnson’s ability to enhance the Chargers' run game makes him a key player to watch.
Las Vegas Raiders: Zamir White, RB
Zamir White’s power running and deceptive speed position him as a key component in the Raiders' run-heavy offense. With the potential to take on a larger role, White’s performances in the last four games of 2023 indicate his readiness for a breakout season. His ability to contribute in the passing game also enhances his value.
Kansas City Chiefs: Joshua Williams, CB
Williams’ size and physicality make him a standout corner in the Chiefs' secondary. With a high forced incompletion percentage and solid coverage stats, Williams is expected to replace L'Jarius Sneed and become a key player for the Chiefs. His ability to develop under a strong coaching staff positions him for a breakout season.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, DE
Travon Walker’s impressive finish to the 2023 season, with 7 sacks in his last 7 games, positions him for a breakout year. His ability to pressure the quarterback and his physical traits make him a key player in the Jaguars' defense. With a new defensive scheme and a strong supporting cast, Walker is expected to elevate his game further in 2024.
Indianapolis Colts: JuJu Brents, CB
Brents’ physicality and size make him a perfect fit for Gus Bradley’s system. Despite struggling with injuries last season, Brents showed promise as a starter. With more experience and a full season, Brents is expected to become the Colts' top cornerback and significantly impact their defense.
Houston Texans: Juice Scruggs, C
Playing his natural position, Scruggs is expected to enhance the Texans' offensive line and elevate their run game. As a second-round pick, Scruggs’ transition to center will provide stability and improvement to the Texans' offense. His solid performance at guard last year indicates his potential for a breakout season at center.
Green Bay Packers: Christian Watson, WR
Christian Watson’s explosive play and potential to become a number one receiver make him a top breakout candidate. Despite injuries, Watson’s ability to stretch the field and make big plays was evident. With improved health and a more prominent role in the Packers' offense, Watson is expected to have a significant impact in 2024.
Detroit Lions: Jack Campbell, LB
Campbell’s solid run defense and potential improvement in pass coverage could transform the Lions' defense. Despite struggling in coverage last season, his athleticism and size make him a promising candidate for a breakout year. With a full offseason and a strong defensive staff, Campbell is expected to elevate his game and become a key player for the Lions.
Denver Broncos: PJ Locke, S
PJ Locke’s versatility and effectiveness in run defense and pass rush make him a perfect fit for Vance Joseph’s system. With the departure of Justin Simmons, Locke is expected to start and play a more significant role in the Broncos' secondary. His ability to play multiple positions and his impressive grading in limited snaps make him a breakout candidate.
Dallas Cowboys: Sam Williams, DE
With increased opportunities following the departures of key defensive linemen, Sam Williams is poised for a breakout season. He recorded 24 pressures on limited snaps last year and is expected to play a larger role in the Cowboys' defensive rotation. Williams’ talent and increased playing time make him a strong breakout candidate.
Cleveland Browns: Grant Delpit, S
Despite already showing flashes of his talent, Grant Delpit has not yet secured his place among the NFL’s elite safeties. With solid performances in pass coverage and pass rush, Delpit’s primary area for improvement is tackling and run defense. As he continues to develop, Delpit is expected to solidify his role and become a standout player in the Browns' secondary.
Cincinnati Bengals: Chase Brown, RB
Chase Brown showed flashes of brilliance with an impressive 11.1 yards per reception last season. His explosiveness and ability to contribute in the passing game position him as a potential featured back in the Bengals' high-powered offense. By season’s end, Brown could lead the Bengals' backfield, making him a top breakout candidate.
Chicago Bears: Tyrique Stevenson, CB
Stevenson’s rookie season was a mix of highs and lows, but his potential is undeniable. With 4 interceptions and 14 forced incompletions, his ball skills are evident. As he gains more experience and refines his game, Stevenson is expected to become a reliable and impactful cornerback for the Bears.
Carolina Panthers: Jaycee Horn, CB
Health has been the primary barrier for Jaycee Horn, who has played only 22 games in three years. Despite this, his physical press coverage skills and impressive stats, like 5 passes defensed in six games last year, make him a top breakout candidate. If Horn can stay healthy, he will become a cornerstone of the Panthers' secondary.
Buffalo Bills: Dalton Kincaid, TE
Dalton Kincaid, a first-round pick, started to shine late in his rookie season with 73 catches for 673 yards and 2 touchdowns. His route-running ability, hands, and intelligence make him a natural fit as Josh Allen’s go-to target. Kincaid’s potential to catch up to 90 passes in 2024 makes him a significant breakout candidate.
Baltimore Ravens: Odafe Oweh, LB
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Entering his contract year, Oweh is on the verge of a breakout season. Despite injuries limiting him to 13 games in 2023, he recorded 54 pressures and 5 sacks. Oweh’s top-30 rankings in both run defense and pass rush among edge rushers highlight his potential. With a more prominent role in the Ravens' defense, Oweh is poised to exceed 8 sacks and become a key defensive player.
Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB
Bijan Robinson had an impressive rookie year with 976 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, alongside 58 receptions. In 2024, he is expected to leap into the elite category of NFL running backs. With his exceptional vision, cutback ability, and versatility as both a runner and receiver, Robinson is set to become the focal point of the Falcons' offense, akin to Christian McCaffrey’s role in Carolina.
Arizona Cardinals: BJ Ojulari, DE
The Cardinals have long sought a consistent pass rusher to pressure the quarterback. BJ Ojulari, drafted in the second round in 2023, showed promise with 4 sacks and 20 pressures as a rookie. In Jonathan Gannon’s defense, which emphasizes aggressive pass rush strategies, Ojulari’s 8.1 pass-rushing productivity grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) indicates he’s ready to become a leading sack artist for Arizona.