Training camps are fully underway, and we’re inching closer and closer to the start of the 2024 NFL season.
As teams near Week 1, it’s time for players to develop and, ideally, take steps forward for the upcoming campaign.
Who is most likely to improve from last year to this season? Here are some names to watch for all 16 teams in the AFC, including some notable receivers playing with new quarterbacks.
The Top Candidates To Improve for Each Team in the AFC in 2024
Baltimore Ravens: Odafe Oweh
Baltimore Ravens edge rusher Odafe Oweh has shown flashes at times, but he was lost on the depth chart last season. Oweh played a career-low 50% of Baltimore’s defensive snaps in 2023, as veteran Jadeveon Clowney secured a role on the outside. Clowney has moved on and Oweh is expected to play a significant role for the Ravens in 2024.
Buffalo Bills: Curtis Samuel
Curtis Samuel enjoyed the best season of his NFL career in 2020 with the Carolina Panthers, as offensive coordinator Joe Brady maximized Samuel’s abilities. Now, Samuel is reunited with Brady on the Buffalo Bills, and the 27-year-old wide receiver could become Josh Allen’s favorite target. After several underwhelming performances over the last three seasons, Samuel should take a delayed step forward in Buffalo.
Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Gesicki
After showing flashes of Pro Bowl potential with the Miami Dolphins, Mike Gesicki has struggled over the last two seasons. Still, Gesicki will be in easily the best situation of his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has shown the willingness to target his tight ends, so Gesicki could have a much-improved season in Cincinnati.
Cleveland Browns: Jerry Jeudy
There’s no denying that Jerry Jeudy failed to live up to the expectations of being a first-round pick with the Denver Broncos. The Cleveland Browns traded for Jeudy this offseason and will look to turn his career around in 2024. Jeudy enters a strong situation — he’ll likely be the third option in the passing game behind Amari Cooper and David Njoku. Cleveland should present an opportunity for Jeudy to develop nicely.
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Denver Broncos: Baron Browning
Nearly half of the Denver Broncos roster is heading into a contract year in 2024. Edge rusher Baron Browning could benefit the most from a strong performance this season. Browning has shown flashes of dominance as a pass rusher, and he should have the opportunity to take a massive step for the Broncos in the final year of his rookie deal.
Houston Texans: Foley Fatukasi
Despite being 29 years old, Houston Texans defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi could take a huge step this season. Fatukasi is projected to start alongside three potential double-digit sack players in Houston. If he capitalizes on the opportunity ahead of him, Fatukasi could enjoy a career year and sign a bigger deal in free agency in 2025.
Indianapolis Colts: Jelani Woods
The Indianapolis Colts are seemingly on the rise as head coach Shane Steichen and quarterback Anthony Richardson form a dynamic duo. Further, third-year tight end Jelani Woods could become a huge addition for the Colts in 2024. Woods has dealt with a hamstring injury but finally looks ready to return. The 25-year-old tight end has size and speed that is rare at the position.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence
While I believe that Trevor Lawrence played better than the stats indicate he did last season, many believe he was a disappointment. Therefore, Lawrence should be a candidate to improve in 2024. Despite losing Calvin Ridley in free agency, Jacksonville gave Lawrence a few new intriguing targets in Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis.
Kansas City Chiefs: Hollywood Brown
Hollywood Brown last eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in 2021. At just 27 years old, Brown still has plenty of gas left in the tank, which is exactly why he’s betting on himself by signing a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Brown should take a massive leap forward as Patrick Mahomes tries to revitalize the wide receiver’s career in 2024.
Las Vegas Raiders: Zamir White
Following the departure of former starter Josh Jacobs, Zamir White is expected to take over as RB1 for the Las Vegas Raiders. White showcased his potential down the stretch last season, as he started the final four games of the regular season for the Raiders. In those four starts, White totaled 397 rushing yards on just 84 carries (4.7 yards per carry).
Los Angeles Chargers: Josh Palmer
While Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey are the young wide receivers getting the attention right now, Josh Palmer is a name to watch for in Los Angeles. Palmer already has an established connection with Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. The 24-year-old wide receiver is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and could take a massive step forward as one of Herbert’s top targets in 2024.
Miami Dolphins: Austin Jackson
Miami Dolphins starting right tackle Austin Jackson got off to a dominant start last season. He allowed just one sack in Miami’s first 10 games of the regular season. Yet Jackson began to struggle down the stretch, allowing three sacks in his final four games. Despite his late-season struggles, Jackson should bounce back and sustain improvements in 2024.
New England Patriots: Kendrick Bourne
After an encouraging start to his career with the New England Patriots in 2021, Kendrick Bourne has disappointed in each of the last two seasons. Most of that isn’t Bourne’s fault — New England’s offense as a whole struggled mightily. With the addition of Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, Bourne should improve in 2024.
New York Jets: Allen Lazard
The only reason that the New York Jets signed Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44 million contract was due to his connection with Aaron Rodgers. Once Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury, Lazard was all but useless in 2023. Now Rodgers is ready to return, which means Lazard should improve as he competes for the WR3 role in New York.
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Pittsburgh Steelers: George Pickens
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens had 1,140 receiving yards last season; how could he possibly improve? While I know that Pickens seems like an odd choice, I believe there is another level that has yet to be unlocked in the NFL. Thanks to improvements at quarterback, Pickens should be more consistent and even better in 2024.
Tennessee Titans: Arden Key
During his first season with the Tennessee Titans, Arden Key notched the second-highest sack total of his career with six sacks. Heading into the upcoming season, Key could see even more snaps, which could help him push for more production as a pass rusher. At 28 years old, Key is still improving and will earn a bigger workload in 2024.
