You can smell the optimism in the air as NFL teams begin training camp around the league. As teams begin to prepare for the regular season, it’s time for players to continue their development and hopefully take a step forward in 2024.
While it’s easy to assume that certain players will improve, that isn’t always the case. Here is one player most likely to improve on each of the 32 teams in the league this season.
Most Likely To Improve Candidates on All 32 Teams This NFL Season
Arizona Cardinals: Zaven Collins
After enjoying a career year in 2022, Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins took a step back last season. Heading into the final year of his rookie contract, Collins will be looking to make a statement in 2024. His unique blend of size, athleticism, and pass-rushing ability makes him a strong candidate to take a step forward.
Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Pitts
Following a trip to the Pro Bowl during his rookie season, Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts had high expectations in 2022 and 2023. Pitts was rarely used properly by former Falcons play-caller Arthur Smith, though. Now, Zac Robinson is Atlanta’s offensive coordinator and Pitts should be in line for a massive improvement over his disappointing performances in each of the last two seasons.
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.
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young
Bryce Young is the only second-year player on this entire list. While it’s easy to expect last year’s No. 1 pick to take a step forward in 2024, he looked horrendous as a rookie. In response, the Panthers made arguably the best hire of this offseason, hiring Dave Canales to be the head coach.
Dave Canales says there’s no plan to “fix” Bryce Young. Instead, they seek to build an offense around him that has an identity. #Panthers pic.twitter.com/Z027Z0mZhK
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) February 27, 2024
Canales did a phenomenal job revitalizing the careers of Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield. He will be looking to do the same with Young, who I believe will take a massive leap this upcoming season.
Chicago Bears: Kevin Byard
While it might seem crazy to list a former All-Pro, 30-year-old safety as a most improved candidate, Kevin Byard struggled in coverage last season. Byard’s struggles, though, were likely due to the horrendous situation that was the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense.
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The Eagles acquired Byard midseason and then changed defensive coordinators. It was an absolute mess that Byard was unfortunately caught in the middle of. He should improve and return to his former level of play in a more stable situation with the Bears.
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.
Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Tolbert
After Michael Gallup moved on in free agency, Jalen Tolbert was projected to be WR3 for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024. Tolbert showed flashes in his second NFL season, and now he’ll have a significantly bigger opportunity in Dallas. As a former third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Tolbert has all the tools to take a leap in the coming months.
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.
Detroit Lions: Jameson Williams
As Jameson Williams heads into his third season in the NFL, it’s time for the former first-round pick to step up. The Detroit Lions have managed to find success despite Williams’ underwhelming level of play, but the team will be relying on him more in 2024. He is projected as Detroit’s WR2 and should improve after a disappointing start to his career.
Green Bay Packers: Eric Stokes
Eric Stokes hasn’t necessarily played poorly during his first three seasons in the NFL, but he has struggled to stay healthy. The Green Bay Packers are suddenly viewed as one of the top teams in the NFC and Stokes is expected to start at CB2 in 2024. If Stokes can finally stay healthy and fight off Carrington Valentine for the starting job, he should improve accordingly.
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.
Los Angeles Rams: Christian Rozeboom
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom made the most of his opportunities last season. He recorded 79 total tackles and one interception while playing 49% of Los Angeles’ defensive snaps. Now Rozeboom is a projected starter for the Rams and will likely take another step forward with a bigger workload 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.
Minnesota Vikings: Byron Murphy Jr.
The Minnesota Vikings signed cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. to a two-year, $22 million contract in 2023. While his first season in Minnesota certainly didn’t go according to plan, Murphy should improve in 2024. The Vikings added a ton of talent on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, which should alleviate some of the pressure on Murphy at cornerback.
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 Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning
Given that the New Orleans Saints ruled out Ryan Ramczyk for the upcoming season, it’s time for Trevor Penning to justify his draft capital. After dealing with injuries and playing poorly, Penning is now projected to start in 2024. Despite his recent struggles, Penning must take advantage of this opportunity and develop in New Orleans.
New York Giants: Daniel Jones
While “Hard Knocks” hasn’t done the New York Giants many favors this offseason, the team is seemingly ready to see what Daniel Jones can do in 2024. Surprisingly, I’m confident in Jones being able to improve this upcoming season, given the additions that the Giants have made around him on offense.
My favorite quote from episode one of #NYGiants Hard Knocks:
“You’re paying Daniel Jones $40M. It’s not to hand the ball off to a $12M back.”
This is the right mindset from GM Joe Schoen. It’s time to pay attention to positional value and make your QB prove that he’s the guy. pic.twitter.com/Ln9aY5ZCXq
— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) July 3, 2024
Malik Nabers has legitimate superstar potential at wide receiver, and he could make Jones’ job significantly easier in 2024. Jon Runyan Jr. was quietly one of the better guards in the NFL last season and New York signed him to a three-year deal. If Jones can stay healthy, this will arguably be the best situation that the Giants have surrounded him with.
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.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Davis
While many Dolphins didn’t appear to appreciate Vic Fangio as the team’s defensive coordinator, he worked wonders for Miami’s defensive line. Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler each reached double-digit sacks for the first time in their NFL careers.
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Now Fangio will be tasked with developing the Philadelphia Eagles’ young defensive line. Former first-round pick Jordan Davis has been underwhelming to start his career in Philadelphia, but Fangio’s defensive scheme could allow Davis to flourish in 2024.
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.
San Francisco 49ers: Colton McKivitz
In his first season as a full-time starter for the San Francisco 49ers, Colton McKivitz was the weak link along the team’s offensive line. He should continue to improve and take a step forward this upcoming season. McKivitz was significantly better for the Niners down the stretch last season and he didn’t allow a sack in the team’s final five games.
Seattle Seahawks: Uchenna Nwosu
After a breakout performance during his first season with the Seattle Seahawks, Uchenna Nwosu suffered a season-ending injury in Week 7 in 2023. Now Nwosu is healthy and should help Seattle’s defense improve this upcoming season. Nwosu can push to surpass the double-digit sack mark for the first time in his career.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zyon McCollum
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded former starting cornerback Carlton Davis to the Lions this offseason. Part of Tampa Bay’s thinking behind the move was the franchise’s confidence in Zyon McCollum. While the Buccaneers dealt with injuries at cornerback, McCollum filled in admirably and should take a significant step forward as CB2 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.
Washington Commanders: Clelin Ferrell
There’s no denying that Clelin Ferrell has been a major disappointment in the NFL thus far. Yet he is currently projected to start for the Washington Commanders, as Dan Quinn will attempt to take the team’s defense to another level. Ferrell played surprisingly well for the Niners last season and could look to build on that success with Washington in 2024.