The 2023 NFL Draft was loaded with talent as several rookies shocked the league last season. While C.J. Stroud and Puka Nacua emerged as some of the top players at their respective positions last season, others from the class are eager to take that leap in 2024.
As training camp begins around the NFL, optimism is in the air. Which second-year players could have breakout performances for each team this upcoming season?
Second-Year Breakout Players for Each NFL Team
Arizona Cardinals: Michael Wilson
Although the Arizona Cardinals added Marvin Harrison Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft, second-year wide receiver Michael Wilson is ready for a breakout campaign as well. Wilson is projected as Arizona’s WR2 and should see plenty of targets, given the attention that Harrison will demand as the team’s top target.
Atlanta Falcons: Clark Phillips III
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Clark Phillips III started the team’s last five games a season ago. He showcased his potential by allowing just 151 receiving yards in those five starts and is projected to start this upcoming season.
Phillips should successfully build on his impressive rookie season.
Baltimore Ravens: Trenton Simpson
Following the departure of Patrick Queen in free agency, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Trenton Simpson suddenly has huge shoes to fill. Simpson is projected to start alongside Roquan Smith at inside linebacker for Baltimore’s fearsome defense.
As a rookie, Simpson recorded 13 total tackles and one sack in just 46 defensive snaps.
Buffalo Bills: Dalton Kincaid
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid showcased plenty of potential during his rookie campaign, but there seems to be another level to his game that hasn’t yet been unlocked. Following the departure of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Kincaid could lead the Bills in targets in just his second NFL season.
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young
There’s no way around it, Bryce Young looked absolutely lost during his rookie season with the Carolina Panthers. But the Panthers made the right move this offseason and hired Dave Canales as their head coach.
Carolina also found Young a WR1 by trading for Diontae Johnson. Now, Young is in a significantly better position to enjoy a potential breakout performance in 2024.
Chicago Bears: Gervon Dexter Sr.
The Chicago Bears’ defense reached a new level once they traded for Montez Sweat. Rookie DT Gervon Dexter Sr. also took a step forward following Sweat’s arrival. Now, Dexter is a projected starter and will look to build on the momentum that he had down the stretch for Chicago as a rookie.
Cincinnati Bengals: Chase Brown
Earlier this offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals traded former starting running back Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans. While the Bengals also signed Zack Moss, the move was a vote of confidence in second-year RB Chase Brown. The 24-year-old showcased his explosive ability as both a runner and receiver last year.
Cleveland Browns: Cedric Tillman
Cleveland Browns WR Cedric Tillman barely saw the field his rookie season. However, he did start three games down the stretch and eclipsed the 40-receiving-yard mark three times in his final seven games. Despite the addition of Jerry Jeudy this offseason, Tillman could play a role for Cleveland in 2024.
Dallas Cowboys: Mazi Smith
The Dallas Cowboys were eager to welcome in Mazi Smith as a monstrous nose tackle. Unfortunately, the 23-year-old failed to make a notable impact on Dallas’ defense.
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Now, Smith has reportedly worked on his conditioning and diet, as he looks to take a step forward in 2024. Given his size and potential, he very well could.
Denver Broncos: Marvin Mims Jr.
While the Denver Broncos disappointed many last season, rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. was one of the team’s lone bright spots. Mims showcased his game-breaking speed with several explosive plays, and following Jeudy’s departure, he should have a much bigger role in his second season.
Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs
While it might seem odd to include Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs as a breakout candidate, his rookie performance was likely just the beginning. Gibbs lost out on several touches to veteran David Montgomery, but his role expanded down the stretch. He could very well clear 300 total touches during his second season.
Green Bay Packers: Jayden Reed
The Green Bay Packers shocked the NFL with their performance last season. Jordan Love received most of the attention, but rookie WR Jayden Reed also played a huge role.
Reed’s role should only expand in Year 2, as he will potentially cross the 1,000-yard mark in receiving this year.
Houston Texans: Tank Dell
Before suffering a season-ending fibula injury, Tank Dell was a massive part of the Houston Texans’ success in 2023. He established a special connection with Stroud and was well on his way to eclipsing 1,000 yards receiving. Now Dell will return with a vengeance and should only benefit from the arrival of Stefon Diggs.
Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson
While Stroud took over the NFL, Anthony Richardson was turning heads for the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately, Richardson dealt with injuries, and his season was cut short.
Nevertheless, there’s no denying how special Richardson looked at times during his rookie season. He’s healthy now and ready to take the NFL by storm in Year 2 with the Colts.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Antonio Johnson
Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson only started three games last year, but he made a notable impact. Johnson recorded 17 tackles, two interceptions, one sack, and one forced fumble in just 171 total defensive snaps. Now he’s projected to start alongside Andre Cisco to form one of the most underrated safety duos in the NFL.
Kansas City Chiefs: Wanya Morris
After starting just four games as a rookie, Wanya Morris projects to be the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting left tackle in 2024.
Morris held his own in 2023, allowing just two sacks in 235 total pass-blocking snaps. It’s clear that the Chiefs believe in him watching Patrick Mahomes’ blindside in 2024.
Las Vegas Raiders: Aidan O’Connell
The Las Vegas Raiders were spiraling out of control last season during the first half. But once they named Antonio Pierce interim head coach, rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell was handed the starting job.
Suddenly, the Raiders were competitive again, and O’Connell showed significant flashes of potential. He’ll look to beat out Gardner Minshew this year for the starting spot and build on that performance.
Los Angeles Chargers: Quentin Johnston
Despite being selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Quentin Johnston was essentially invisible for the Los Angeles Chargers last season. Nevertheless, following the departure of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, Johnston will need to step up in Year 2.
Given his experience working with Justin Herbert, Johnston could enjoy a huge leap in 2024.
Los Angeles Rams: Byron Young
The Los Angeles Rams absolutely nailed the 2023 NFL Draft. Nacua established himself as a rising star, and Kobie Turner dominated at defensive tackle.
Byron Young also enjoyed a strong rookie season, recording eight sacks and 61 total tackles. He could take another step forward and reach double-digit sacks in his sophomore season.
Miami Dolphins: De’Von Achane
The only thing that could slow down Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane during his rookie season was a knee injury. Achane should be fully healthy now and ready to take over as RB1 in Miami. He averaged an absurd 7.7 yards per rush last year and should easily eclipse 1,000 yards rushing if he’s able to stay healthy.
Minnesota Vikings: Ivan Pace Jr.
The Minnesota Vikings found an absolute gem in undrafted linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. He started 11 games for Minnesota last year, recording 102 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one interception.
This season, Pace will reportedly wear the green dot for Brian Flores’ defense. Pace also doesn’t lack confidence, having recently declared himself one of the top three linebackers in the NFL.
#Vikings LB @ivan_pacejr names his TOP 3 LINEBACKERS in the league right now 🗣️
"Me, Roquan Smith and Fred Warner…"@heykayadams @Vikings pic.twitter.com/tdGrLNVFZr
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) July 22, 2024
New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez suffered a season-ending shoulder injury just four weeks into his rookie campaign. He was playing at an elite level to start his career, having allowed just a 67.5 passer rating when targeted. Now Gonzalez is healthy and should be able to prove he’s one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks in 2024.
New Orleans Saints: A.T. Perry
Through the first nine games of his rookie campaign, New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry barely saw the field. Yet, he earned a role down the stretch and showcased his potential, hauling in three touchdowns in the team’s final three games.
In 2024, Perry projects to start and should take a step forward.
New York Giants: Deonte Banks
While the New York Giants were one of the worst teams in the NFL last season, rookie cornerback Deonte Banks was one of the lone bright spots for Big Blue. Banks was put in a tough situation in former defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s scheme. Now he’ll be looking to build on his impressive rookie campaign under a new DC.
New York Jets: Will McDonald IV
Due to the New York Jets’ EDGE depth, Will McDonald IV hardly saw the field his rookie season. However, following the departures of Bryce Huff and John Franklin-Myers, McDonald could have a significantly larger role going forward – especially given the unknown status of frustrated pass rusher Haason Reddick, as he continues to seek a new contract.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Carter
Jalen Carter started off his NFL career taking the league by storm by recording five sacks in his first eight games for the Philadelphia Eagles. Yet, Carter slowed down a bit during the second half of the season.
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With Fletcher Cox’s retirement, Carter is now viewed as Philadelphia’s top DL player and should make a massive leap in 2024.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Nick Herbig
Although the Pittsburgh Steelers already have a ton of talent along the defensive front, Nick Herbig could take a step forward this season. Herbig showed flashes in his rookie season and recorded three sacks despite only 81 total pass-rushing snaps. The 22-year-old edge rusher could have a bigger role during his sophomore year.
San Francisco 49ers: Ji’Ayir Brown
After starting safety Talanoa Hufanga went down with a season-ending injury, Ji’Ayir stepped up in a major way for the San Francisco 49ers. Brown allowed just two touchdowns in coverage in 2023, while also recording three interceptions. As a result, he’s now a projected starter.
Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Despite being selected No. 20 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a relatively inconsistent role for the Seattle Seahawks as a rookie and failed to record more than 63 receiving yards in a single game last season.
Nevertheless, Smith-Njigba could be in line for a bigger role as the Seahawks made a change at offensive coordinator, and Tyler Lockett is only getting older.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: YaYa Diaby
Although he only started seven games as a rookie, Yaya Diaby showed flashes of pass-rushing dominance for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He recorded 7.5 sacks in just 342 pass-rushing snaps and is now expected to be a full-time starter. Assuming he takes a massive step forward, Diaby could reach double-digit sacks in Year 2.
Tennessee Titans: Will Levis
Will Levis was the talk of the NFL in Week 7 last year after throwing four touchdowns in his Tennessee Titans debut. However, Levis threw just four passing touchdowns for the remainder of his rookie season and came crashing back down to earth.
Despite those struggles, he’s in a much better position to succeed in 2024 and beyond, particularly because the Titans hired Brian Callahan as head coach and added WRs Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd.
Washington Commanders: KJ Henry
The Washington Commanders are embracing a new era in 2024 with Dan Quinn as head coach. Quinn will bring a feisty defense to Washington that currently lacks significant talent along the edge.
However, second-year defensive end KJ Henry could turn heads in Quinn’s scheme. Henry has the size, speed, and athleticism to flourish.