As the 2024 NFL season approaches, players like Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey, and others are expected to be among the best players across the league.
However, while those players are expected to perform at a high level, which players below the radar can break out this season?
Every NFL Team’s Potential Surprise Breakout Player in 2024
Arizona Cardinals | Greg Dortch
After the Cardinals drafted Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth pick in the NFL Draft, it created more opportunities for the other receivers on the field with him. Harrison will be the focal point for opposing defenses, opening the field for wide receivers like Greg Dortch.
Greg Dortch looks unreal in joint practice against Indy. My god. pic.twitter.com/1mjQQSKSdA
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable)
Dortch hasn’t eclipsed 500 yards in his three seasons with Arizona, but this year, everything looks to come together for him to produce at a higher level.
Atlanta Falcons | Darnell Mooney
The Falcons added Darnell Mooney to their wide receiver room this free agency, following four seasons with the Bears. Mooney caught 360 passes for 2,593 yards and 11 touchdowns, having one 1,000-yard season in 2021.
Paired with Kirk Cousins this season, Mooney is in an offense where he can flourish.
Baltimore Ravens | Russell Gage
Following four seasons with Atlanta and one with Tampa Bay, Russell Gage joined Baltimore this offseason through free agency. Gage enters the season after sitting out last season due to a torn patellar tendon. Just three seasons ago, Gage caught 94 passes for 770 yards and four touchdowns.
If Gage can get in sync with quarterback Lamar Jackson, he has the tools to produce at a high level.
Buffalo Bills | A.J. Epenesa
Last year was A.J. Epenesa’s best season of his career, ending the 2024 campaign with 20 tackles, 10 QB hits, 6.5 sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
After signing a two-year, $12 million contract to stay in Buffalo through 2025, Epenesa looks to take the next step toward being one of the top edge rushers in the league.
Carolina Panthers | Bryce Young
After a rocky start to his NFL career, this could be the season that Bryce Young shows why he was the No. 1 pick in 2023. While he lacks elite arm strength, he’s a strong processor of the field, adding the ability to make some impressive throws.
Carolina added more weapons to the offense in Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette, Jonathon Brooks, and more, giving Young a better chance of showing off his capabilities.
Chicago Bears | Tyrique Stevenson
The Chicago Bears’ defense saw a noticeable bump in production once they added Montez Sweat, unlocking new potential for this defensive unit. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson benefited from this, ending his rookie season with 86 tackles, 16 passes defended (tied for the most among rookies), and four interceptions.
Paired alongside Jaylon Johnson, Stevenson could be a force this season for Chicago.
Cincinnati Bengals | Chase Brown
Once the Cincinnati Bengals lost Joe Mixon in free agency to Houston, their addition of Zack Moss didn’t appear to be a move that filled the hole left by their veteran RB. However, someone who could step into that role well is second-year running back out of Illinois, Chase Brown.
Brown wasn’t utilized much last year, but after ending his college career with back-to-back seasons of over 1,100 all-purpose yards (1,883 in 2022), Brown could be their guy in 2024.
Cleveland Browns | Jerry Jeudy
For his entire career, inconsistent quarterback play has plagued Jerry Jeudy’s ability to reach the potential he’s capable of. While the quarterback situation isn’t perfect in Cleveland, it’s a step up from what he’s had on previous teams.
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As a 1,000-yard receiver in his last two seasons for Alabama, Jeudy has shown the capabilities of being an incredible receiver. This year, he could show it once again, paired with Amari Cooper.
Dallas Cowboys | Cooper Beebe
Something synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys is elite offensive linemen. Dating back to the Emmitt Smith days, they formed their identity, and it has kept its shape for the most part throughout history. Dallas found a gem again, and his name is Cooper Beebe.
Beebe was a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and since he’s put the uniform on, he’s done nothing but dominate. That should be what Cowboys fans see a lot of this year from their rookie center.
Denver Broncos | Riley Moss
After the Denver Broncos spent a third-round pick on Riley Moss in 2023, his rookie season with the team was a bit lackluster. Moss saw the field for just 23 defensive snaps last season, but this year, he’s the CB2 behind Pat Surtain II.
If Moss can return to his Iowa Hawkeye self, he could be one of the brightest stars of the Denver secondary.
Detroit Lions | Jameson Williams
In his first two seasons in the NFL, Jameson Williams hasn’t reached the heights many thought he could. Totaling fewer than 400 yards through two seasons isn’t what’s expected from the 12th overall pick in 2022.
However, with no injury or suspension holding Williams back this season, his chances to break out are high. With his speed, he’s always a threat to beat defenses over the top.
Green Bay Packers | Dontayvion Wicks
The Green Bay Packers have a receiver room that’s still looking for the alpha to step up. This offense has a lot of capable receivers, but the one expected to break out most is Dontayvion Wicks.
Wicks was a fifth-round pick in 2023, finishing his rookie season with nearly 600 yards and four touchdowns. If he and quarterback Jordan Love can connect this season, the sky is the limit for Wicks.
Houston Texans | Kamari Lassiter
As a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, cornerback Kamari Lassiter enters a defense that’s building into something special. With young playmakers like Will Anderson Jr., Jalen Pitre, and Derek Stingley Jr., Lassiter joins a unit where he can immediately make an impact.
In his rookie season, Lassiter could be one of the stars of this defense by the end of the year after a pair of strong seasons at Georgia.
Indianapolis Colts | Laiatu Latu
After being drafted with the 15th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Laiatu Latu was seen as a potential question mark because of his medical history. However, since putting on the Colts’ uniform, Latu has been showing why he was considered one of the top edge rushers in the draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars | Brian Thomas Jr.
Entering an offense with Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis ahead of him on the depth chart, Brian Thomas Jr. has a clear shot for immediate production with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
As a late first-round pick, Thomas has been impressing in the offseason, looking to be an integral part of the Jacksonville air attack.
Kansas City Chiefs | Carson Steele
With Andy Reid as the head coach and offensive mastermind in Kansas City, the Chiefs will find a way to make their athletes produce on the field regardless of their position.
Carson Steele with an angry run 😤pic.twitter.com/HAJv6xscet
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365)
Following his preseason performance against the Chicago Bears, he put the league on notice of what he’s capable of in the same offense as Patrick Mahomes.
Las Vegas Raiders | Zamir White
With Josh Jacobs joining Green Bay in free agency, Zamir White stands in as the current RB1 for the Raiders this season. Rushing for just over 450 yards and a sole touchdown last year, White has yet to showcase his potential in the NFL.
However, as the starting running back in Vegas, this year could be the year he returns to the player he was at Georgia.
Los Angeles Chargers | Ladd McConkey
As one of the best route runners in the 2024 NFL Draft, Ladd McConkey joins a Chargers team desperately needing a productive wide receiver. Aside from McConkey, Los Angeles has Joshua Palmer, DJ Chark Jr., and Quentin Johnston running routes for Justin Herbert.
With the loss of Keenan Allen, McConkey has big shoes to fill. However, with the tools he brings to the table, a breakout season in his first year isn’t unlikely.
Los Angeles Rams | Jared Verse
After the Los Angeles Rams lost Aaron Donald to retirement this offseason, it was clear they knew the need to replace Donald was crucial. Kobie Turner has been a good addition, but other players must step up on the defensive front now.
First-round pick Jared Verse (18 sacks, 29.5 TFLs in 25 games with FSU) is a player the Rams hope makes a splash this season.
Miami Dolphins | De’Von Achane
In his rookie season with the Dolphins, Achane was a hot name due to his 800 yards and eight touchdowns through 11 games. However, following a knee injury that kept him out for the rest of the season, he didn’t reach his full potential.
This year, with a clean bill of health, Achane has the chance to be one of the top running backs in the league.
Minnesota Vikings | Dallas Turner
Entering the 2024 NFL Draft as one of the top edge rushers in the class, Dallas Turner landed in Minnesota following the departure of Danielle Hunter.
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With a clear path to significant playing time for the No. 17 overall pick in 2024, Turner should be a productive pass rusher for the Vikings in his rookie season.
New England Patriots | Christian Gonzalez
Selected with the 17th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Christian Gonzalez’s rookie season was cut short due to a season-ending torn labrum in Week 4. Up to that point, Gonzalez was on pace for a strong season. He even earned Defensive Rookie of the Month for September.
This year, as Gonzalez enters the 2024 season healthy, this should be the season he lives up to his potential.
New Orleans Saints | Spencer Rattler
While Derek Carr stands in as the current QB1 for New Orleans, Spencer Rattler doesn’t look to be far behind Carr on the depth chart following this preseason. Rattler also threw for over 10,000 yards in college, coming in as a talented quarterback prospect on a team that lacks an air attack.
As a controversial quarterback prospect entering the NFL this season, he could lead the Saints further than Carr.
New York Giants | Malik Nabers
Coming into the 2024 season, Malik Nabers looks to be one of the most exciting offensive rookies in the league. There doesn’t appear to be any expected delay for Malik Nabers to become one of the top receivers across the NFL, especially among rookies.
Malik Nabers got UP for this catch 😲pic.twitter.com/R75E0pl8Xh
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365)
While the quarterback play is questionable in New York, Nabers has shown to be quarterback-proof this offseason.
New York Jets | Jermaine Johnson II
Following a lackluster rookie season, Jermaine Johnson II had a stronger 2023 campaign, totaling 7.5 sacks and 16 QB hits. Johnson was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2023, but that doesn’t appear to be his ceiling.
Coming into his third season with the Jets, Johnson is expected to make an even bigger leap this year.
Philadelphia Eagles | Jalen Carter
Alongside Jordan Davis on the interior of the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line, Jalen Carter looks to make more of an impact in Year 2 than in his rookie season. Carter totaled six sacks and nine QB hits, earning the second most votes for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, but as a former top 10 pick, the ceiling is higher than that.
Injuries caused Carter to miss a little time last season, but as he prepares for his second year in the NFL, the former Georgia Bulldog looking to make a big step this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers | Zach Frazier
As a four-time heavyweight state championship in wrestling, Zach Frazier being a dominant offensive lineman doesn’t come as a surprise. Pittsburgh drafted Frazier with the 51st pick in 2024 as he suits up for his rookie season this year.
In the preseason, Frazier has been nothing but impressive as he looks to prove this season that Pittsburgh has their long-term answer at center.
San Francisco 49ers | Jacob Cowing
While the San Francisco wide receiver room is crowded at the moment, a Brandon Aiyuk trade could make this a more likely situation. Jacob Cowing played for five seasons in college, starting at UTEP and finishing with Arizona.
Cowing features a strong ability to make plays, and in the 49ers’ offense, he’s a player who will make the most of it as long as he has a pathway to playing time.
Seattle Seahawks | Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Jaxon Smith-Njigba came into the NFL last year as a late first-round pick, dropping because of a hamstring injury that kept him out of his final season with Ohio State. However, as he comes into his second season with Geno Smith and the Seahawks, he looks to increase his production.
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Smith-Njigba was one of the top receiver prospects in 2023, and he’s looking to showcase that talent this season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Rachaad White
While Rachaad White had a stronger second season in the NFL than his first, there’s still untapped potential. White finished last season with over 1,500 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns, but he’s capable of more.
This season, expect White to be one of the leading rushers across the league.
Tennessee Titans | Will Levis
Will Levis had flashes of excellence last season, sparking hope within the Tennessee Titans organization that their long-term answer could be the quarterback they drafted 33rd overall.
Levis ended the season with 1,808 yards and eight touchdowns through nine starts, but with a full offseason as the starting quarterback, a strong sophomore season appears to be on the way.
Washington Commanders | Ben Sinnott
The Washington Commanders spent a second-round pick on tight end Ben Sinnott out of Kansas State, giving themselves insurance at the position. Zach Ertz is the team’s starting tight end, but with a recent injury history, Sinnott could make an impact immediately.
Sinnott gives rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels a reliable pass catcher in the middle of the field who appears to be utilized frequently.
