By The NFL is loaded with great young talent. Every year, we see players come out of nowhere and rise to stardom. That is the beauty of football. So, who will be the NFL breakout players in 2021? Here is one candidate for every team:
Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Simmons, LB
As the 8th overall pick in last year’s draft, Simmons took a little while to get up to speed. He played in less than 30% of snaps in the team’s first 7 games and played over 50% just 4 times. However, with De’Vondre Campbell gone and Jordan Hicks on the trade block, Simmons should be in for an increased role.
Simmons was a highly-praised athlete coming out of Clemson and showed flashes his rookie year:
Linebacker is a hard position for rookies to learn, especially with what was a shortened offseason last year. With a full offseason under his belt, expect a massive jump from Simmons in 2021.
Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Terrell, CB
Terrell was thrown into the fire last year for the Falcons and had his obvious struggles. Similar to linebacker, corner is one of the hardest positions for a rookie to play. He was often left 1-on-1 with some of the best receivers in the league. Still, Terrell played better as the season went along and has upside as a former first round pick:
Terrell enters this year as the clear number 1 for Atlanta. New defensive coordinator Dean Pees brings in a new scheme that could benefit the entire Falcons secondary. With all the learning experiences he gained from last season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Terrell become a top 20 corner.
Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Queen, LB
The LSU product had a very productive rookie year for Baltimore, racking up 106 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. He started all 16 games and was a key contributor for one of the top defenses in the league. It is rare for a rookie linebacker to make the impact Queen did for the Ravens.
Baltimore has always been adept at developing defensive talent. With his insane burst and quickness, Queen’s potential is sky-high. I envision him leaping into All-Pro conversations as he develops the mental part of the game in year 2.
Buffalo Bills: Ed Oliver, DT
The first two seasons of Ed Oliver’s career have been a little disappointing. As the 9th overall pick in 2019, Bills fans expected Oliver to come right an and be a dominant force on the inside. While that has yet to come to fruition, Oliver is by no means a bust. The numbers have not yet accumulated, but Oliver has great play strength and flashes greatness:
The Bills one major weakness is their pass rush. They did plenty to address the edge position this offseason, but not much for the interior. This shows the confidence they have in Oliver to take a step up. I firmly believe Oliver, with all his physical upside, will become a Pro-Bowl lineman in 2021.
Carolina Panthers: Sam Darnold, QB
Say what you will about Sam Darnold, but there is no denying he was set up for failure in New York. That is not to say he was not at fault by any means. Darnold clearly is not the guy that many thought he could be coming out of USC. That being said, I think his struggles the past few years are slightly overstated.
I’m not projecting that Darnold will come out and have some huge MVP season. However, with a much better supporting cast and amazing offensive mind in Joe Brady, I think Carolina can find a way to showcase Darnold’s strengths in a way that the Jets could not. By the season’s end, I believe we could be looking at Darnold as a top 10-15 quarterback.
Chicago Bears: Darnell Mooney, WR
As a 5th round pick, Darnell Mooney surprised everyone as a rookie, racking up 631 yards and 4 touchdowns on 61 catches. He has great deep speed and even showed some promise as a route runner. However, he was plagued by constant poor QB play.
Both Andy Dalton and Justin Fields are considerable upgrades to what Chicago had last year. Mooney enters this season as the team’s number 2 receiver with considerable upside. If Justin Fields can impress and make an impact in his rookie year similar to Justin Herbert, Mooney could easily push the 1,000 yard mark.
Cincinnati Bengals: Jonah Williams, OT
Williams has had an unfortunate start to his NFL career. After being drafted 11th overall in 2019, he missed his entire rookie season with a shoulder injury. In 2020, he came back and played well before getting injured once again. However, the talent was on display despite the rest of the Bengals’ offensive line being a mess.
I believe a large reason the Bengals passed on Penei Sewell and took Ja’Maar Chase was because of Williams. If he can stay healthy, which is a big if, Williams can be a top-10 tackle. With some NFL experience finally under his belt and a full offseason to heal up, I envision a big year for the former Alabama star.
Cleveland Browns: Grant Delpit, S
An achilles injury kept Delpit out for his entire rookie season in 2020. At one time, Delpit was a projected top-10 pick before a up-and-down final season at LSU. This caused him to fall to the 2nd round, but the talent is still there. He made some incredible athletic plays in college and was relied on heavily.
Cleveland revamped their secondary this offseason, bringing in S John Johnson and CB Troy Hill from the Rams. While Delpit might not be listed as a starter, he will no doubt play a significant role in the secondary. As the season moves along, I expect Delpit to see the field more and more and show why he was once so highly regarded in college.
Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Biadasz, C
Tyler Biadasz might not be a name familiar to many. A 2020 4th-round pick, Biadasz was able to find some playing time for a banged-up offensive line in Dallas. Entering his second year, he has received been receiving high praise from the organization:
Dallas has always had a good offensive line and does a great job at developing young talent. Surrounded by talented players, Biadasz has an opportunity to cement himself as a quality starter and potential star for years to come.
Denver Broncos: Noah Fant, TE
Noah Fant is a star in the making. While his numbers don’t jump off the page, the film certainly does. Fant is an athletic freak who is too fast for most linebackers and too big for most safeties. He fits the Darren Waller mold of a TE who is more of a receiver than anything else.
For Fant, and all the other Broncos pass-catchers, his 2021 will be determined by the quarterback production. Whether is is Drew Lock improving or Teddy Bridgewater taking over, Denver should get better QB play than last year. This would allow Fant to finally showcase his talent and live up to his first round pedigree.
Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB
Okudah had a rough rookie season, to put it lightly. The 3rd overall pick played only 9 games and was not the generational talent many thought him to be. That being said, he still has tremendous potential to be a number 1 corner. Detroit had an abysmal defense as a whole in 2020, but Okudah did show some flashes.
With the exception of Jalen Ramsey, not many rookie corners come in and have immediate success. It is a position that takes time and patience to reach an elite level. Okudah was drafted in the top 3 for a reason, and I think with more experience and time, he can reach his elite ceiling.
Green Bay Packers: Rashan Gary, EDGE
With a stud pass-rushing duo of Preston and Za’Darius Smith, Gary has been limited in his playing time. However, when he is on the field, he shows tremendous potential. He is a name that constantly gets under-looked when debating the top young pass rushers.
Entering his 3rd year, Gary’s talent is too much to keep him off the field. He has already been dominating training camp and should be a name to keep an eye on this upcoming season.
Houston Texans: Justin Reid, S
There isn’t much good to talk about the Houston Texans these days. Justin Reid, however, remains one of the better up-and-coming safeties in the league. Playing in Houston this year, he probably won’t get the respect he deserves. However, he is a playmaker and deserves his respect.
There are plenty of talented safeties in the league, so making a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team will be hard. But Reid is certainly an underrated player who could break out this season.
Indianapolis Colts: Julian Blackmon, S
As a rookie last season, Blackmon played well enough for the Colts to let Malik Hooker walk. Now, as the starter at free safety, Blackmon has plenty of opportunity to take another step forward. He is a ballhawking, opportunistic player who can create turnovers and big plays.
Blackmon is a standout second-year breakout candidate. Indianapolis does a great job at putting their secondary in positions to succeed. If Blackman can continue to develop, he should be mentioned among the other young star safeties in the NFL.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Laviska Shenault Jr., WR
The 2020 NFL draft was loaded at the WR position. As a part of this gifted class, Shenault flashed his talent as a rookie. Unfortunately, he was limited by poor QB play. That should not be a problem this year with Trevor Lawrence arriving.
Shenault is dangerous with the ball in his hands. Similar to A.J. Brown and Deebo Samuel, he is hard to bring down after the catch. With a new offense in place and a better QB, Shenault will have every chance to show his talent this year.
Kansas City Chiefs: Willie Gay, LB
After falling in the 2020 draft due to off-field concerns, the Chiefs scooped up Gay in the 2nd round. As a player with 1st-round talent, Gay has plenty of promise, but was limited with his play time. Still, his athletic traits are off the charts.
The Chiefs are thin at linebacker, and Gay could fill that void. He has tremendous upside as a coverage player. If he can turn his athletic upside into production, Willie Gay should become a top linebacker in 2021.
Las Vegas Raiders: Bryan Edwards, WR
Despite drafting Henry Ruggs 12th overall last year, I think 3rd-round pick Bryan Edwards could the the Raiders most talented receiver. Looking at the numbers, Edwards did not have a great 2020. He was injured and had a hard time seeing the field. However, his talent was clearly there.
Edwards enters this year as the Raiders number 2 receiver. He isn’t necessarily the fastest, or the most precise route runner. What Edwards brings is toughness at the catch point and a steady pair of hands. Coming into year 2, Edwards projects to have a big season for the Raiders.
Los Angeles Chargers: Uchenna Nwosu, EDGE
With Melvin Ingram on his way out, Uchenna Nwosu will be the next guy up. Nwosu has been solid despite limited time, posting at least 14 pressures in his first 3 seasons. With Joey Bosa attracting attention on the other side, Nwosu should face 1-on-1s most of the year.
Nwosu has shown the ability to win with both speed and power. With Bosa mentoring him, the sky is the limit for Nwosu. Look out for a potential 10-sack season from the young pass rusher.
Los Angeles Rams: Cam Akers, RB
After starting the season in a committee, Cam Akers took the starting job by storm. Akers handled the ball 20 times in 3 of his last 4 games. Now, heading into next season, Akers seems to have full control of the backfield.
With a great combination of power and elusiveness, Akers has all the tools to be a high-end RB. There are lots of weapons in LA, and Akers should receive his fair share of touches. Akers should push 1,200 yards and 10 TDs in a high-powered Rams offense.
Miami Dolphins: Noah Igbinoghene, CB
Despite being a first round selection last year, Igbinoghene had a hard time seeing the field. Granted, the Dolphins had a loaded secondary, so it was no fault of his own. However, the reason he was a first round pick is his elite athletic upside in the slot.
Speed kills in the NFL, and that includes on defense. Igbinoghene can match up with the fastest players in the league. To become a star slot corner, he will have to improve from a coverage persepctive. If he can, he has all the traits to be an elite player for Miami.
Minnesota Vikings: Irv Smith Jr., TE
The former Alabama TE has his chance to shine this season. With Kyle Rudolph departing, Smith has been thrust into the starting role. The Vikings have a high-powered offense, and Smith could benefit the most from their star WR duo.
Cousins had a great connection with Rudolph, and Smith should fill that role perfectly. He also has more athletic traits than Rudolph and could provide another dimension to this offense that they have not had. Keep Smith in mind as you watch Vikings games this year.
New England Patriots: Kyle Dugger, S
Appearing in 14 games as a rookie, Dugger was impressive for the Patriots. As a downhill, hard-hitting safety, Dugger showed promise as the season went along. New England has a deep secondary, but Dugger has the talent to see the field more in 2021.
As a former Division II athlete, Dugger has always worked hard to reach his goals. With the outstanding coaching in New England, there is little doubt in my mind that he can turn into a star sooner rather than later. He has the athletic upside and just needs to be more consistent, but Dugger could be in for a big 2nd season.
New Orleans Saints: Adam Trautman, TE
With Drew Brees retiring, it remains to be seen how the Saints offense will operate. That being said, whoever is throwing the ball will need a reliable target over the middle of the field. Enter Trautman, who takes over the starting TE role following the departure of Jared Cook.
Trautman is a good athlete and fluid route runner. Outside of Thomas and Kamara, the Saints don’t have many options in the passing game. They have always emphasized the TE position, and whether it is Winston or Hill throwing the ball, Trautman should see a significant amount of targets this year.
New York Giants: Andrew Thomas, T
Many people were quick to call Thomas a bust after his rookie year. Yes, he was a bit disappointing as the 4th overall pick, especially when you consider the tackles taken after him. However, it is unfair to compare him to the likes of Tristan Wirfs, who had a generational rookie year for Tampa. After a slow start, Thomas turned it on down the stretch.
The Giants spent a high pick on Thomas for a reason. His technique could use some work, especially as a pass blocker. Going into year 2, Thomas has the tools to develop into a premier tackle. If the coaching staff can help him along, which I believe they can, Thomas has the potential to be a top 15 tackle and beyond.
New York Jets: Carl Lawson, DE
For Carl Lawson, talent has never been an issue. Injuries have plagued him his whole career and is the main reason why the Bengals let him walk. The Jets decided to take a chance, and I think that chance will play off in a big way. Lawson has shown in his time on the field that he can be a true difference-maker.
In terms of edge rush, the Jets are pretty devoid of talent. Lawson will be depended upon heavily to provide that edge pressure. He has a great combination of speed and power. If he can stay healthy for at least 12-13 games, I see a Pro-Bowl caliber season for Lawson.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Reagor, WR
The Eagles were the laughingstock of the draft last year when they selected Reagor over Justin Jefferson, who went on to have an all-time rookie season for the Vikings. Reagor, on the other hand, was rather quiet. He played in only 11 games and scored just 1 TD. That being said, the speedy WR has something to prove in year 2.
The unstable QB situation no doubt plagued the entire Eagles offense. With a full offseason to work with Jalen Hurts, Reagor has a chance to make up for last season. With the expectations lessened on the young receiver, I expect a big jump for Reagor as he finds his place in a new offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Devin Bush, LB
If not for a devastating ACL injury last year, Bush may already have had his breakout season. The 2019 10th overall pick had a tremendous rookie season and was on track for another great year in 2020. Now back healthy, Bush has the chance to remind fans why the Steelers spent such a high pick on him.
Bush is the embodiment of a modern-day linebacker. He was great coverage instincts and the speed to man guys up. Bush can make plays sideline-to-sideline and has great awareness in the run game. He is a playmaker, and a guy that the Steelers missed last year. Assuming he is 100% this year, I see Devin Bush vaulting into top-10 conversations with upside for even more.
San Francisco 49ers: Javon Kinlaw, DT
Kinlaw had a respectable rookie season by all measures for the 49ers. After trading up to draft Kinlaw, many fans held super high expectations for the young defensive tackle. Entering year 2, Kinlaw has the opportunity to turn his upside into production.
With the return of Nick Bosa, Kinlaw’s job will be much easier. He has a great combination of power and speed from the inside. If Kinlaw faces consistent 1-on-1s, he could be in for a double-digit sack season from the interior, which is no small feat.
Seattle Seahawks: Jordyn Brooks, LB
Brooks was a bit of an unknown as a first round pick last season. He did not play much to start the year, but as the weeks went on, Brooks become a key defensive player for Seattle. Under the mentoring of Bobby Wagner, Brooks has a chance to take a massive leap this season.
Despite coming off the field in passing situations last year, Brooks has potential in that regard. Seeing that Seattle hasn’t done much to address the position, it seems they have confidence in Brooks to take that step up. If he can improve in the passing game and continue to play well against the run, this could become a scary linebacker duo in Seattle.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin White, LB
It might be odd to say that a player who had 140 tackles and 9 sacks is a breakout candidate. However, for Devin White, his breakout is from star to superstar. As a run defender, White does everything you could ask for. His sideline-to-sideline speed is unbelievable and leads to some highlight plays.
Where he has room to grow is as a coverage player. Despite his athleticism, White actually has been rather poor in coverage thus far in his career. It is the one thing keeping him from being a top 5 linebacker. If he can get in the film room this offseason and learn from fellow LB Lavonte David, White has the potential to be one of the best coverage linebackers in the league.
Tennessee Titans: Jeffery Simmons, DT
Jeffery Simmons has superstar written all over him. After falling in the draft due to injury, Simmons hit the field late in 2019 and was solid. Last year, Simmons improved on his rookie campaign and showed why he was a top-10 talent. Now entering his 3rd season, Simmons is primed for a breakout year.
The upside Simmons has is unreal. He has already proved to be a dominate run defender. His tools as an interior pass-rusher is what has the league in awe. Simmons was double-teamed 190 times last year, more than anyone not named Aaron Donald or Grady Jarrett. Expect a massive season from the up-and-coming defensive lineman.
Washington Football Team: Kamren Curl, FS
No player exceeded expectations quite like Kamren Curl. As a 7th-round selection, Curl made an immediate impact as a rookie. He tallied 88 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 sacks in 2020. No longer an unknown, Curl is looking to take an even bigger step in 2021.
Playing behind a star-studded pass rush, Curl will have plenty of opportunity to make big plays. He is expected to play a variety of roles for Washington. His versatility will be on full display this year and allow him to make the most of his skillset. Curl is just another great young asset on a stacked defense in Washington.
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