NFL players heading into make-or-break years in 2016

NFL players heading into make-or-break years.

1 of 25

Sam Bradford, QB, Eagles

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Bradford didn't exactly light up the scoreboard in his first season with the Eagles, and he hasn't gained any endorsements after briefly demanding a trade in the offseason. Philadelphia has added second overall pick Carson Wentz, and backup Chase Daniel knows the new offense from working with new head coach Doug Pederson in Kansas City. Bradford has no margin for error, not even in the preseason.

2 of 25

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Vikings

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The Vikings surprisingly won the NFC North last season but didn't ask much of Bridgewater in his sophomore season. To progress further in the playoffs, Minnesota needs more out of Bridgewater in his third season. If he can't handle more responsibility, the organization could be looking for another long-term signal caller soon.

3 of 25

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Bengals

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Burfict continues to strengthen his reputation as a dirty player and will open the 2016 season suspended after his dirty hit on Antonio Brown in the AFC Divisional Round. Burfict has been productive on the field, but he's play only 15 games over the last two years and is set to miss more time already. The Bengals need him to be more reliable, and not many other teams would be willing to take a chance on a player with his reputation.

4 of 25

Ryan Clady, LT, Jets

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Clady finds his way to New York after missing all of 2015 to injury. He has the tall task of replacing the durable D'Brickashaw Ferguson but has basically missed two of the last three seasons to injuries. 

5 of 25

Victor Cruz, WR, Giants

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Cruz played only six games in 2014 and missed all of last season to injuries. The Giants added wide receiver Sterling Shepard in the second round of the draft, so it remains to be seen what they expect out of Cruz following his leg injuries.

6 of 25

Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers

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Gordon's rookie season was disappointing, to say the least, after being drafted 15th overall by the Chargers. He averaged only 3.5 yards per carry and also missed two games to injuries. San Diego must get better production, or the bust label will start being mentioned.

7 of 25

Robert Griffin III, QB, Browns

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RG3 wasn't even active for Washington last season but finds second life with the Browns. He hasn't been the same since his rookie season in 2012 and has little talent around him in Cleveland, but this could be his last chance as a starter.

8 of 25

Tyreek Hill, KR, Chiefs

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The Chiefs have received plenty of criticism for taking Hill in the fifth round given his history getting kicked off Oklahoma State's team due to his off-field issues. The team has compared him to Devin Hester after posting an incredible 40 time and could utilize Hill as a returner if he can stay on the straight and narrow.

9 of 25

Vincent Jackson, WR, Buccaneers

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Jackson played only 10 games last season due to injury and now heads into his age 33 season. It wouldn't be surprising if Jackson's play falls off a cliff given his age, but quarterback Jameis Winston would sure appreciate Jackson as a great No. 2 wideout next to Mike Evans.

10 of 25

Luke Joeckel, LT, Jaguars

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The second overall pick in the 2013 draft, Joeckel is now just struggling to keep a starting job. The Jags already declined his fifth-year option, meaning he might not be in their future plans.

11 of 25

Colin Kaepernick, QB, 49ers

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Kaepernick was a star in the making early in his career, leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance. Over the last two years, he's seen a harsh decline, and there's been talk that the team would rather see Blaine Gabbert win the starting job in training camp. Kaepernick has plenty of work to do but shows interesting upside in Chip Kelly's offense.

12 of 25

Jeremy Langford, RB, Bears

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The Bears turned the page on the Matt Forte era by letting him walk this offseason, hoping that Langford can handle the starting running back job in his second season. He showed nice flashes in his rookie year but still averaged only 3.6 yards per carry. Drafting Jordan Howard was not only insurance, but a threat to Langford's status as the team's top back.

13 of 25

Eddie Lacy, RB, Packers

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The Packers were discouraged last season when Lacy was out of shape, and he ended up sharing carries with James Starks as a result. This offseason he reportedly is in much better shape but needs to show it on the field to regain a primary ball carrier role.

14 of 25

James Laurinaitis, LB, Saints

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Laurinaitis still had more than 100 tackles for the Rams last season but had a career-worst 60 solo tackles. He didn't grade out very well as a starter, but the Saints could desperately use help. 

15 of 25

Ryan Mathews, RB, Eagles

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Mathews is back as a primary running back after the Eagles traded DeMarco Murray. While his ability has rarely been questioned, Mathews has long had trouble staying healthy. He probably won't get another chance as a starter if he can't make it work this time.

16 of 25

DeMarco Murray, RB, Titans

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Murray was disgruntled in Philadelphia, earning a trade to Tennessee in the offseason. Skeptics blame his 2014 success in Dallas on his offensive line, and Murray has limited margin for error after Tennessee drafted Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry.

17 of 25

Russell Okung, LT, Broncos

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Okung's play fell off in Seattle, and he's struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons. Denver is gambling on a rebound, relying on him as its starting left tackle this year.

18 of 25

Brock Osweiler, QB, Texans

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Desperate for better quarterback play, the Texans signed Osweiler to a lucrative deal this offseason. He didn't exactly light up the scoreboard last year in Denver and has only seven starts under his belt. The Broncos hope their failure to re-sign Osweiler is validated.

19 of 25

Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, Giants

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Pierre-Paul's fireworks accident last offseason prevented him from getting a long-term deal in New York, but the Giants would love for him to earn a lucrative contract. He had only one sack in eight games last season.

20 of 25

Thomas Rawls, RB, Seahawks

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Rawls has the tall task of replacing Marshawn Lynch this season. While he averaged 5.6 yards per carry last season, Rawls is coming off a major leg injury, and the Seahawks added depth by drafting C.J. Prosise and Alex Collins. Rawls came out of nowhere last season, so there are still skeptics.

21 of 25

Mark Sanchez, QB, Broncos

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Sanchez is entering the definition of a make-or-break season, with this likely his final chance as a starter if he fails. The Broncos drafted Paxton Lynch in the first round, adding even more pressure for Sanchez to succeed.

22 of 25

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Buccaneers

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Seferian-Jenkins has been productive while on the field in his first two seasons, but he's played limited games in those two years due to injuries. The Bucs have already endorsed Cameron Brate as Seferian-Jenkins' competition.

23 of 25

Torrey Smith, WR, 49ers

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Smith signed a lucrative deal with the 49ers last season, only to have 33 receptions over a full season. While he's a great deep threat, that's all Smith was last year in his new offense. The 49ers need better production out of Smith immediately, even with their shaky quarterback situation.

24 of 25

Mike Wallace, WR, Ravens

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Wallace was one of the top wideouts in the NFL early in his career with Pittsburgh but has seen his production steadily decline recently. He disappointed in Minnesota with only 39 receptions and could be on his final shot with Baltimore this year.

25 of 25

Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Falcons

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A centerpiece of the Atlanta defense early in his career, Weatherspoon has struggled with injuries over the last few years. He returns to a starting role for the Falcons but has to produce to keep a job.

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