Every NFL season brings new breakout players. Here's a look at some of the top breakout candidates in 2022 for all 32 teams.
Brown had over 1,000 yards in the Baltimore offense last year, but he's in a much better situation after getting traded to the Cardinals. He's set to be Kyler Murray's No. 1 receiver to start the year while DeAndre Hopkins serves his six-game suspension, and could also reunite with his college quarterback. Brown has a chance to join the elite receivers in the NFL.
Drafted eighth overall, London has an opportunity to immediately become Atlanta's top wideout following Calvin Ridley's suspension. The Falcons could have issues at quarterback, but London should see his fair share of targets.
No team has done a better job producing pass rushers in recent seasons, and Oweh could be their next star. He impressed in his rookie season with 12 hurries and five sacks and should see a bigger role this year.
Davis has yet to see full-time snaps, but that's set to change this season. He enters the year as Buffalo's No. 2 wideout after a historic Divisional Round performance against the Chiefs, with 201 yards and four touchdowns.
Horn played only three games in his rookie year due to a foot injury, but the cornerback impressed when he was on the field. The former first-round pick will try to pick up where he left off and shore up Carolina's secondary.
The Bears roster has a lot of holes, but they should feel comfortable at tight end. Kmet showed excellent improvement in his sophomore season with over 600 yards receiving and should continue to be an outlet for Justin Fields after the Bears failed to really address wideout in the offseason.
Cincinnati became an elite passing offense last year with Joe Burrow healthy and the addition of Ja'Marr Chase. They get another potential boost from Hurst, who struggled to find a role in Atlanta behind Kyle Pitts but has shown the ability to be a nice Red Zone option. It's a role he's fit to play in Cincinnati.
The quarterback situation is in flux for Cleveland until Deshaun Watson's fate is determined, but Peoples-Jones is set to see a bigger role in any case. The speedy wideout has been an elite deep threat over his first two seasons with 18.8 yards per catch and should continue to see more playing time opposite Amari Cooper.
Ezekiel Elliott is the workhorse of the Cowboys offense, but the squad has found another gear when Pollard has found the field. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry last season with his breakaway speed and could continue to slowly but surely take playing time from Elliott.
Denver's wide receivers are set for a big boost with the addition of Russell Wilson at quarterback. The receiver most in line for a breakout could be Jeudy, a 2020 first-round pick who has struggled with inconsistency and injuries. His route running ability and deep speed should play well in the new offense.
The focus is on Detroit's offense, but their defense could make the biggest step forward with several additions, including Hutchinson. The big defensive end should seal the edge after going second overall in the draft.
Despite the losses of Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Aaron Rodgers still has to throw the ball somewhere. That will almost certainly benefit Lazard, who is coming off a career year with 513 yards and eight touchdowns. The 6-foot-5 wide receiver will almost certainly see more targets as a key part of the Packers' offense.
The Texans defense performed well given their talent last year, and Greenard was a big reason. He recorded eight sacks in 12 games during his second season and could be set to take another step forward as a potential Pro Bowler this year.
The Colts saw flashes from Paye in his rookie season, as he recorded four sacks and 16 pressures. He has the ability to do more with a year under his belt.
Etienne effectively had a redshirt year, sitting out all of last season with a foot injury. He's set to be Jacksonville's primary running back this season and could see big numbers in Doug Pederson's offense.
The Chiefs added Jones as depth. They still expect big things from Clyde Edwards-Helaire, but Jones could be set for a big step forward with his new team after averaging 4.6 yards per catch in his last three seasons with the Bucs.
Carr is already the face of the Raiders franchise but hasn't made a Pro Bowl since 2017. He could see a huge boost this season with the additions of Davante Adams and head coach Josh McDaniels. Carr's first 5,000-yard season is well within reach.
Palmer saw limited snaps in his rookie season but did show some flashes when he played. He could have a bigger role this year, with the eventual hope that he could follow Keenan Allen as a long-term starter.
Jones saw more playing time as his rookie campaign wore on and made the most of it as a key part of the Rams Super Bowl squad. A full season as a starter could net Jones 100 tackles in LA.
The Dolphins have given Tagovailoa everything he needs to succeed with the addition of star wideout Tyreek Hill, along with a more creative offense under head coach Mike McDaniel. The pairing of Hill and Jaylen Waddle could mean huge numbers for Tagovailoa.
After showing promise in his first two seasons, Smith missed all of last year. He's back as Minnesota's starting tight end, and could be a major factor in the Red Zone after recording seven touchdowns over his first two seasons.
Barmore added some pressure on the interior in his rookie season with 1.5 sacks and nine hurries. He's set to see more snaps this year after showing improvement late last season.
It was an up and down rookie season for Werner, whose snaps were inconsistent last year. He still had 62 tackles as a key run-stopper, and the 2021 second-round pick should see more snaps this year.
Ojulari was a bright spot in a bleak 2021 season for the Giants, recording eight sacks in his rookie season. The coaching staff has changed in the offseason, but Ojulari's role will still be huge on passing downs. He could become a household name soon.
The first running back selected in this year's draft, Hall is likely to be a bell-cow back for the Jets. The team desperately needs more support for Zach Wilson, and Hall has shown the ability in college as a runner and receiver to be an elite talent at the next level.
The Eagles fared well last year after adjusting the offense to Hurts' strengths. He needs to make strides as a passer, and the addition of elite wide receiver A.J. Brown should help. Hurts now has all the weapons he needs to make serious noise.
The Steelers have a potential quarterback competition between Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky in training camp. Pickett's time will certainly come after the team spent a first-round pick on him, and he has excellent weapons in Pittsburgh's offense, including Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Pat Freiermuth. With a great defense to support him, Pickett has plenty of support when he finds the field.
Lance is likely to replace Jimmy Garoppolo as San Francisco's starting quarterback. He was rough when he found the field last season but stands to improve with an offense that is contoured to his strengths. Offensive mastermind Kyle Shanahan has the ability to make Lance a star in short order.
The Seahawks have produced their fair share of defensive stars in recent seasons, and Taylor will be one of their key players in a rebuilding year. Taylor had 6.5 sacks in his first season on the field and should be more comfortable this year.
Tryon-Shoyinka turned heads in his rookie season but found the field on fewer than 50% of defensive snaps. He's set to see a huge boost this year after the Bucs moved on from multiple veterans, and his 27 pressures last season showed elite potential.
Burks has huge shoes to fill after the Titans traded A.J. Brown in the offseason. It will be nearly impossible for him to equal Brown's production in his rookie season, but his ability to make plays with the ball in his hands could allow him to produce in his own unique role.
After winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, Young had only 1.5 sacks in nine games last year before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He's shown elite flashes and should be healthy in his comeback season.
Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.
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