Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
The potential breakout player from all 32 NFL teams
Darren Yamashita/USA Today Images

The potential breakout player from all 32 NFL teams

Every NFL season brings new breakout players. Here's a look at some of the top breakout candidates in 2022 for all 32 teams.

 
1 of 32

Arizona Cardinals: Marquise Brown, WR

Arizona Cardinals: Marquise Brown, WR
Mitch Stringer / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
2 of 32

Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR

Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR
Dale Zanine / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
3 of 32

Baltimore Ravens: Odafe Oweh, OLB

Baltimore Ravens: Odafe Oweh, OLB
Tommy Gilligan / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
4 of 32

Buffalo Bills: Gabriel Davis, WR

Buffalo Bills: Gabriel Davis, WR
Denny Medley / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
5 of 32

Carolina Panthers: Jaycee Horn, CB

Carolina Panthers: Jaycee Horn, CB
Jim Dedmon / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
6 of 32

Chicago Bears: Cole Kmet, TE

Chicago Bears: Cole Kmet, TE
Stephen R. Sylvanie / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
7 of 32

Cincinnati Bengals: Hayden Hurst, TE

Cincinnati Bengals: Hayden Hurst, TE
Denny Medley / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
8 of 32

Cleveland Browns: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR

Cleveland Browns: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR
Scott Galvin / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
9 of 32

Dallas Cowboys: Tony Pollard, RB

Dallas Cowboys: Tony Pollard, RB
Jerome Miron / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
10 of 32

Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy, WR

Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy, WR
Dale Zanine / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
11 of 32

Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, DE

Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, DE
Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
12 of 32

Green Bay Packers: Allen Lazard, WR

Green Bay Packers: Allen Lazard, WR
Raj Mehta / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
13 of 32

Houston Texans: Jonathan Greenard, DE

Houston Texans: Jonathan Greenard, DE
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
14 of 32

Indianapolis Colts: Kwity Paye, DE

Indianapolis Colts: Kwity Paye, DE
George Walker IV / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
15 of 32

Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Etienne, RB

Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Etienne, RB
Bob Self / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
16 of 32

Kansas City Chiefs: Ronald Jones, RB

Kansas City Chiefs: Ronald Jones, RB
Bob Donnan / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
17 of 32

Las Vegas Raiders: Derek Carr, QB

Las Vegas Raiders: Derek Carr, QB
Joseph Maiorana / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
18 of 32

Los Angeles Chargers: Josh Palmer, WR

Los Angeles Chargers: Josh Palmer, WR
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
19 of 32

Los Angeles Rams: Ernest Jones, LB

Los Angeles Rams: Ernest Jones, LB
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
20 of 32

Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB

Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB
Sam Navarro / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
21 of 32

Minnesota Vikings: Irv Smith Jr., TE

Minnesota Vikings: Irv Smith Jr., TE
Nick Wosika / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
22 of 32

New England Patriots: Christian Barmore, DT

New England Patriots: Christian Barmore, DT
David Butler II / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
23 of 32

New Orleans Saints: Pete Werner, LB

New Orleans Saints: Pete Werner, LB
Brad Mills / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
24 of 32

New York Giants: Azeez Ojulari, OLB

New York Giants: Azeez Ojulari, OLB
Vincent Carchietta / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
25 of 32

New York Jets: Breece Hall, RB

New York Jets: Breece Hall, RB
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
26 of 32

Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts, QB

Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts, QB
Nathan Ray Seebeck / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
27 of 32

Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB

Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB
Charles LeClaire / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
28 of 32

San Francisco 49ers: Trey Lance, QB

San Francisco 49ers: Trey Lance, QB
Stan Szeto / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
29 of 32

Seattle Seahawks: Darrell Taylor, EDGE

Seattle Seahawks: Darrell Taylor, EDGE
Geoff Burke / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
30 of 32

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, DE

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, DE
Kim Klement / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
31 of 32

Tennessee Titans: Treylon Burks, WR

Tennessee Titans: Treylon Burks, WR
George Walker IV / USA Today Sports Images

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.

 
32 of 32

Washington Commanders: Chase Young, DE

Washington Commanders: Chase Young, DE
Brett Davis / USA Today Sports Images

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

Seth Trachtman is a sportswriter, digital marketer, and fantasy sports expert based in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s a two-time winner of the Tout Wars Fantasy Baseball Expert’s League, and his work has appeared in hundreds of fantasy baseball and fantasy football newsstand and online publications

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

TODAY'S BEST

Aaron Rodgers responds to criticism from Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw
NFL

Aaron Rodgers responds to criticism from Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw

The Pittsburgh Steelers' signing of quarterback Aaron Rodgers was an immediately polarizing move that did not sit well with large portions of the fan base. It also did not sit well with one of the team's all-time greatest players, four-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Bradshaw initially referred to the signing of Rodgers as a "joke" and that he should "stay in California and go chew bark" in reference to Rodgers isolating himself in a darkness retreat last year. On Saturday, Rodgers finally had a chance to respond to Bradshaw and did so with a combination of taking the high road, and also trying to make light of it. “I whisper to the gods every single day. I’ve known Terry for a long time, being a part of Fox. Terry’s a legend. He’s an absolute legend. He won four Super Bowls. He’s had a legendary career in the media. But Terry, like a lot of people, doesn’t know me. And so, he’s got an idea of what he thinks about me based on what I’ve done, the documentary, what I’ve said, darkness retreat, whatever the hell you want to talk about. I’d love to get to know Terry on a deeper level. I feel like if he gave me a chance to get to know him, then we’d have a good friendship." He ended the answer by saying, "So, I’d love to get to know Terry on a deeper level if he’s open to it. And maybe we can go chew some bark or whatever the hell he’s talking about together.” The Steelers were in a pretty desperate quarterback situation this offseason after completely overhauling the position for a second year in a row. They missed out on the chance to re-sign Justin Fields, let Russell Wilson walk, missed out on every other veteran who changed teams and passed on the opportunity to select a quarterback near the top of a weak quarterback draft class. (They ultimately selected Ohio State's Will Howard in the sixth round.) The whole Rodgers saga has been quite a soap opera for the Steelers as they waited around for months while he decided on whether or not he wanted to play this season, and if he wanted to play for the Steelers. Add in the fact he has had a tendency to cause some off-field distractions with his comments and weekly "Pat McAfee Show" appearances, as well as the fact he will turn 42 years old this season and hasn't been a top-tier quarterback in three years, and a lot of Steelers fans — and former players — were put off by the idea. The only thing that will matter in the end, however, is how Rodgers plays on the field. He has said all of the right things since joining the team, and his new teammates have all spoken highly of him so far, but it will still come down to results on the field. The Steelers have not won a playoff game in eight years and are facing added pressure each year to end that drought. They are hoping Rodgers has one more good year in him to help them advance in the postseason.

WNBA legend Lisa Leslie had three words for Angel Reese
WNBA

WNBA legend Lisa Leslie had three words for Angel Reese

Now in her second WNBA season, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is averaging a league‑leading 12.5 rebounds along with 13.8 points, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. She recently returned from injury and immediately picked up where she left off, posting her 16th double‑double of the season (11 points, 11 rebounds) on Tuesday night even as her Chicago Sky fell, 91-68, to the Minnesota Lynx. Then, on Wednesday, Reese showcased her brand power on Instagram, posting a pregame photo dressed head‑to‑toe in Gucci with the caption, "Don’t worry about me… life is GUCCI @gucci #guccipartner." The image quickly lit up her feed and drew an immediate response from one of the game’s all‑time greats, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, who commented, “Yessss it is❤️." Despite flashes of elite play, the Sky have struggled mightily, standing at just 7-17 and sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference. Their 76.7 points per game rank 12th in the WNBA, and opponents are torching them for 86.8 a night (12th in the league). With head coach Tyler Marsh searching for consistency, every bright spot has been a welcome reprieve for a franchise that won the title as recently as 2021. Front and center among Chicago’s bright spots is Reese. Off the court, Reese has quickly built a burgeoning portfolio of endorsement deals, including Reebok, Calvin Klein, Beats by Dre, Amazon and now Gucci, underscoring her status as one of the WNBA’s brightest personalities. On the other side, you have Leslie, whose voice carries more weight than arguably anybody in women’s basketball. A three‑time league MVP, two‑time WNBA champion and Finals MVP and eight‑time All‑Star, Leslie helped define the league’s early years with the Los Angeles Sparks, including driving home the first dunk in WNBA history in 2002. A Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer (class of 2015), she remains a global ambassador for the sport.

Spurs Star De’Aaron Fox Makes Major Offseason Announcement
NBA

Spurs Star De’Aaron Fox Makes Major Offseason Announcement

SAN ANTONIO — De'Aaron Fox was supposed to take a tour of Asia a la Victor Wembanyama this summer, only his came with company. On July 8, Curry Brand announced its 2025 Curry Brand World Tour, set to feature both the San Antonio Spurs star and Golden State Warriors frontman Steph Curry beginning in August. Stops along the way included San Francisco, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Chongqing, China. Announced by Fox Friday afternoon, Curry will be making the trip solo. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to travel to Asia next month," the point guard said in a video posted to X, formerly Twitter. "This was a tough decision for me. I was really looking forward to traveling to ... meet all of you and show off the Curry 2s and experience the incredible basketball culture in Asia." Fox didn't provide a reason for his cancellation, and no official statement beyond the video has been made by Under Armour, Curry Brand, or the Spurs. "I'm truly sorry," he said. "Your love for the game and unmatched enthusiasm set you apart from any other fanbase in the world." The Spurs' point guard recently recovered from a pinkie surgery he underwent on March 17 to repair ligament damage sustained during training camp while still with the Sacramento Kings. Since then, he and the team have prioritized building chemistry ahead of next season. “We should be clear, me and Vic, ... around the same time," Fox said at the end of the regular season. "So, we’d be able to get together in the summer and be able to work with each other.”

New York Yankees Top Prospect Reportedly Drawing Serious Trade Interest
MLB

New York Yankees Top Prospect Reportedly Drawing Serious Trade Interest

If the New York Yankees are looking to add in the coming days, they may have to part ways with some of the young talent rising through the ranks of their farm system. The New York Post's Jon Heyman reported Thursday afternoon that catcher Rafael Flores was one Yankees prospect who has been coveted by trade partners. Flores was promoted from Double-A Somerset to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last Saturday. Flores hit .287 with 15 home runs, 23 doubles, 48 runs, 56 RBIs, six stolen bases and an .841 OPS across 87 games in Double-A. Through six Triple-A contests, the 24-year-old catcher is batting .208 with one home runs, three runs, three RBIs and a .720 OPS. MLB Pipeline has Flores ranked as the Yankees' No. 8 prospect, making him the only catcher in the organization's top 25. The Yankees already swung a blockbuster deal with the Colorado Rockies on Friday, acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon, parting ways with pitching prospects Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz in order to complete the trade. The following day, superstar outfielder Aaron Judge hit the 10-day injured list with a flexor strain. Those two moves could change New York's plans for the coming days, including their willingness to move Flores. The future of second-year first baseman Ben Rice, who has spent roughly one-seventh of his time at catcher this season, could also play a part in determining Flores' availability. The trade deadline is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Thursday.