It's the AFC's turn. Here's a Flea Flicker look at a player from each AFC team that appears ready for a breakout season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Ryan Shazier, LB
Some might say that Ryan Shazier has already broken out. It doesn't feel like he's gotten the attention nationally that he deserves. His speed is ridiculous for a linebacker.
Baltimore Ravens
Brandon Williams. NT
If he hasn't already, Brandon Williams is ready to join the nose tackle elites. The unsung disrupters and run stuffers like Damon Harrison and Linval Joseph.
Cincinnati Bengals
Tyler Boyd, WR
I really liked Tyler Boyd going into the 2016 NFL Draft and thought that he'd be much more productive as a rookie last season. With A.J. Green doing what he does, rookie John Ross keeping defenses on their heels with his speed, and Tyler Eifert drawing a lot of attention in the middle of the field, Boyd should have some opportunities to shine. He has the talent to do so.
Cleveland Browns
JC Tretter, C
It's about time an offensive lineman earned a spot among my breakout players. The big guys are always in the shadows. JC Tretter had some solid moments in Green Bay. That earned him a nice payday in free agency. The Browns have gone about building their offensive line in an interesting manner. They let excellent linemen in Alex Mack (from Cal!) and Mitchell Schwartz (from Cal!) leave in 2016 and then pay heavily in 2017 for Tretter and Kevin Zeitler. A line that looked like a disaster last year should be a strength this year. Tretter should be a big part of that.
New England Patriots
Malcolm Mitchell, WR
The Patriots have a few players that could break out this year. It's tough to pick one of their running backs. They have so damn many versatile backs and they all will play but you never know which or when each will play. Malcolm Mitchell had some big catches last year as a rookie. He has the talent to be a consistent contributor. As long as he can master the Patriots' demanding receiver playbook he will get the opportunity.
Buffalo Bills
Ronald Darby, CB
With Stephon Gilmore now in New England Ronald Darby is now the Bills top cover corner. Darby has to play more like he did as a rookie in 2015 if he's to shine like he can.
Miami Dolphins
DeVante Parker, WR
Jarvis Landry might be the best known of the Dolphins receivers but DeVante Parker is probably closer to emerging as one of the league's elite pass catchers. He just has to stay on the field.
New York Jets
Chad Hansen, WR
My Cal bias is the basis for this pick. The New York Jets are in a strange state. They are certainly somewhere in the process of a rebuild. Some might call it tanking. Chad Hansen was a game-changing receiver at Cal last season. He really only played about three-quarters of a season in Berkeley. His was a college career that was much too short but he's ready for the NFL. He has the talent to be a bright spot in what could be a very long season.
Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Hankins, NT
With the addition of Damon Harrison last season the New York Giants apparently didn't have room enough on the line for Jonathan Hankins. The Colts benefited from that decision. Hankins should be a strong, run-stuffing presence in the middle of the defense.
Tennessee Titans
Taylor Lewan, T
Taylor Lewan is already one of the best tackles in the league. His leap this year could be to the top of the tackle pile. If I was starting a team right now, I'd want Lewan as my left tackle.
Houston Texans
DJ Reader, NT
How can you not break out with J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney on either side of you?
Jacksonville Jaguars
Myles Jack, LB
Denver Broncos
Shane Ray, LB
With the retirement of DeMarcus Ware it's now Shane Ray's time in Denver. With Von Miller coming off the edge on the other side of the line, Ray could break out in a big way.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Jones, DE
Chris Jones might've been the best defensive rookie that no one knew about last season. No one outside of Kansas City. He played more like a player that's been around a while than a rookie.
Los Angeles Chargers
Denzel Perryman, LB
The Chargers have Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram terrorizing quarterbacks and Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward terrorizing receivers. Denzel Perryman will be terrorizing everything in the middle of the field. His tackles are explosions. The Chargers should have a fun defense.
Oakland Raiders
Karl Joseph, S
Karl Joseph was another favorite of mine in the 2016 NFL Draft. If he was a few inches taller than his current generous listing of 5'10" he might've been a top-10 pick. Instead the Raiders got a steal with the 14th pick. He should become a dynamic playmaker at the back of their defense.
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