As we continue to count down the days until the start of NFL training camps here's a Flea Flicker look at a player from each NFC team that appears ready for a breakout season.
Minnesota Vikings
Laquon Treadwell, WR
Seeing as this is the team that I follow most closely, and I'm typically very optimistic about things, I can come up with several potential breakout candidates on the Vikings. Trae Waynes, Eric Kendricks, Danielle Hunter (some might say that he broke out last year), Dalvin Cook. I'll go with Laquon Treadwell simply because he was bashed so consistently for his single 15-yard catch as a rookie last year. It prompted some talking heads and many fans to toss about the "bust" tag. I was watching that Auburn-Mississippi game in 2014 when Treawell's ankle bent like it shouldn't. Players simply don't skip back from an injury like that but he tried. He had a decent final season at Mississippi but he wasn't the same player. He wasn't the same player in his first season in Minnesota. He looked closer to that player this spring.
Green Bay Packers
Jamaal Williams, RB
I don't really like picking rookies as breakout players but it's tough to ignore the opportunity in front of Jamaal Williams. The Packers depth at running back is topped by converted receiver Ty Montgomery. After that it's all rookies. A converted receiver and five rookies. Aaron Rodgers is deadly with no running game. Even more so with one. Williams could be the one to provide that.
Detroit Lions
Darius Slay, CB
Some might say that Darius Slay has already arrived but I still don't think that he gets the league-wide attention that his play deserves. He's been one of the best corners in the league for the past couple seasons yet has no Pro Bowl nods and little attention. That should change.
Chicago Bears
Leonard Floyd, LB
There were many times in his rookie season that Leonard Floyd looked like the passing rushing force that the Bears drafted him to be. His 6'6" height and speed can be a nightmarish combination. His seven sacks in 12-game rookie season look like just the beginning.
New York Giants
Sterling Shepherd, WR
Giants quarterback Eli Manning has the best bunch of pass catchers that he's ever had. Odell Beckham Jr. will always get the most attention. New additions Brandon Marshall and Evan Engram will be defensive concerns. Sterling Shephed has the talent and the opportunity to make a giant leap this season.
Dallas Cowboys
Maliek Collins, DT
The Cowboys have to start getting consistent production from their defensive line. Employing players that don't get suspended will help. Maliek Collins has the talent to provide a disruptive pass rushing presence in the middle of the line.
Washington Redskins
Jamison Crowder, WR
Even with DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon I often thought that Jamison Crowder was the most dangerous pass catcher on the Redskins. With some apologies to Jordan Reed. Jackson and Garcon are no longer in Washington so it's Crowder's turn in the spotlight.
Philadelphia Eagles
Timmy Jernigan, DT
The trade with the Baltimore Ravens to add Timmy Jernigan might've been one of the best moves of the offseason. Jernigan lined up next to Fletcher Cox will be a handful for offensive lines.
Atlanta Falcons
De'Vondre Campbell, LB
I really liked De'Vondre Campbell in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Falcons are loaded with a lot of fast, athletic players on defense. Especially at linebacker. The LSU duo of Deion Jones and Duke Riley get more attention but Campbell could be the best of the group.
Carolina Panthers
Charles Johnson, WR
I'm not sure what happened in Minnesota the last two seasons but Charles Johnson simply didn't look like the same receiver that shined at the end of the 2014 season. At his best, he's a terrific route-runner with solid hands and good size. If he gets back to being that receiver he could be productive in Carolina.
New Orleans Saints
Michael Thomas, WR
Michael Thomas had a dynamite rookie season. So dynamite that the Saints felt comfortable trading Brandin Cooks. Thomas has Drew Brees throwing to him so that 92 catch, 1,137 yard, nine touchdown rookie season should be just a beginning.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vernon Hargreaves III, CB
Vernon Hargreaves was an immediate starter as a rookie last season. He had a solid, promising season. He'll get better as the team gets better around him.
Arizona Cardinals
Robert Nkemdiche, DE
Effort and attitude have been the questions with Robert Nkemdiche. Talent never was. He was silent as a rookie last year but he'll get his chance this year. With Chandler Jones and Markus Golden getting a lot of attention Nkemdiche will have an opportunity to break out.
Los Angeles Rams
Jared Goff, QB
As a Cal fan, I saw a lot to like in Jared Goff's three years in Berkeley. With Sean McVay as his head coach and calling plays Goff should be able to make a leap in his second season.
Seattle Seahawks
Tyler Lockett, WR
Tyler Lockett just has to stay healthy to be a breakout player. When he's on the field he's a threat to score on every play.
San Francisco 49ers
DeForest Buckner, DL
Any one of the the 49ers recent first round defensive linemen could break out this year. Or all of them. Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, or Solomon Thomas all have the talent to be disruptive. I pick Buckner as the one to break out the most this year.
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