NFC Breakout Players

Considering potential breakout players for each of the 32 NFL teams can be a fun offseason topic. It's certainly more fun than talking about Dak Prescott's contract situation. Here's a shot at potential breakout candidates for each team. The NFC is up first.

Minnesota Vikings
Irv Smith Jr., TE

Irv Smith Jr. flashed on occasion as a rookie last season. I believe that the Vikings aren't as concerned as most talking heads with their depth at receiver because of the down-the-field pass catching potential of Smith. In Minnesota, the second tight end should see the field more than the third receiver. Smith could break out big.

Green Bay Packers
Jace Sternberger, TE

The Packers have been trying to find a tight end since the Mark Chmura days. Injuries limited Jace Sternberger to six games last year as a rookie. I doubt that Marcedes Lewis will keep him from the field in his second season. Sternberger's ability to help significantly in the passing game and running game probably has the Packers dreaming about a George Kittle of their own.

Chicago Bears
James Daniels, OG

It's fun to see a breakout offensive lineman. It can be argued that James Daniels has already broken out. But he plays guard so most of the football-watching world doesn't know anything about him. Daniels has fast become one of the better interior linemen in the league.

Detroit Lions
T.J. Hockenson, TE

Another tight end! The only thing that kept T.J. Hockenson from fully breaking out as a rookie was the injury that cut short his season. If everyone can stay on the field, Matthew Stafford has the best collection of weapons of his career.

New York Giants
Evan Engram, TE

Another tight end! I'm glad that I didn't go with Cole Kmet for the Bears. The breakout candidate for the Giants came down to Evan Engram or Darius Slayton. Daniel Jones needs a go-to receiver. I think that Engram is closer to being that player.

Philadelphia Eagles
Josh Sweat, DE

The Eagles have waited a few years for Derek Barnett to break out. This could be his year. Since he hasn't done it yet I'm going with a slightly younger player that could wrestle away some playing time. Josh Sweat. How could an edge rusher on a defensive line that includes Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and now Javon Hargrave not break out?

Washington Redskins
Terry McLaurin, WR

It was tempting to pick one of the talented players on a fast improving front seven. I'm going with receiver Terry McLaurin. He was one of the best rookies in the league last year. Whoever's throwing the football in Washington will be helped by one of the best young pass catchers in the league.

Dallas Cowboys
Backup Defensive Tackles

This is a stretch. In looking at the Cowboys' offseason depth chart, the defensive tackle situation stands out. Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe are high profile players edging toward the end of their respective careers. I really like the potential of the players behind them, second-year Trysten Hill and rookie Neville Gallimore. I don't just like their potential down the road. I like their potential this season.

New Orleans Saints
Marcus Davenport, DE

After playing at itty-bitty University of Texas-San Antonio, the third year feels like the right time for the immensely talented Marcus Davenport to have his breakout season.

Atlanta Falcons
Hayden Hurst, TE

Wouldn't it be something if Laquon Treadwell had his breakout season with the Falcons? I was surprised when the Ravens traded Hayden Hurst. The Falcons were wise to jump at the opportunity to acquire one of the most talented, young tight ends in the league. Atlanta has finally found a replacement for Tony Gonzalez.

Carolina Panthers
Teddy Bridgewater, QB

Teddy Bridgewater was supposed to be the franchise quarterback for the Vikings. That changed during a routine practice drill just before the 2016 season. Everything changed for the Vikings and for Bridgewater. He finally gets the opportunity to be "the quarterback" for a team again.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Antoine Winfield, Jr., S

A lot has changed in Tampa Bay this offseason. I was thinking about picking Chris Godwin or Vita Vea but both have already broken out. They are just a little under the radar due to playing in Tampa Bay. Instead, I'll go with rookie safety Antoine Winfield Jr. I think that he'll immediately play his way onto the field. His size draws easy, and lazy, comparisons to Tyrann Mathieu and Budda Baker. His versatile and aware play is a better comparison.

San Francisco 49ers
Jalen Hurd, WR

The 49ers have put together one of the most interesting receiver groups in the league. As a rookie, Deebo Samuel established himself as a versatile, physical offensive weapon. Kyle Shanahan could spend the rest of his coaching days drawing up ways of getting the ball in the hands of Samuel. Before the season, I thought that fellow rookie Jalen Hurd was closer to the player that Samuel ended up being. He was a productive running back in college before he became an intriguing receiver. As a professional, he brings a bit of both. He's a developing receiver with running back skills and physicality. Basically, the 49ers have a couple of beasts at the receiver position. Samuel broke out last year. It's Hurd's turn this year. In the draft, the 49ers added another tough, physical receiver when they traded up to select Brandon Aiyuk. This trio of receivers are going to put some bruises on defensive backs.

Seattle Seahawks
Quandre Diggs, S

With the Lions, Quandre Diggs was starting to come into his own as one of the league's most promising, young safeties. Then he was surprisingly traded to the Seahawks in the middle of last season. If felt then, and still feels now, as if the Seahawks were gifted a player that might help Seahawks fans finally stop dreaming about Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor.

Los Angeles Rams
Van Jefferson, WR

Perhaps it's a stretch to predict a breakout season for a rookie receiver when Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods top the depth chart. In a draft loaded with receiver talent, Van Jefferson might be the one that was most ready to compete in the NFL. As Kupp did when he entered the league, Jefferson has down some of the more technical aspects of the position. If he can adjust to the speed of the NFL, he should be productive and perhaps "breakout," as a rookie.

Arizona Cardinals
Isaiah Simmons, LB

Isaiah Simmons was one of the my favorite players to watch in college football the last couple seasons. He was one of my favorite players in the 2020 NFL Draft. He should be one of the most fun players to watch as his career develops in the NFL. It was ridiculous that the most repeated knock in his draft evaluation was "where does a team play him?" How can the ability to play everywhere be a negative? Just point him to the field and let him play some football. Let him do more as he learns more. But most importantly, just let him play football.

Next up: The AFC.