10 NFL Players Poised for a Breakout Season

Not every NFL player can burst onto the scene like C.J. Stroud or Puka Nacua. Some take time to develop, and injuries or limited opportunities may hold them back. However, every season, we see veteran breakouts that can change the course of a team’s fortunes.

Here are 10 players in a great spot to break out this NFL season:

1. Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions

Williams is in the perfect position to break out. After a slow start to his rookie season due to injury and suspension, he showed flashes of his game-breaking speed late last year. With the Lions’ offense expected to be strong again, Williams has the opportunity to shine.

2. Devon Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins

Achane had a solid rookie season, but there’s room for significant improvement. With electric speed, he averaged 7.8 yards per carry and could be in line for a much bigger role this year. The Dolphins’ offense has proven to be a great situation for running backs.

3. Trenton Simpson, LB, Baltimore Ravens

Simpson was a third-round draft pick last year and didn’t see much action behind Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith. With Queen gone, Simpson is projected to start and has already impressed in preseason. He could fill the void left by Queen without a significant dropoff.

4. Will Levis, QB, Tennessee Titans

Levis had some promising moments in his rookie season, and his situation is much improved this year. With a new head coach and a more quarterback-friendly offense, Levis has the talent to take a significant step forward.

5. Jayden Wicks, WR, Green Bay Packers

Wicks had a solid rookie season despite being a fifth-round pick. With the Packers’ loaded receiver corps, it’s hard to predict a breakout, but Wicks has the skills to separate himself. He’s already made a statement in preseason with a 65-yard touchdown catch.

6. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Porter had an excellent second half to his rookie season and has already proven himself as a top-end cornerback. He shadowed opponents’ No. 1 receivers down the stretch and fared well. This should be the season Porter takes his spot among the NFL’s best cornerbacks.

7. Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills

Kincaid had a respectable rookie season, but the opportunity is there for him to explode this year. With Stefon Diggs gone, Kincaid can line up everywhere and take on a lot of the targets vacated by the Diggs trade. Catching passes from Josh Allen, he should have an excellent second season.

8. Ifeatu Melifonwu, S, Detroit Lions

Melifonwu got a starting job in Week 14 last season and made the most of it. In eight games, including playoffs, he had 30 solo tackles, five sacks, and two interceptions. He’s not guaranteed to start this season, but his playmaking ability is hard to ignore.

9. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Smith-Njigba was seen as the best receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft class, but he dealt with injuries and inconsistent play last season. With a new offensive scheme in place, Smith-Njigba could end up being a bigger part of the offense than the two well-known star receivers who were ahead of him on the depth chart last season.

10. Tyrel Dodson, LB, Seattle Seahawks

Dodson played well when forced into a starting role with the Buffalo Bills due to injuries last season. He played well enough to be the No. 1 linebacker in the NFL last season, according to Pro Football Focus’ grades. Dodson signed with the Seattle Seahawks during the offseason and could have a big season coming.