With mandatory minicamp in the rearview and training camp a month away, it’s summer break in the NFL. This is the calm before the storm of another football season, a time to reflect on rosters and project what could be in store for the coming campaign. With that in mind, I’m here to identify players who can make the leap to stardom in the fall.
I performed this same exercise last offseason, accurately predicting breakout years from guys like George Pickens, Tyler Smith, Derrick Brown and Derek Stingley Jr. Of course, not every selection proved savvy — SEE: Kenny Pickett, Kadarius Toney, Nakobe Dean — but that won’t stop me from providing another forecast on future stars.
The players listed below have yet to receive any All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors, but I believe they could garner consideration with their play in the coming campaign.
So, without further ado, here is the offensive side of my 2024 All-Breakout Team. (Check back next Friday for the defensive rundown.)
A disappointing rookie season spurred a mass exodus from Young’s bandwagon, but I believe last year’s No. 1 overall pick can bounce back under new head coach Dave Canales. The quarterback guru just helped Baker Mayfield resurrect his career in Tampa; now Canales can perform his magic in another NFC South city, helping Young regain his swagger in Charlotte. As the coach reshapes the Panthers’ offense to feature more quarterback-friendly concepts with better weaponry at Young’s disposal, the talented gunslinger could re-emerge as the blue-chip player who won a Heisman Trophy at Alabama and entered the 2023 NFL Draft as the belle of the ball.
Yes, Achane did burst on the scene as a rookie, racking up 518 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns in Weeks 3 through 5 while looking like one of the most explosive players in the game. But knee issues forced the running back to miss most of October and November, preventing him from a full breakout. All in all, Achane averaged 90.6 scrimmage yards and one touchdown per game, but he could be due for a yardage uptick in an expanded role that should lead to more touches and big-play chances for the speedster. As Mike McDaniel continues experimenting with one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, Achane could become the X-factor on a unit loaded with potent playmakers.
The No. 20 overall pick from last year could enjoy a breakout campaign in new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s high-flying attack. With defenses intent on slowing down DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, JSN could flourish whipping CB3s alongside Seattle’s established pass catchers. The smooth route runner posted modest production (63 catches, 628 yards and four scores) as a third option in 2024, but those numbers could surge in an offense that features more concepts designed to get the ball to a dangerous slot receiver on the move.
The trade of Stefon Diggs opened up the WR1 role in the passing game. Although the team drafted Keon Coleman with the 33rd overall pick to potentially fill the void, Shakir could take over as the lead receiver following a 2023 campaign that showcased his potential as a big-play threat (39 catches for 611 yards and two scores). With more opportunities in Joe Brady’s scheme, the third-year pro could crack the 1,000-yard mark.
On a team without a true WR1, Reed could ascend to the top spot as a reliable chain mover with strong hands and dynamic running skills. Operating primarily out of the slot, the second-year pro is a rare find as a vertical threat, possessing polished route-running skills that enable him to win on crossers, digs and deep overs. Reed earned Jordan Love‘s trust during a fine rookie season (64 catches, 793 receiving yards and eight scores) that put the former second-rounder on the radar as a potential No. 1 option in Green Bay. These two should make even sweeter music in their second season together.
With Buffalo poised to routinely utilize “12” personnel, Kincaid could become a household name as a dominant pass catcher over the middle. Although the second-year pro will share the marquee with fellow tight end Dawson Knox, the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder should thrive as Josh Allen attacks defenses with an inside-out approach that puts the Bills’ TEs in prominent roles. Kincaid took a little bit to get his footing as a rookie, but still finished the season with solid numbers: 73 catches for 673 yards and two scores. And I expect a big jump in production this fall. In fact, I won’t be shocked if he ends up leading all tight ends in receptions and yards in 2024.
The Bears’ hopes of making the playoffs in Caleb Williams‘ debut season hinge on the performance of an offensive line anchored by this rugged right tackle with a nasty disposition. As a rookie in 2023, Wright delivered a series of eye-opening performances. With the spotlight on Williams and Co. in 2024, Wright should catch even more attention. He’s a bully on the edge with long arms and quick feet, possessing the tools and talent to play at a Pro Bowl level as a sophomore.
The extra-extra large edge blocker (6-foot-8, 374 pounds) earned rave reviews for his work filling in for Jack Conklin at right tackle. After Conklin went down with a torn ACL in Week 1, Jones played in 11 games, making nine starts, before suffering a season-ending knee injury of his own during a practice session late in the year. Depending on how Jones, Conklin and left tackle Jedrick Wills (who is also coming off a season-ending knee injury) progress heading into 2024, the former fourth-rounder might need to beat out veteran competition to claim a spot in the Browns’ starting lineup this September. Still, Jones’ size, strength and consistent play make him an intriguing talent to track this season.
With Brian Callahan taking over as head coach in Tennessee (and with Callahan’s father, stellar offensive line coach Bill Callahan, joining him on staff), Skoronski should excel in a scheme that better suits his talents as a crafty positional blocker with superb instincts and awareness. The 2023 first-rounder is a sturdy blocker at the point of attack, with the athleticism to shadowbox defenders in pass protection. As the Titans transition to a pass-centric offense that emphasizes throwing the ball all over the yard instead of adhering to the ground-and-pound philosophy of the previous staff, the second-year pro should play up to expectations as a franchise player in 2024.
The athletic interior blocker is poised to shine in a revamped offense under new coordinator Zac Robinson that makes the most of his talents as a people mover at the point of attack. Bergeron’s movement skills should lead to more space for running back Bijan Robinson on runs while providing sufficient protection for Kirk Cousins to attack from the pocket. As Robinson builds a game plan that enables the Falcons to showcase their skill players on the perimeter, the football world could come to better appreciate the work Bergeron does between the tackles in 2024.
Tippmann didn’t make his first regular-season appearance until Week 3 last season, and he didn’t move from right guard to center until Week 9, with the Aaron Rodgers-less Jets winning just three of Tippmann’s 10 starts from that point forward. Rodgers’ return from the Achilles injury that cost him all but four offensive snaps in 2023 should make life easier for Tippmann at the point of attack. The four-time MVP quarterback can alleviate some of the stress on Tippmann to make all the calls at the line while helping the young pivot master some of the nuances of playing the position. As a scrappy blocker with exceptional length and athleticism, the former second-rounder could settle into his role in Year 2 and show more dominance after flashing blue-chip potential.
