The NFL loves a breakout player.
Sure, Pro Bowl and All-Pro veterans dominate the highlights and headlines, but what about the latest young quarterback fans can claim to be ‘elite’? Or the third-year receiver finally starting to make splash plays?
We always want to find the next big thing, and with the NFL season upon us, we have picked out some names destined to rise to stardom in 2024…
Note: This is not to shine light on players like De’Von Achane, George Pickens or Garrett Wilson – who may well go from already impressive production to stratospheric rise – but instead to identify lesser-known names who have not yet come close to showing their full potential.
Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts
22 years old, 2023 fourth overall pick
Richardson ticks all the boxes for a massive sophomore QB breakout – a tremendous talent with passing and rushing ability, a top-quality offensive line, attacking weapons galore and a head coach (Shane Steichen) with a strong history of developing passers. Expect huge things in year two.
Drake London, Wide Receiver, Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta will rely on Drake London to be a dominant force on the outside
23 years old, 2022 eighth overall pick
Yes, he had 141 catches and 1,771 yards in his first two seasons in the NFL, but with only six total touchdowns and Atlanta having a losing record in each of those campaigns, London remains a relatively-unknown commodity. With a new head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterback, now is his time to stand out.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba made some eye-catching plays in his rookie campaign including a game-winning catch against Philadelphia
22 years old, 2023 20th overall pick
‘JSN’ was incredible in his sophomore college season with Ohio State in 2021. On the same team as Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave (10th and 11th picks in 2022), Marvin Harrison Jr (fourth overall pick this year) and Emeka Egbuka (possible 2025 first-round pick), he produced 95 catches and 1,606 yards in just 13 games.
It has been some time since then, and he was quiet as a rookie in Seattle, but his talent cannot be denied. He will boom in 2024.
Dalton Kincaid, Tight End, Buffalo Bills
Kincaid started to show his potential towards the end of last season
24 years old, 2023 25th overall pick
There was a lot of early pressure on Kincaid last year as a high draft pick in a Josh Allen-led offense, and he did just fine (73 catches, 673 yards, two TDs). But with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis out the door and not many names of note to replace them, there is a strong chance Allen makes Kincaid his top option and he racks up the targets and receptions – for a Super Bowl-contending team.
Darnell Wright, Offensive Tackle, Chicago Bears
Darnell Wright will be protecting No 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams
23 years old, 2023 10th overall pick
Wright started all 17 games last year and was named to the NFL’s All-Rookie Team. But he was protecting Justin Fields and Tyson Bagent on a seven-win team. Now starting for an offense boasting No 1 overall pick Caleb Williams at quarterback and weapons like DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze, the 6ft 6in, 330lb ferocious lineman will be in the national spotlight.
Cam Jurgens, Center, Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia have turned to Cam Jurgens to fill the void left by Jason Kelce
25 years old, 2022 51st overall pick
Jurgens slides across from right guard to center for Philly to replace future Hall of Famer Jason Kelce. He will be a focal point for one of the top offenses in the league and if the Eagles and Jalen Hurts do well, there is no doubt you will hear all about Jurgens. These are big shoes to fill!
Alim McNeill, Defensive Tackle, Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions should have another successful year and Alim McNeill will be at the heart of it
24 years old, 2021 72nd overall pick
McNeill is incredible against the run and showed pass-rushing chops last season (five sacks), but he is ready to be talked about along with the league’s best DTs this year. He is reportedly on the brink of signing a bumper contract (likely earning him $25m a season) and that should help get him the attention he deserves.
Keeanu Benton, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers
Keeanu Benton brings feistiness to the Pittsburgh Steelers defense
23 years old, 2023 49th overall pick
It is always impressive to see such a big man with the incredible athleticism Benton provides and at defensive tackle, it is the ‘game-wreckers’ who catch the eye. Benton is exactly that – he is explosive and energetic, and is going to be a much-improved player in year two on a likely much-improved defense (packed with talent). Expect to see a lot more of him in 2024.
Baron Browning, Outside Linebacker, Denver Broncos
Baron Browning could see a big bump in sack numbers this season
25 years old, 2021 105th overall pick
Browning is entering his fourth season in Denver as a relative unknown. He made the switch from inside linebacker to outside – which can take time – and played just 10 games last season. That means, so far, the pass-rushing production is not there. However, Browning has a fantastic arsenal of moves and you can expect him to turn pressures into sacks this season. We could be hearing his name a lot.
Byron Young, Outside Linebacker, Los Angeles Rams
Byron Young impressed for the Rams as a rookie pass-rusher
26 years old, 2023 77th overall pick
I could have had Rams’ defensive tackle Kobie Turner on this list, and I expect both of these two to be excellent players just as they were as rookies, but Young has huge sack potential coming off the edge. He had eight sacks last season and 19 QB hits, and has bulked up this season to add more power to his fantastic speed and motor.
Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, New England Patriots
Christian Gonzalez was a high pick last season and could be a superstar in year two
22 years old, 2023 17th overall pick
Gonzalez earned praise from Philadelphia’s top-tier receivers (and their media) after an impressive joint practice this summer. He played just four games for New England last year due to a shoulder injury but was largely considered tremendous value falling to 17th overall in 2023. With a larger frame, incredible ability to cover, and excellent ball skills, he could be a lockdown corner this year – and blossom into a true star.
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