The Gridiron Review discusses their NFL Breakout candidates this year in the NFC. Rookies are not considered as only players who are in their second year or later were discussed.

NFC North 

• Green Bay Packers: Amari Rodgers

It feels like it could be written in the stars. Drafted in the third round last year, it is safe to say he did not have a great first season. However, now that the Packers drafted Christian Watson, it seems destined that Amari becomes Aaron’s preferred target. We know there is hype around Doubs, but just watch out for Amari

• Detroit Lions: D’andre Swift

This one hinges on whether or not you believe he broke out last year. In our eyes he had a great season, but can be even better. Adding weapons all over the place should open up the run game as well as more open space in the passing game for Swift. Chark and Hockenson are options as well, but their health will always be in question.

• Chicago Bears: Cole Kmet

Reports indicate that Kmet will be an integral part of the Bears offense, and that makes a lot of sense. He enters his third year which is when tight ends usually breakout, and he had zero touchdowns last year which is shocking. Young quarterbacks tend to lean on tight ends, and with a competent coaching staff in place now, look to Kmet to get more involved.

• Minnesota Vikings: KJ Osborn

Osborn flashed many times last season, and he should build on that this season. He now has a coach that likes to throw, and while we could see an OPOY award for Justin Jefferson, we could also see a big breakout season for Osborn. This does not even take into account whether or not Thielen can stay healthy.

NFC East

• Philadelphia Eagles: Kenneth Gainwell

Even before reports said that Gainwell was getting first team reps, we believed he was going to overtake Sanders eventually. Gainwell was one of the most efficient running backs in football last year (albeit with limited snaps) and showed a lot of promise especially as a pass catcher. Gainwell should have a breakout in that department, at the least, and could be in for a huge year should he get more of the carries. 

• Washington Commanders: Dyami Brown

It is hard to find one for Washington. We do not see Gibson having a better year due to more competition being added to the backfield.By default, it comes down to two players in our eyes. Dyami and John Bates. Because Brown was the higher touted prospect, and the fact that Wentz likes to throw the deep ball, it should be easy for Brown to have a better season than prior as the number 3 in the offense.

• New York Giants: Kadarius Toney

Robinson being taken in the second was the replacement for Sterling, not Toney. We think Toney is going to go crazy this year with a new coaching system and offense that should feature him. He should have lots of targets, room to work after the catch, and maybe even some carries. 

• Dallas Cowboys: Tony Pollard

Pollard is said to be getting work in the slot. This could lead to a career high in catches. We know Jerry Jones said the offense has to run through Zeke, but hes now at the dreaded age of 27, so his durability may start to go. We would not be surprised if Pollard gets more work spelling Zeke and also gets his time in the slot as well.

NFC South

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cameron Brate

Russel Gage was a popular pick to be their breakout, but we did not see it. And now, it looks like he will be paid a ton to be a WR four. Thus, we arrive at Brate. While we do think Otton is the tight end to bank on, he will take time to get there and the arrival of Kyle Rudolph delays this. Brate has been in the system and most likely will be Brady’s preferred starting tight end this season.

• New Orleans Saints: Juwan Johnson

We think the breakout position for the Saints is tight end. It is also worth noting that we think Jameis has already broken out in his own way, so unless it is an insane season he is not considered. Therefore, we are going with Johnson. The converted WR has more upside as a pass catching threat than Trautman who cannot seem to stay healthy.

• Atlanta Falcons: Bryan Edwards 

Besides London and Pitts, someone has to catch passes in the offense. The Falcons traded for Bryan Edwards so it is easy to see that he gets first crack at it. We do not expect Atlanta to throw a ton, but we do think Edwards has a career best year as the number two wide receiver.

• Carolina Panthers: Terrace Marshall Jr

Does Baker Mayfield count? Do you think he already had his breakout year early in his career? We think he has. If you do not then Baker is the pick here. Instead we think Mayfield’s arrival, as well as Robbie Anderson’s disdain for Baker, leads Marshall to have a big second year. Carolina should throw a decent amount, and Marshall we think has the second spot locked up next to DJ Moore. 

NFC West

• Arizona Cardinals: Rondale Moore

With Hopkins suspension, and Hollywood being overrated as a true number one, expect Rondale to get his fair share of targets. Hopefully, they will be at a deeper average depth than last year, but his second season should result in more targets, RAC potential, and overall upside as a player. 

• Los Angeles Rams: Tutu Atwell

Atwell almost feels like a forgotten pick for the Rams. Obviously Kupp and Robinson will dominate targets, but what about after them? Van Jefferson has been uninspiring and injured, Skowronek dropped a ton of passes in crunch time, and they have never truly leaned into featuring Tyler Higbee prominently. In steps Atwell, a player who is a true burner and can stretch the field while Robinson and Kupp use their size and route running to uncover as the first two options.

• Seattle Seahawks: Drew Lock

Much like other teams, there are not a lot of choices here. Between Lock, Eskridge, and Penny there has to be a choice. Penny now will be competing with Walker for touches, and we do not think Seattle will throw enough for it to be Eskridge. That leaves Lock, who still has some potential, and should win the starting job (we hope). If he does, he needs to show he can take care of the ball enough. If he can, Lockett and Metcalf could help him to finally show he can start in this league.

• San Francisco 49ers: Trey Lance

Just like Miami and Tua, the 49ers have put all their chips on their young QB. Reports have been mixed so far, but he has tons of talent and could be in for a season of massive highs and deep lows. Should Shanahan be able to craft an offense to Lance’s strengths, he has the chance to be truly special. Other options are Aiyuk (who has been Lance’s favorite target so far) and Trey Sermon (who has gotten praise early in camp and it would basically take two touchdowns for him to be considered a breakout from last year).