Every single season there are players that make massive jumps in the offseason to become star players and key contributors to their team. Here are some of the most likely breakout players for the AFC West.
Denver Broncos:
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has overwhelmingly exceeded any expectations he had coming in. Many people immediately labeled Bo as a bust, being selected in the first round of this year‘s draft with many people claiming that Nix was only drafted because all of the other good quarterbacks were gone. However despite all of the backlash Nix had coming in, he looks surgical having multiple beautiful dimes and consistently impressing in camp. Ultimately, of all of the rookie quarterbacks, Nix has had the least amount of mistakes so far with some major questions being asked about all of the other rookie signal callers so far. If you’re a Broncos fan you have to love what you’ve seen so far as Denver believes they might have finally gotten a franchise quarterback. Another guy looking to break out is tight end Greg Dulcich. Dulcich is having a very impressive camp so far as the team’s starting tight end. Greg has dealt with injuries in the past but is looking to have a career year as long as he can stay on the field. He’s been spectacular thus far as a receiving threat and even as a blocking tight end, I expect him to take a third year jump for Denver as Bo’s safety valve underneath. I’d also like to discuss fourth year running back Javonte Williams. Javonte has been one of the most elusive running backs in the league, but has dealt with injuries and has never been the work horse on the offense being in a running back by committee. The 24 year old running back believes this year is going to be a new chapter as he’s put in a lot of work throughout the offseason and has been performing exceptionally so far in training camp. Javonte believes he is going to finally have a healthy season and is eager to be a 3 down back that isn’t afraid of contact and is certainly more than capable as a receiving threat.
Kansas City Chiefs:
I don’t like using rookies as “breakout candidates” but Xavier Worthy has clearly been a standout player for the Chiefs so far this preseason. He had a lot of eyes on him from the get-go after being selected in the first round this year and breaking the 40 time record at the combine this offseason, however he still has managed to exceed expectations. Worthy looks simply electric in camp so far, dominating every single day at practice for the 1st team, appearing to be the Chiefs best weapon on the entire offense. He is certainly a competitor for offensive rookie of the year this season with the best quarterback in the league slinging him the rock. Another player that seems to have taken the next leap this offseason is linebacker Leo Chenal. Leo already had a good season last year with his consistent tackling, high game IQ, and athletic coverage ability. Nonetheless he seems to have gotten even better and has a deeper understanding of the game, reacting to every play quicker and seeing the field at an advanced rate. Leo is looking to jump from good to great and I expect him and Nick Bolton to be a contender for the best linebacker duo in the entire league after this season. Finally, I expect last year’s first round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah to take a sophomore jump as the starting edge rusher. Felix only had half a sack last season, but looking to start opposite of Karlaftis with Chris Jones in the middle, Felix couldn’t possibly ask for a better situation as he should find a way to take advantage of his talents this year.
Las Vegas Raiders:
By far the biggest stand out for the Raiders so far has been 6th round rookie Dylan Laube. Dylan has received massive praise from many people on the team such as Malcolm Koonce and head coach Antonio Pierce. Despite only being a 6th round pick, Dylan has been getting reps with the first and second team. In the time he’s had on the team he’s clearly established himself as a difference maker, leader, and hard worker as he has a relentless work ethic and you can see the energy he brings to the offense. Dylan I expect to at some point this season become the RB1 on the roster due to his explosiveness, quick agility, and above all being an immensely good receiving option out of the backfield. The other player who’s played surprisingly well for the Raiders so far has been second-year cornerback Jakorian Bennett. The former 4th round pick has gotten an early jump in training camp with great footwork and quick reactiveness in team scrimmages. In a lacking corner room, Bennett should easily work into the starting rotation and if he keeps it up may become the Raiders CB1 over Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs.
Los Angeles Chargers:
The Chargers offensive playmakers do not look attractive to say the least after losing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams at wide receiver, as well as running back Austin Ekeler and tight end Gerald Everett. The Chargers drafted Ladd McConkey in the 2nd round and he should be very good out of the gate, but he’s not who I want to highlight here. The Chargers top wide receiver now is none other than deep threat Joshua Palmer. The fourth year player has shown many flashes but never was given an opportunity as the top guy for Herbert to throw to. Palmer looks to have a breakout season comparable to Christian Kirk when he became the premier guy in Jacksonville. Palmer looks poised in camp and clearly has the best chemistry with Herbert on the entire roster after so many crucial departures. Another player who looks like they’re on the verge of a breakout is cornerback Kristian Fulton. The former 2nd round pick out of LSU was never committed to by the Titans despite showing very promising tape. The 25 year old corner has made some major plays in camp so far with highlight pass break ups and deflections, if the Chargers commit to him as a starter Fulton is headed towards a resurgence on his new team.