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 East.
Buffalo Bills:
So far for Buffalo there have been a few players that have clearly stolen the show and are looking towards breakout seasons, and they all are on the offensive side of the ball. Khalil Shakir is all of a sudden the top receiver in Buffalo after Diggs was traded to Houston and Gabe Davis signed with the Jaguars. Shakir has shown great chemistry with Josh Allen and is looking to have an emergence season for Buffalo, even if Keon Coleman jumps him as the WR1. Dalton Kincaid is a player that had a stellar rookie season with the Bills, but this year is looking to EXPLODE. Kincaid as the starting tight end is looking to be Buffalo’s number one option in the passing game and with the high target share he likely will have for the Bills, Kincaid might work himself up into the conversation as the very best tight end in the entire league this year. Finally, O’Cyrus Torrence the sophomore right guard has had a fantastic camp and is looking to dominate the league this year and cement himself as one of the best young guards in the league.
Miami Dolphins:
Ethan Bonner is the big headline player for the Dolphins training camp so far. An undrafted rookie last year for the Dolphins at cornerback, and a guy Tyreek Hill has on record said is the second fastest player for Miami behind himself. Bonner has impressed immensely in camp so far, even having Waddle call him the “most improved player so far in camp”. Getting so much praise as a guy competing against two of the best receivers in the league for sure proves some dividends, Bonner is an extremely quick player with fluid fundamentals looking to make his mark on Miami’s defense this year. Also on the defensive side of the ball, Jordyn Brooks is a guy that I’m looking to have a career year on a new system. Brooks has looked like he’s taken a step up so far looking fluid and quick in coverage while already being an exceptional tackler. It’s also clear that the Dolphins staff loves what they see based on the praise he’s been given.
New England Patriots:
The Patriots are no doubt looking towards a glum season, but when you’re going through a rebuild you can at least get excited for some surprise breakouts. One of those surprises looks like it’s going to be rookie receiver Javon Baker out of UCF. Baker has made multiple remarkable grabs so far in training camp and without question has appeared to be the best wide receiver on the team. I liked Baker a lot as a prospect this year and I expect him to keep up the trend and become the Patriots WR1, not Ja’Lynn Polk. The other guy who should very obviously have a breakout year is Christian Gonzalez. Gonzo looked like the complete package last year before getting hurt and looks nothing short of elite in training camp so far. I expect Gonzalez to very quickly make a name for himself as one of the best corners in the league.
New York Jets:
Maybe not the most exciting breakout candidate for the Jets, however it is a much needed one as I believe center Joe Tippmann will develop into being one of the best centers in the NFL. Tippmann has looked good in training camp with exceptional hand placement and ideal strength. Pressure makes diamonds and having to constantly work against one of the best interior defensive linemen in Quinnen Williams has clearly helped Tippmann grow his game as he holds his own fantastically in training camp so far. The one concern is that he has had some high snaps so far in camp, but I expect him and Rodgers to work through it very quickly. Another player I expect to impress further than expectations is rookie slot receiver Malachi Corley who was selected with the first pick in the 3rd round in the draft. Corley is a phenomenal player with slippery route running and an ideal mindset to keep on working every snap. Corley I believe will be the WR2 over Mike Williams by the end of the season.