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 South.
Houston Texans:
As it comes to players breaking out for the Texans this offseason, all eyes are on the interior of their offensive line. Juice Scruggs, the Texans starting center has been getting a lot of praise this offseason from all around as people are anticipating him to step up as a consistent linemen for CJ Stroud and the offense. Maybe the bigger name to watch though is left guard Kenyon Green. Green was the 15th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft but got hurt in the final preseason game last year tearing the labrum in his shoulder, the injury kept him off the field for the rest of the year. Green is back on the field though and has eyes set on him as Green looks to stay healthy and is pushing himself towards being one of the league’s best young linemen on top of that.
Indianapolis Colts:
The biggest player that Indianapolis is hoping will break out is easily sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson showed many glimpses of promise last season, before getting hurt for the year in week 5 against the Tennessee Titans. AR5 is a ridiculous athlete across the board and fans are hoping he’ll take advantage of those tools this season as well as staying healthy and being more consistent as a passer. Richardson has performed well throughout camp so far, it’s up to him to keep that trend going throughout the year. Another player looking to have a great emergence for Indianapolis is edge rusher Kwity Paye. The former 1st round pick out of Michigan is hunting for the season of his career on the final year of his contract. Paye says he’s in the best shape of his life and is aiming for well over double digit sacks this year. He certainly has shown that so far looking extremely explosive and dominating the offensive line in training camp so far.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
Tyson Campbell and Andre Cisco are two defensive backs that look nothing short of elite, they’ve been flawless in drills and scrimmages and I expect them both to have career years and finally become household names. There’s lesser known players I’d like to highlight for Jacksonville though. Backup left tackle Walker Little has put on a lot of muscle this offseason and has been a stone wall in team drills, so far I expect Little to jump Cam Robinson as the starter this season. Devin Duvernay is another player on the offense who’s impressed significantly making more plays than anyone else on the entire offense so far, Duvernay is already one of the best kick returners in the league but so far is trending to have a much expanded role on his new team. As for the defense Devin Lloyd had a very solid season last year, but is looking for an expanded role this season in which he might go ballistic. Lloyd has put on a lot of muscle and looks dominant no matter the situation whether he’s in coverage, tackling, or blitzing. Lloyd and Foye Oluokun look like they will make a debate as the best linebacker duo in the NFL after this season.
Tennessee Titans:
There are three players that I’m primarily keeping my eye on to breakout this year. Treylon Burks is a very interesting one, he’s a third year receiver previously selected in the 1st round and he has looked very good so far in team drills with multiple tough grabs. He looks like he’s certainly improved, but getting on the field may prove to be an issue for Burks as the Titans brought in Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd while already having Hopkins as their WR1. The player I believe is way more likely to turn heads on game day is running back Tyjae Spears who already has looked great when subbing in for Derrick Henry last season. Spears I expect to make an argument for himself to be the starter over Tony Pollard. Finally I’d like to mention Jack Gibbens the third year linebacker who is projected to start. Jack is a very smart player with strong tackling ability that I expect to be a key contributor for the Titans this season.