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 NFC North based off of training camp.
Chicago Bears:
A player who’s impressed majorly at camp so far on the offense is sophomore receiver Tyler Scott, however I’m only giving him an honorable mention as I see no way Scott could work his way into being a real contributor for the team. The true breakout so far from camp for the Bears would have to be sophomore defensive tackle Gervon Dexter. Big Dex was selected 53rd overall last season and showed major promise, having 4 sacks from the interior (three half sacks) all in the final 5 games of the season. Dexter started to put it together at the end of last year and came into training camp looking nothing but dominant with ridiculous strength and great use of hands. The monster 6’6 prospect I expect to take a big leap for Chicago’s defense this year.
Detroit Lions:
The big breakout for the Lions clearly so far has been Jameson Williams. The 2022 12th overall pick has looked explosive at camp with run away speed and nasty route running, his catching has been much more consistent as well. I’m very thankful to be able to say the promising young receiver finally looks fully healthy and is performing better than ever for the Lions, there’s a chance he’s not only the Lions breakout but overall could be the entire league’s breakout player. Jamo is in the best possible situation you could ask for to have a breakout season with three established superstar playmakers to take attention off of him in Amon Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta as well as having a good quarterback, coach, and offensive line. With all of that established though the Lions lack an established wide receiver behind Amon Ra, so Jameson Williams won’t have to compete to see the field and is looking to have great production in an offense that runs as smooth as butter.
Green Bay Packers:
Lukas Van Ness is without a doubt the player I’m watching to breakout for the Cheeseheads this year. Lukas is an extremely talented player with exceptional athleticism for an edge rusher and great knowledge of the game. He was a fantastic player at Iowa and I expect him to take a massive jump going into 2024 as a star edge rusher opposite of Rashan Gary. Lukas had 4 sacks in the Packers last 8 games, including the playoffs sacking Dak Prescott. Lukas Van Ness is looking to become a household name and make up one of the best young edge duos in the league.
Minnesota Vikings:
Ivan Pace Jr. at linebacker has looked extremely commanding. Ivan had a very promising rookie season last year having over 100 combined tackles after working his way into the starting lineup. Ivan I had as a 2nd round talent going into the draft last year, but went undrafted due to his lack of size at 5’10 230. Pace Jr. has looked amazing at camp flying from sideline to sideline and quickly stopping ball carriers in their tracks. I expect Ivan to have a breakout season similarly to how Bobby Okereke broke out for the Giants a few years ago.