Breakout Ballers

By Peyton Schultze

Bradley Chubb of the Broncos should have a huge year in Vic Fangio’s new scheme in the Rocky Mountains (via Flipboard).

Every year, there’s always a select few players that burst onto the scene and make a league-wide impact as a notable football superstar. Whether it be a rookie ready to dominate right away or a third-year player who is just about to hit his stride in the league, the league has plenty of names that could take off in the NFL’s 100th season. From the next Phillip Lindsay to the next Odell Beckham Jr., here’s our list of some of the best breakout candidates throughout the league in the NFL.

Running Back Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts

After a great season a year ago, watch for Marlon Mack to break out as a top running back in the league this season (via Heavy.com).

Think Indianapolis is done just because of the retirement of Andrew Luck? Think twice, because Marlon Mack has the ability to put up a gigantic season for the Colts, especially behind one of the league’s best offensive lines.

The former University of South Florida product is already off and running in 2019, putting up a huge game in Week 1 versus the Chargers in which he piled up 174 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries. Indy will need more of the same from their running back with a somewhat depleted offense now that Luck has departed, and if his performance from this past weekend is any indication, he looks like he will be plenty capable. If Mack continues to carry the load for the Colts’ offense with some huge games, look for people around the league to take notice of one of the league’s most underrated performers.

Prediction: 1,300 yards, 12 touchdowns

Outside Linebacker Bradley Chubb, Denver Broncos

With Von Miller on the opposite side of him, Bradley Chubb has some enormous potential to build upon a solid rookie campaign (via Broncos Wire/USA Today).

Even though he had a successful rookie season with 12 sacks for the Denver Broncos, offseason reports from Englewood have been nothing short of exceptional about the second-year pass rusher, Bradley Chubb. Can Chubb build upon his last season to form the league’s most lethal pass rushing duo?

Although Chubb was a hot commodity coming out of North Carolina State a season ago, it was somewhat of a shock when he was able to slip to the Broncos. Now, with players around him such as Von Miller and Derek Wolfe, the young pass rusher may be able to have a monster year if he faces one-on-one matchups with tackles on the outside. Throw in the fact that Vic Fangio, the former defensive coordinator of the dominant defense of the Chicago Bears from 2018, is now in Denver as their head coach and it looks like Chubb could take the next step in terms of his superstar development. Don’t sleep on Chubb and the Broncos’ defense this year in the Rocky Mountains.

Prediction: 14.5 sacks

Wide Receiver Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals

As one of Kyler Murray’s top receiving targets, Christian Kirk could have a surprisingly nice year in the desert for the Cardinals (via USA Today).

Christian Kirk had an up-and-down rookie season for the Cardinals, especially in an offense that was one of the worst in the league. Now, with Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray headlining the new-look Cards, Kirk could have a breakout year on one of the league’s most interesting teams of 2019.

Starting with Week 1 against the Detroit Lions in which he saw 12 targets from Kyler Murray, Kirk has the potential to be a stud in the Arizona offense. With Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald on the opposite side of him, Kirk may face single coverage often, which could allow Murray to look his way a ton over the course of the season. If the speedster out of Texas A&M can break free from opposing defenses and catch around five to eight balls a game, the Cardinals may have found themselves a true WR #1 for the future of the franchise in Kingsbury’s college-style spread offense.

Prediction: 77 catches, 960 yards, 5 TDs

Running Back Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings

After an injury-riddled start to his career, Dalvin Cook could have a monster year for the Vikings (via Flipboard).

The Minnesota Vikings looked like a rejuvenated group in Week 1, featuring an offense with a strong emphasis on complimentary football throughout. Dalvin Cook was their main focal point on offense, and he looks like he will have a gigantic year for the Purple People Eaters in the NFC North if he can stay healthy for all 16 games.

With 111 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Vikings on Sunday, Dalvin Cook flashed some explosive speed and true grit that punched the way for Minnesota to pull off a dominant 28-12 win over the Atlanta Falcons. If Cook and the Vikings’ offense can look like this on a weekly basis, the Vikings have a legit shot of shocking teams around the league with their new style of play that does not have to rely on veteran quarterback, Kirk Cousins. A ton of carries to go along with star production should result in an awesome year for Dalvin Cook, which could put him in the conversation as one of the top runners in the NFL.

Prediction: 1,450 yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, 3 receiving touchdowns

Quarterback Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

After a ridiculous Week 1 performance, expect some huge things from Lamar Jackson in 2019 (via The Sporting News).

Nobody had a more impressive first Sunday than Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson, who finished with five touchdowns and a perfect passing rating against the lowlife Miami Dolphins. Can Jackson take a huge leap in 2019 as a passer for all 16 games?

If the Ravens want to shock the world and get back to the Super Bowl, they’ll need more of the same Jackson from Week 1 to compliment a steady defense. Jackson is already the best running quarterback in the league, and he looks like he has made some significant strides as a passer in the offseason after a crisp performance against the Dolphins. If he can combine his ability with his legs with the precision he showed over the weekend, Baltimore could truly have something special under center for the foreseeable future. Although it will be tough to top his Week 1 performance, look for Jackson to have one of the most unique seasons for a quarterback in NFL history on his way to a Pro Bowl season.

Prediction: 3,200 yards, 23 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 1,100 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns

Wide Receiver Preston Williams, Miami Dolphins

One of the few standout performers for the Dolphins in Week 1, Preston Williams has some legit potential to be a stud in the Dolphins’ offense (via ESPN).

Although it was an otherwise terrible performance by the Dolphins in Week 1, Preston Williams did catch the first touchdown of his career in his first game as a pro. Even with dismal quarterback play and a bad supporting cast, can Williams be a breakout player for the Dolphins in 2019?

The former receiver out of Colorado State was a surprise training camp story for Miami, rising as a little-known player to a borderline starter on offense. With Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback and a true limitation of other impact players on offense, Miami may be forced to throw the ball down the field often while trailing. This could open the door for the little-known Williams, who could be one of the best rookie wide receivers in the league for an otherwise-terrible Miami offense. The Dolphins don’t have much going for them, but they look like they may actually have a solid weapon on the perimeter in Williams.

Prediction: 70 catches, 800 yards, 6 touchdowns

Defensive Tackle Ed Oliver, Buffalo Bills

As part of a great defensive line in Buffalo, the Bills’ rookie defensive tackle, Ed Oliver, could have a great season in the trenches (via Maven Sports).

Coming out of the University of Houston, Ed Oliver was a force at defensive tackle that ranked among college football’s best players during his time at the collegiate level. Now in Buffalo alongside a favorable defensive line with studs across the board, Oliver should be able to take his talents to the NFL in a big way for the Bills in 2019.

Oliver may not have much of a statistical output as other player around the league due to his position, but he should be able to make a strong impact on a solid Bills’ defense. By clogging running lanes and getting after opposing passers, the rookie defensive tackle could be a significant part of Buffalo’s top 10 defense in 2019. Oliver may not be the most recognizable name in the most recognizable location, but he’ll have a solid season on of the league’s most underrated units.

Prediction: 4.5 sacks

Defensive End Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers

Nick Bosa, who already picked up the first sack of his career in Week 1, has a very good chance at racking up double digit sacks for the 49ers in 2019 (via NBC Sports).

Nick Bosa made an immediate impact for the Niners’ defense in his first career appearance, racking up two tackles and a sack of Jameis Winston. Will Bosa be able to replicate the success of his brother down in Los Angeles, or will he be even better for the 49ers in Northern California?

San Francisco has a lethal defensive line full of solid players such as Dee Ford and Arik Armstead, and Bosa should be able to jump in and make an impact right away for the 49ers. With his job almost strictly as a pass rusher, the young defensive end should be able to have a solid year of production while getting after passers in the NFC West such as Jared Goff and Russell Wilson. Bosa will be a huge part of a very good 49ers’ defense in 2019, and he has a legit shot at being the Defensive Rookie of the Year in the NFL.

Prediction: 11.5 sacks

Quarterback Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

With a new offensive coordinator and plenty of weapons around him, it should be a big year for Dak in Dallas (via Flipboard).

Dak Prescott has faced plenty of criticism throughout his short NFL career, but he has consistently produced one key thing: wins. Can Dak take the Cowboys to the next step, and raise his own game in the process of taking Dallas back to the Super Bowl?

After an awesome Week 1 with 405 passing yards and four touchdowns for the Cowboys’ quarterback, it seems as if Dak Prescott could be in for a much better statistical season under new offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore. With plenty of weapons around Prescott such as superstars Ezekiel Elliott and Amari Cooper, the Cowboys look like they’ll have a very potent offense with formidable passing and running games, led by their leader at quarterback. If Prescott continues his upward development this season for the ‘Boys, Dak could jump into the top 10 quarterback conversation and get paid huge money in the process.

Prediction: 4,250 yards, 29 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 350 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns