One Breakout Player to Watch on All 32 NFL Teams

Expect second-year pass catchers like Christian Watson and George Pickens to make a splash this fall, along with emerging edge rushers on defense.

Now that we have wrapped up our 32 teams in 32 days series, let’s highlight the emerging players who formed our list of breakout players to watch for the 2023 NFL season.

Many wide receivers, including four from the 2022 draft, caught our attention with the flashes they displayed last year. And we didn’t forget the defensive side, with a handful of former first-round edge rushers making the list.

Here are the 32 players, one from each team, that we tabbed as breakout candidates for this season, in order of projected win totals:

Arizona Cardinals

WR Greg Dortch

Dortch had a 103-yard game against the 49ers in Week 11 last season.

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Dortch made the most of his opportunity last season while filling in for DeAndre Hopkins, who was suspended the first six games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. He might now be in the mix for a permanent starting role after the team released Hopkins. Dortch, who had 52 receptions for 467 yards and two touchdowns last season, will probably have to prove himself again to a new coaching staff, but it might not take long for the versatile slot receiver and special teams returner. Look for Dortch to continue making downfield plays for Arizona in 2023.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

In his third year, Tryon-Shoyinka needs to become what the Buccaneers envisioned when they selected him at No. 32 in 2021.

The edge rusher has shown flashes of being a quality starter but little more, notching only four sacks in each of his first two campaigns. Tampa Bay moved on from veteran pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul before last season and now has Shaq Barrett coming off a torn Achilles tendon. If the Buccaneers are going to win games, it’s on their defense, and Tryon-Shoyinka must become an integral part of the unit.

If he struggles again in 2023, there’s a very good chance he doesn’t see his fifth-year option picked up. However, a strong season could mean big things for both Tryon-Shoyinka and the Bucs.

Indianapolis Colts

TE Jelani Woods

Woods, a 2022 third-round pick, had a quiet rookie season, seeing only 40 targets in 15 games played (partly because of a poor passing game led by Matt Ryan last season). Woods ended with 25 receptions for 312 yards and three touchdowns, but he was also utilized often as an in-line blocking tight end to help during a subpar year for the offensive line. If the 6'7", 253-pound Woods isn’t needed as much to block this season, he could become Anthony Richardson’s security blanket in the intermediate game. Shane Steichen is known for heavily involving tight ends in his offensive system after guiding Dallas Goedert to prolific back-to-back seasons in Philadelphia.

Washington Commanders

WR Jahan Dotson

A first-round pick from Penn State last spring, Dotson immediately showed why the Commanders had so much faith in him as a partner across from Terry McLaurin.

In Dotson’s first four games, he had four touchdowns, including two in a Week 1 win over the Jaguars at FedExField. After missing the next five contests, Dotson finished strong, totaling 35 catches on 61 targets for 523 yards and seven touchdowns.

While Dotson didn’t put up the numbers of Chris Olave or Garrett Wilson, he was a productive rookie who should continue to ascend if quarterback play isn’t a hindrance.

Houston Texans

CB Derek Stingley Jr.

Stingley was selected one spot ahead of Sauce Gardner at No. 3 in the 2022 draft, but the Texans pick had a quiet rookie season (he was also sidelined the final eight games because of a hamstring injury) as Gardner went on to win Defensive Rookie of the Year with the Jets. The 6'1", 195-pound Stingley recorded 43 tackles, five passes defended, one interception and one sack in nine games played last year. After mainly being utilized as a zone-coverage corner, Stingley could return to playing press coverage in Year 2—an area he excelled in during his time at LSU—which would allow him to make more plays around the ball. Given DeMeco Ryans’s background as a defensive coordinator, he might just be the right person to unleash Stingley’s potential.

Chicago Bears

S Jaquan Brisker

Brisker isn’t only a breakout candidate on the Bears; he’s one of the biggest across the league.

Brisker led the team in sacks and was second in total tackles. 

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A second-round pick in 2022 out of Penn State, Brisker shined for Chicago in a lost season. The rookie played in 15 games and totaled 104 tackles, including five for loss, along with four sacks and an interception. Perhaps most impressively, Brisker didn’t miss a single snap when active.

The Bears have a long way to go before fielding a title-contending defense, but Brisker has the look of a cornerstone. He can do it all from the back end, giving coach Matt Eberflus a potential star in the making.

Green Bay Packers

WR Christian Watson

Jordan Love could also be the selection here, but Watson gets the edge after what he displayed in the final eight games of last season (seven touchdowns and 523 receiving yards). After shaking off a rough start to his rookie season, Watson dominated against the Cowboys in Week 10 with four catches for 107 yards and three touchdowns. The receiver also delivered 100-yard games vs. both the Eagles in Week 12 and the Lions in Week 18. The 6'5", 208-pound Watson is an explosive playmaker who might be on the verge of a Pro Bowl season.

Carolina Panthers

OT Ickey Ekwonu

After some early-season inconsistency, Ekwonu became one of the league’s best rookies over the course of 2022.

The hulking left tackle was the No. 6 pick for Carolina and started all 17 games. He’s now tasked with handling Bryce Young’s blindside. Last year Ekwonu earned praise from Pro Football Focus, being given a grade of 92.1 against the defensively loaded 49ers, the highest grade for any offensive tackle to that point in the campaign.

Ekwonu was selected in the first round of the 2022 draft.

Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports

At 6'4" and 230 pounds, Ekwonu has the size and athleticism to be a top left tackle in the league for the next decade. Don’t be surprised if he pushes for his first Pro Bowl this year.

New England Patriots

RB Rhamondre Stevenson

This pick might be risky—Bill Belichick tends to favor backfield committees over one lead back—but Stevenson received 210 carries last season and did not disappoint, rushing for 1,040 yards, five touchdowns and averaging five yards per carry. Pro Football Focus was also a fan of Stevenson’s work in his second season, giving him an offensive grade of 81.3 and a run grade of 84.3. Stevenson is primed for a breakout third season, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Belichick decides to incorporate Ty Montgomery and Pierre Strong Jr. (a 2022 fourth-round pick) more into the offense. Either way, it’s hard to ignore how productive Stevenson was last season as the lead back.

Las Vegas Raiders

DE Tyree Wilson

Wilson is a top-10 pick who will be under serious pressure for a rookie.

After watching edge rusher Chandler Jones amass only 4.5 sacks last year after signing a three-year deal, the Raiders selected his eventual replacement out of Texas Tech. With the Red Raiders, Wilson totaled 17 sacks and 32 tackles for loss across four years.

If Wilson can be a force early on, he’ll form a dynamic tandem with Maxx Crosby. With a subpar defensive backfield playing behind the front four, the Raiders desperately need Crosby and Wilson to win, and win quickly.

Los Angeles Rams

CB Cobie Durant

Unfortunately, Durant doesn’t play on the defensive line to help Aaron Donald, but the Rams have high hopes for him in the secondary after he flashed as a rookie. Durant, a 2022 fourth-round pick, earned respect from the coaching staff by quickling grasping the position of slot cornerback. He’s a bit undersized at 5'11" and 180 pounds, but he proved last season he’s capable of a bigger role and could make the move to outside cornerback this season. The ball hawk also had three interceptions in ’22 and returned one for an 85-yard touchdown.

Tennessee Titans

TE Chigoziem Okonkwo

While there are overwhelming questions about Tennessee’s receivers, Okonkwo could be a boon for the Titans at tight end.

Okonkwo's 52 receptions in his senior year rank second-most by a tight end in a single season at Maryland.

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Drafted last year in the fourth round out of Maryland, Okonkwo caught 32 passes for 450 yards and three touchdowns. At 6'3" and 238 pounds, he’s a bit undersized, but he shows tremendous athleticism in the open field, something exemplified by his 4.52 40-time at the combine in 2022.

Considering the dearth of options on the perimeter for Ryan Tannehill, Okonkwo might earn a litany of targets and has a real shot to lead the Titans in both catches and yardage.

Denver Broncos

TE Greg Dulcich

Russell Wilson had a rough first season in Denver, but he found some comfort with throwing in Dulcich’s direction. After being inactive the first five games of his rookie season, Dulcich quickly gained the quarterback’s trust as a polished route runner. Dulcich fell to the third round of the 2022 draft partly because he needed to improve as a blocker, but being a productive seam stretcher provided a role for him with the Broncos. Perhaps Sean Payton can utilize Dulcich’s strengths in the passing game, similarly to what he did with Jimmy Graham in New Orleans for many years. That’s setting the bar high, but the UCLA product showed plenty of promise last year, with 33 receptions for 411 yards and two touchdowns.

Atlanta Falcons

WR Drake London

As mentioned above, London had a terrific rookie campaign, during which he pushed for almost 900 receiving yards. Now, with a full offseason and 819 NFL snaps to his name, the 2022 first-round pick could be primed to explode.

London has excellent size at 6'4" and 213 pounds, and, while he never ran an official 40, it’s believed the time would have been around 4.5 seconds. The tools are there to become a Pro Bowl talent, and, if he can connect with Desmond Ridder and produce chemistry, there’s no limit to his game.

Atlanta will certainly give him the targets to make an impact. London simply needs to prove he’s the game-breaking star many believe he’ll become.

New York Giants

Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux

Thibodeaux was the No. 5 pick in the 2022 draft.

Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports

Thibodeaux struggled to finish plays at times during his rookie season, but he consistently won his matchups and often found himself in the backfield. With 40 pressures and 13 quarterback hits as a rookie, Thibodeaux could develop into a sack artist in his second season after recording only four sacks in 2022. Also, Thibodeaux’s 10.3% pressure rate was more than fellow first-round rookies Aidan Hutchinson (9.9%) and Travon Walker (9.2%).

Seattle Seahawks

DE Darrell Taylor

Few NFL fans would be able to tell you which team Taylor plays for, but that should change soon.

In two years with the Seahawks, the 2020 second-round pick from Tennessee has totaled 16 sacks, including 9.5 last year, despite playing less than 50% of the team’s defensive snaps in both of his campaigns.

With Dre’Month Jones, Taylor and Uchenna Nwosu to account for, the Seahawks should have a wicked pass rush, allowing both to tee off without consistently facing double teams. Look for Taylor to break through and have double-digit sacks, pushing for his first Pro Bowl berth.

Pittsburgh Steelers

WR George Pickens

Pickens didn’t have a 1,000-yard receiving season like fellow rookie wideouts Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, but he might have had the reception of the year in 2022. Pickens made a diving one-handed catch vs. the Browns in Week 3, which resembled Odell Beckham’s memorable one from ’14. That was just one of many acrobatic catches from Pickens last season, and there could be plenty more in his second season if he and Pickett are able to improve the Steelers’ passing game. Pickens, a ’22 second-round pick, finished last season with 52 catches for 801 yards and four touchdowns.

Minnesota Vikings

OT Christian Darrisaw

Darrisaw has established himself as one of the league’s best tackles, but he could become a Pro Bowler in 2023 with better health.

In his two seasons with Minnesota, the former first-round pick has missed eight games. If Darrisaw can piece together a 17-game campaign, he’ll start being talked about in the tier only below men like Trent Williams of the 49ers and Lane Johnson of the Eagles.

Last year, Darrisaw committed only two penalties and allowed five sacks, earning a 90.3 grade from Pro Football Focus … this despite playing in front of the immobile Cousins.

Cleveland Browns

CB Martin Emerson Jr.

Emerson, a 2022 third-round pick, flourished as the team’s No. 2 outside cornerback in nickel and dime coverages, which could make him a full-time starter this year in a deep Cleveland secondary. Emerson’s production on the outside, however, caused a team rift with cornerback Greg Newsome II, the ’21 first-round pick, who was asked to play more in the slot. Newsome recently admitted it was a tough adjustment for him to split from inside and outside, which might mean a bigger role on the outside this season with Denzel Ward, the ’18 first-round pick. But roles can be figured out later; Emerson’s surprising play as a rookie gave the Browns a good problem to have at cornerback. The 6'2", 201-pound Emerson recorded 63 total tackles and one sack in 17 games and six starts last season.

Los Angeles Chargers

CB Asante Samuel Jr.

Samuel is already recognized as a good player, but he has a chance to break into stardom entering his third season.

Samuel became the first player in NFL history with three interceptions in a postseason debut against the Jaguars.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union/USA TODAY Network

Over two years with the Chargers, the former second-round pick from Florida State notched four interceptions. Then, Samuel stole three passes from Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the first half of the wild-card game last season.

Playing in a star-studded secondary alongside safety Derwin James Jr. and J.C. Jackson, Samuel is sometimes overshadowed despite being a versatile corner with tremendous cover and ball skills.

Don’t be surprised if he ends up earning an accolade or two in 2023.

Dallas Cowboys

Edge rusher Sam Williams

It’s tough to go with Williams here due to the depth at the position (more on that later). But given how impressive he was, playing limited snaps as a rookie, Williams has a strong chance of cracking the rotation if he continues to ascend in his second season. The 2022 second-round pick made impact plays (four sacks, 10 tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits) despite playing only 27% of the team’s defensive snaps last season. With the Cowboys having so many talented edge rushers, Williams will likely continue taking advantage of his matchups to possibly record more than 10 sacks in ’23.

Miami Dolphins

LB Jaelan Phillips

The Dolphins sent a first-round pick to the Broncos last October for edge rusher Bradley Chubb before signing him to a $110 million extension. However, don’t forget about the man on the other side.

Phillips has 15.5 sacks through his first two seasons. At 6'5" and 265 pounds, he has ideal size to anchor against the run while also being agile enough to get around the edge or bully the tackle with a power move.

As a rookie, Phillips played only 54% of defensive snaps before seeing that number increase to 73% in 2022. Don’t be surprised if it rises once more, and Phillips cracks the double-digit plateau.

New York Jets

Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II

This was a tough pick, because most of the Jets’ younger players experienced breakout seasons last year, including Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson, two 2022 first-round picks. But some might have forgotten that Johnson was the Jets’ third first-round pick that year. Johnson only played 34% percent of the Jets’ defensive snaps as a rookie, but he often flashed as a polished playmaker with 2.5 sacks, 29 total tackles and five quarterback hits. After waiting his turn behind Carl Lawson and John Franklin-Myers, Johnson could be next in line to shine under Saleh’s guidance. For bonus candidates, Bryce Huff and rookie Will McDonald IV could also be impact players on the Jets’ defensive front.

Detroit Lions

DE Aidan Hutchinson

Hutchinson was consistently excellent as a rookie, shining from start to finish: In Week 2, the 2022 No. 2 pick dominated the Commanders with three sacks before totaling two sacks in Week 18 during a victory over the Packers at Lambeau Field.

Entering 2023, Hutchinson has experience to match his massive talent. Standing 6'7" and 265 pounds, he has a freakish blend of size and strength, along with a 4.74 40 time to showcase his acceleration.

If Hutchinson takes the proverbial next step and becomes a Pro Bowl–level player, Detroit has a good chance to find the leap it needs from its defense.

Baltimore Ravens

DB Kyle Hamilton

Hamilton played in 16 games for the Ravens in 2022.

Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports

Hamilton flourished as a versatile defensive back, but he struggled at times as a free safety in his rookie season. He now may get an opportunity to improve at the position after the team traded Chuck Clark to the Jets in the offseason. Hamilton, a 2022 first-round pick, was at his best playing in the box and covering from the slot position. He also earned an impressive defense grade of 87.6 from Pro Football Focus while recording 62 total tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble. Hamilton has earned comparisons to Derwin James for his versatility, but he’ll need to improve his coverage as a center fielder.

New Orleans Saints

DT Bryan Bresee

The Saints don’t have a litany of contenders for this category, but Bresee makes ample sense.

For starters, Bresee is a 2023 first-round pick who, while at Clemson, notched 15 tackles for loss and nine sacks across three seasons. Now, he enters a defensive line which is undergoing a facelift, having lost Shy Tuttle and David Onyemata on the inside. As a result, Bresee should see a decent share of snaps alongside free-agent addition Khalen Saunders.

With veterans next to him in Saunders and Cameron Jordan, Bresee has a chance to make a quick impact for a team with playoff aspirations.

Buffalo Bills

Edge rusher Gregory Rousseau

The Bills missed Von Miller down the stretch last season, but it provided an opportunity for Rousseau, a 2021 first-round pick, to step up in Miller’s absence. Rousseau flashed with eight sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 14 quarterback hits during his second season. Now the Bills need him to be a consistent playmaker while Miller continues his recovery from the torn ACL he sustained in November. Buffalo also has A.J. Epenesa, and it recently added Leonard Floyd for depth.

Philadelphia Eagles

RB D’Andre Swift

Swift might seem like an odd choice given he’s been a well-known name for years, but consider this: Swift has never rushed for 700 yards in a season.

That’s likely going to change in 2023. With opposing defenses having to play back and respect the deep-ball capabilities of receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, rushing lanes—behind the league’s best offensive line—will be there for Swift. After averaging 4.6 yards per carry over three seasons with the Lions, Swift should be even more effective in Philadelphia.

For Swift, the big challenge is staying healthy, as he’s missed 10 games over his young career.

Jacksonville Jaguars

S Andre Cisco

Cisco showed flashes as a surprise rookie gem from Urban Meyer’s lone season in Jacksonville. Doug Pederson noticed Cisco’s potential and made him a first-time starter last season. The 2021 third-round pick emerged as a consistent playmaker in the Jaguars’ secondary, and now he’s poised to be one of the better safeties in the league. Cisco recorded three interceptions, 10 passes defended, 73 tackles and had a touchdown return.

Cisco more than tripled his tackle count between his rookie year and 2022.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union/USA TODAY Network

Linebacker Devin Lloyd is another option here, but the 2022 first-round pick struggled in many areas throughout his rookie year. He might not have a breakout season, but expect him to have a promising ’23.

San Francisco

DL Drake Jackson

Jackson is the pick, largely because he played well within a small sample size as a rookie.

The 2022 former second-round pick out of USC played only 33% of the defensive snaps last year, and yet he racked up three sacks. The number isn’t eye-popping, but considering he has Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave rushing the passer alongside him, don’t be surprised if Jackson takes advantage of some optimal matchups. Factor in the free-agent departure of Charles Omenihu, and the opportunity is there.

Don’t be surprised if Jackson becomes a key part of the rotation as a second-year starter.

Cincinnati Bengals

S Dax Hill

Hill had somewhat of a redshirt rookie season after only starting two games and playing 14% percent of defensive snaps in 2022. He’s expected to play a lot more in his second season with Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell leaving in free agency. In his limited snaps, Hill flashed as a versatile playmaker, playing in the box and slot. His rare speed (he ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash) and ability to play in a variety of coverages made him a first-round draft pick out of Michigan. Hill recorded 16 total tackles and 1 quarterback hit during 130 defensive snaps as a rookie.

Kansas City Chiefs

CB Trent McDuffie

McDuffie was a key cog in Kansas City’s defense last year, but entering his second season, he is primed to become a national name.

McDuffie was the No. 21 pick in the 2022 draft.

Patrick Breen/The Republic/USA TODAY Network

As a rookie, McDuffie was limited to 14 games (including playoffs) after injuring his hamstring in Week 1 against the Cardinals. However, when active, McDuffie never played fewer than 95% of the defensive snaps, including eight tilts where he never came off the field. He earned a grade of 73.6 from Pro Football Focus.

McDuffie, a 2022 first-round pick, is part of a young Kansas City secondary that will play four corners and a safety on their rookie deals. He may eventually outshine them all.