The NFL keeps producing new waves of star players across all positions. Offensively, the league has never been this loaded with athletic skill players and blockers. That’s why it’s so fun to explore the best breakout candidates at every position, from quarterback to guard.
How do you identify a potential breakout? First, target non-rookie young players who have yet to get mentions as Pro Bowlers or All-Pros. Second, examine their environment and whether their team is putting them in a great position to succeed.
With that process in mind, for 2024, here are Sporting News’ top candidates.
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NFL All-Breakout Team 2024: Offense
Quarterback: Anthony Richardson, Colts
Richardson has recovered well from the shoulder injury that helped limit his rookie season to four games. He has had an extra offseason to absorb a Shane Steichen offense that was so beneficial to Jalen Hurts becoming a dominant dual threat with the Eagles.
The Colts have enough weapons, a fine offensive line, and a reliable complementary rushing attack to allow Richardson to maximize his big arm and powerful legs. Fellow 2023 first-round QB C.J. Stroud already broke out, and both Bryce Young and Will Levis also have higher upside in Year 2. But Richardson is set up best with his natural skills to show why he can channel Hurts and Lamar Jackson well.
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Running back: Zack Moss, Bengals
Moss disappointed as a third-round pick with the Bills, battling injuries and more seasoned competition in a pass-heavy offense. He can be thankful they traded him to the Colts in the middle of 2022. That set him up to go supersub for Jonathan Taylor to boost the Colts’ inconsistent QB play in 2023.
Before Taylor was up and running with his big contract, Moss started working his way toward 986 scrimmage yards and seven TDs. That got him attention from the Bengals to replace the more expensive Joe Mixon in free agency. Moss is 26, but he has limited mileage and untapped receiving pop to go with his strong power running. He will be an integral component playing off Joe Burrow and a dangerous downfield passing game.
Running back: Zamir White, Raiders
The Raiders didn’t do much with their backfield after letting Josh Jacobs walk to Green Bay in free agency. They signed Alexander Mattison and drafted Dylan Laube to round out their backup depth chart, but the situation is ripe for White to become the NFL’s next great productive Georgia back.
In four starts late last season filling in for Jacobs, White racked up 93 touches and 457 scrimmage yards, averaging 114 total yards per game and 4.7 yards per rushing attempt. The Raiders’ offensive line is underrated, and White’s volume should be high given the shaky QB situation and passing limitations. White should be looking at 300-plus touches if healthy for all 17 games, which will add up to a nice spike in overall numbers.
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Wide receiver: George Pickens, Steelers
Russell Wilson has a huge arm, and Pickens is a big-play target. Diontae Johnson was traded to the Panthers, making Pickens the clear No. 1 in a passing game that should feature a good share of 12 personnel (two tight ends) under Arthur Smith. He already had 63 catches (106 targets) for 1,140 yards and five TDs while averaging a league-high 18.1 yards per reception in 2023.
Pickens (6-3, 200 pounds) should be much more efficient with his catch rate after topping out at only 50.8 percent last season. He also will be more involved than just as a deep threat. Expect him to make the transition to a DK Metcalf-like alpha for Wilson.
Wide receiver: Drake London, Falcons
London was taken as the first wide receiver off the board (No. 8 overall) in a loaded 2022 draft class for a reason. At 6-4, 213 pounds, he has the size, hands, speed, and quickness to deliver as a classic No. 1. After some woeful QB play between Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and Taylor Heinicke the past two seasons, London finally gets a savvy, big-armed veteran, Kirk Cousins, to target him well all over the field.
Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave have been the early stars of the WR class, but they’ve been waiting for some top first-round company. London will be schemed open better in Zac Robinson’s offense, especially with coverages needing to account for the mismatch of tight end Kyle Pitts. London’s frame will give more punch in the red zone as he gets more consistent with his route running, too.
Wide receiver: Jayden Reed, Packers
Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks have all had their times to flash as Jordan Love’s key young wide receiver, but Reed was the biggest difference-maker when the team surged to a wild-card berth down the stretch last season. Reed (5-11, 187) turned into a slot ace as a rookie and gave the team some occasional rushing juice, too.
Along with his 64 catches on 94 targets for 793 yards, Reed scored a combined 10 TDs. His versatility and ability to produce anywhere for Matt LaFleur’s offense make him integral as Love works to have more consistency with his outside targets.
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Tight end: Dalton Kincaid, Bills
Sam LaPorta stole the rookie tight end headlines last season as an immediate, top intermediate receiving threat for the Lions. Now, it’s time for his fellow 2023 first-rounder to flex.
With Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis gone, the Bills’ vacated targets from last season are up to 317, second only to the Chargers. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady should lean on using extra 12 personnel so Kincaid and Dawson Knox can be on the field more at the same time.
The Bills are rather inexperienced at receiver with rookie Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir now working with newcomer Curtis Samuel. Kincaid becomes a key wideout hybrid and should build well on his 73 catches, 673 yards, and two TDs as a rookie.
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Offensive tackle: Bernhard Raimann, Colts
The Austrian product by way of Central Michigan has carried massive upside as a 6-6, 303-pound third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He started coming into his own as a strong, athletic rock of left tackle last season and will be a bigger factor blocking for Richardson and Taylor.
Offensive tackle: Thayer Munford Jr. Raiders
With Christian Darrisaw already breaking out for the Vikings, it was easy to focus on another young right tackle for the second selection. Munford, a seventh-rounder from Ohio State in 2022, has the size (6-6, 315 pounds) to be a nasty complementary run blocker for left tackle Kolton Miller. Munford will be key both in springing White and also doing his part to keep either Gardner Minshew or Aidan O’Connell upright.
Guard: Tyler Smith, Cowboys
Tyler Smith won’t be leaning on Tyron Smith at left tackle anymore, and right guard Zack Martin is nearing the end of his career. A 2022 first-rounder from Tulsa, Tyler Smith has the frame (6-6, 336 pounds) to be a dominant inside force. He needs to be, with the Cowboys putting a lot on rookie first-round left tackle Tyler Guyton and Tyler Biadasz departing at center.
Guard: Peter Skoronski, Titans
Skoronski got some rookie help at left tackle, too, in the form of fellow first-rounder J.C. Latham. The 2023 first-rounder went through some lumps in the old run-heavy offensive scheme, but his athleticism should fit better as they open up the passing game for Levis. Skoronski will be comfortable with added support from Latham and center Lloyd Cushenberry, leading to a drastic jump in his effectiveness.
Center: Cam Jurgens, Eagles
Jason Kelce has retired from the NFL, but the Eagles were aware of that day coming soon when they took Jurgens (6-3, 303 pounds) in the second round of the 2022 draft. Jurgens has been groomed to be Kelce’s successor and will come through with some left-side help from Jordan Mailata and Landon Dickerson.