Jerry Jeudy & KJ Hamler: Broncos: WR:
This young duo will be due for a breakout season for a few different reasons. At the moment, the Broncos are in the best spot to land Deshaun Watson. If you get a QB like that in a system with two wideouts like this, you can only expect growth. Even if Lock is still QB1 next season, it can only be assumed that they will get better. Jeudy finished with 113 targets but only 52 receptions and 3 touchdowns. Drops were a key factor that will have to be assessed this off-season. Hamler only had 30 receptions but still finished with 3 touchdowns as well. It must be assumed that if one is able to take a leap, the other will as well.
AJ Dillon. Packers: RB:
With the expected departure of both Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams, this should be Dillon’s job to lose. While the young RB only had 46 attempts and 242 yards during the regular season, there were flashes that could excite even the average football fan. In a week 16 game against the Titans, Dillon had a career day, going for 124 yards on 21 carries and also getting 2 touchdowns. You would have to assume that this glimpse is what made the Packers comfortable enough to potentially let both Jones and Williams walk in free agency.
Darnell Mooney. Bears: WR:
The young WR ran some of the best routes in football last season but the QB play did not match up with his efforts. Numerous times, Mooney was left stranded in the open field while balls were either overthrown or underthrown. Even with the inconsistent QB play, Mooney still pulled in 61 balls on 98 targets and racked up 4 touchdowns. While it’s still unknown what the Bears will do at QB next season, you would have to think that with a full off-season, Mooney will produce even more next season. The potential gap that will have to be filled if Allen Robinson is lost to free agency will have to be filled by Mooney. This could lead to a big rise in his production.
Jalen Hurts. Eagles: QB:
At least for the moment, Hurts is QB1 in Philly. Now this may change once the draft rolls around if the Eagles choose to go after someone such as Trey Lance or Justin Fields. Now, if the Eagles decide to fix their receiving core and go grab someone such as Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith, this offense could look very different in 2021. Pairing a young QB with a young WR is always a good move, as the two can grow together. The eagles could potentially move money around and also get a free agent such as Will Fuller. A vet who has shown flashes of greatness and a rookie wideout with Miles Sanders in the backfield could lead to a strong offense in a somewhat weak NFC East.
Xavier Mckinney. Giants: SS:
The Giants second round pick only appeared in five games, but his impact was clear. During this stretch, he was a key factor in how the defense played. This should excite Giants fans for what is to come as a good safety is needed to be successful in today’s NFL. Mckinney’s key interception in the Giants week 17 game against the Cowboys was a showing of potential. Now that Mckinney will be fully healthy, it is exciting to see how he will fit into this Giants team that is trying to turn things around.
AJ Epenesa. Bills: DE:
The young DE was a stud at Iowa and showed glimpses of potential with Buffalo this season, but there is still much to be desired. Espenesa appeared in 13 games for the Bills over both the regular and postseason but only recorded more than one tackle four times. The Bills d-line ranked as one of the worst in the league but an established vet could help revitalize them. Say JJ Watt signed with the Bills and Epenesa could learn behind him, it could be a monstrous step in his development.
Daniel Jones. Giants: QB:
There is bias in this selection as I am a Giants fan but the year three leap is proving to be a real thing. Look at the steps that Josh Allen took this past season. If the Giants are able to sign and/or draft a top receiver and get a healthy Saquan back, this offense could be revitalized. Jones cutting down on turnovers and getting a competent o-line could completely change this offense. Now, while this isn’t a simple task, if the Giants spend their offseason correctly, they could be on the way to fixing these issues which would only help Jones.
Paris Campbell. Colts: WR:
We have not seen Paris Campbell at 100% in some time but this season could change that. With Wentz being the guy in Indy, the offense could change substantially. While T.Y. Hilton is getting older and may be gone to free agency, Michael Pittman showed promise this season and could take on a lead role. Pair up this core with someone such as a Chris Gowdin and this offense could take off. Allowing Campbell to be the WR3 and have a role similar to that of a Mecole Hardman could be huge for him. I expect to see a jump in numbers this season.