Four Breakout Candidates for the 2023 NFL Season
Every year in the NFL, young players take the next step towards becoming a star in the league, whether it be due to transactions during the offseason, coaching changes, or a change of scenery. Listed below are four players primed for a breakout year during the 2023 NFL Season.
Desmond Ridder, QB, Atlanta Falcons. In the four games Desmond Ridder started for the Falcons this season, he looked rather pedestrian, throwing for 708 yards, 2 TDs, and an 86.4 passer rating. However, it is worth nothing that Ridder threw 0 INTs, which is something many young quarterbacks struggle with when they first enter the league. Drake London was the Ridder’s lone target that was consistently reliable, due to Atlanta’s lack of depth at the WR position and a season ending torn MCL injury to pro bowl TE Kyle Pitts. During free agency, the Falcons traded for TE Jonnu Smith, who had a career year under current head coach Arthur Smith’s system in Tennessee. They also signed slot receiver Scotty Miller from the division rival Buccaneers to replace the departed Olamidae Zacchaeus and Mack Hollins from the Raiders to solidify the WR2 position. Pro Bowl G Chris Lindstrom was extended, free agent RT Kaleb McGary was resigned, and G Matthew Bergeon was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. To accompany second-year RB Tyler Allgeier and the hybrid Cordarrelle Patterson, who will be 32 this season, the team drafted Texas RB Bijan Robinson 8th overall. The following moves, accompanied with the team’s defensive additions, and Smith’s run-heavy offense, should relieve Ridder of the pressure many young QBs face when entering the league, leading to a breakout year and a successful season for Atlanta.
Jordan Davis, DT, Philadelphia Eagles. Davis was drafted 13th overall by the Eagles in 2022, but only started in five games that year, recording 18 tackles and 1 TFL. However, with the departures of DTs Javon Hargrave and Ndamukong Suh, Davis is widely expected to compete for and win the starting job at DT alongside veteran all-pro DT Fletcher Cox, who has been a defensive cornerstone for the Eagles for over a decade. Davis will accompany a defensive line that features Cox, OLBs Brandon Graham, former Georgia teammate Nolan Smith, and Hasaan Reddick, Josh Sweat, and Georgia teammate and rookie Jalen Carter. The 6’6 340 pound DT has the ability to attract a majority of the attention from interior o-linemen, providing opportunities for ILBs and other defensive linemen to make plays. Davis’ upside, presence against the run, and surrounding talent makes him a prime breakout candidate in year 2.
Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets. 83 catches, over 1100 yards, and 4 TDs. Those were Wilson’s numbers his rookie year with Zach Wilson, 39 year old Joe Flacco, and serviceable backup Mike White under center. For his efforts, Wilson was awarded Offensive Rookie of the year. So how can the Offensive Rookie of the Year be a prime breakout candidate? Two words: Aaron Rodgers. Do not expect Rodgers to return to MVP form. However, he should and will be a significant upgrade from what the Jets had at QB last season, which is good news for Wilson. The Jets have also hired Nathaniel Hackett as their new offensive coordinator, who has familiarity with Rodgers. Consequently, expect the reigning OROY to build off his rookie campaign and play himself into the upper echelon of WRs across the NFL.
Andre Cisco, Safety, Jacksonville Jaguars. Cisco, Jacksonville’s 2021 third round pick out of Syracuse, saw little playing time his rookie year under former head coach Urban Meyer and his staff. However, after winning the starting job at Safety alongside veteran Rashaan Jenkins in 2022, he recorded 73 total tackles and 3 INTs, helping a Jaguars defense that had ranked 28th in team defense in 2021 improve to 12th in 2022. The 23 year old from Syracuse is expected by many to build off of his strong second-year campaign and potentially become a defensive cornerstone for a young, upstart Jaguars team who is favored with win the AFC South and possibly assert themselves as a contender in the AFC this upcoming season. Sometimes, a coaching change can help a player reach their full potential if provided the opportunity in the right scheme. If Cisco continues to make strides in year 3, the decision by head coach Doug Pederson and defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell will have paid dividends.