Dec 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) is injured after being sacked by Houston Texans cornerback Desmond King II (25) defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) in overtime at Nissan Stadium. credits: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports It’s a physical game, and injuries create opportunities—hello, Brock Purdy—and players need to take advantage when their chance comes.
Other times, a player getting a larger role breaks out. Or perhaps it’s a player finally living up to previous billing.
A number of players are certain to break out this season, and here are 10 to keep an eye on:
QB Will Levis, Titans
There will be no waiting in the wings this time. After replacing Ryan Tannehill last season, Levis passed for 1,808 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions. While his completion percentage was low (58.4 percent), he displayed big-time competitiveness. The Titans astutely got him with the first pick of the second round last season.
QB Bryce Young, Panthers
Bryce. Young throws at practice for the Carolina Panthers | Photo source: AP RB Zamir White, Raiders
Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) is pushed out of bounds by Denver Broncos linebacker Drew Sanders (41) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports WR Khalil Shakir, Bills
Ex-Buffalo wideout Stefon Diggs slumped late last season, and Shakir stepped up with 105 receiving yards in the season finale and caught scoring passes in both of Buffalo’s postseason games.
The third-year pro will get plenty of chances this season due to his speed and shiftiness. Shakir should easily surpass last season’s 39 yards, 611 yards and two touchdowns.
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks
His high yardage output was just 63, and he averaged only 10 yards per reception. He should improve in both categories.
WR Jameson Williams, Lions
Aug 19, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) walks off the field after their pre-season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. credits: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports C Cam Jurgens, Eagles
The retirement of Jason Kelce has put Jurgens in the spotlight of having to replace a near-certain Hall of Famer. Jurgens, a second-round pick in 2022, backed up Kelce as a rookie and then moved to right guard and started 11 games last season. Now he’s back at center and trying to trim down comparisons, but he should be a capable replacement for Kelce.
DE/OLB Travon Walker, Jaguars
After a quiet rookie season, Walker erupted with 10 sacks last season amid the feeling he’s only scratching the surface of his skills. A 15-sack season is possible, as new Jacksonville defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen has pledged to do everything possible to take advantage of Walker’s abilities. Walker could join the upper tier of pass rushers.
DT Jalen Carter, Eagles
Jalen Carter looks to have a bounce back year for the Philadelphia Eagles. Photo source: Getty Images CB Jaycee Horn, Panthers
The No. 8 overall pick in 2021 has played in just 22 games over three seasons. A fractured foot limited him to three games as a rookie; he had a rib injury and also a late-season broken wrist while playing 13 games in 2022; and a hamstring injury left him healthy for just six games last season. He has four interceptions and has flashed abilities, but he must stay on the field.
