By Marvin Moore – June 23, 2023
With the 2023 NFL season fast approaching, several youthful players are creating a buzz regarding their potential to have a breakout campaign this upcoming season.
Numerous unheralded or inexperienced players enjoy productive seasons that establish themselves as bonafide league playmakers every year. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a breakout campaign last season when he led the NFL with a 105.5 passer rating.
Below are offensive players who are set for breakout campaigns this upcoming season.
1. Justin Fields, QB, Chicago Bears
Fields, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 Draft, is an ultra-athletic quarterback who became only the third NFL signal-caller to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. The dual-threat quarterback threw for 2,242 yards and 17 touchdowns in 15 games and rushed for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns. The Bears upgraded their offensive line and receiving corps, which should help Fields elevate his game to superstardom heights.
2. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, Carolina Panthers
The sixth overall pick in last year’s draft, Ekwonu started all 17 games for the Panthers a year ago. The 22-year-old has tremendous upside and a 6-foot-4, 320-pound frame that can dominate defensive linemen. The former North Carolina State standout should take the next step in 2023 to become an annual Pro Bowl starter as one of the league’s elite offensive tackles.
3. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots
A fourth-round steal in 2021, Stevenson finished his sophomore season with 1,040 rushing yards and five touchdowns. The 25-year-old also caught a team-leading 69 passes for 421 receiving yards and one score. Stevenson is a workhorse-type playmaker who should post huge numbers in 2023 with his heavy workload.
4. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Denver Broncos
The former first-rounder caught a career-high 67 passes for 972 yards and six touchdowns last year but could post monster numbers this season in Sean Payton’s new offense. The 24-year-old is a gifted playmaker who could tally 100-plus receptions in an offense that shines bright lights on skilled wideouts.
5. Kadarius Toney, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
The 20th overall pick in the 2021 Draft, Toney is in a premium spot as the Chiefs’ No. 1 wide receiver. An electric playmaker with running back-type rushing skills, the 24-year-old will be given the opportunity to serve in the same role that elevated Tyreek Hill to superstar status. The former Florida product is poised to set career highs in every receiving category if he can remain healthy this upcoming season.
6. Tyler Smith, G, Dallas Cowboys
The 24th pick in last year’s draft, the Cowboys nabbed a versatile lineman who can play guard and tackle at a ridiculously high level. The 22-year-old has excellent athleticism for a 6-foot-5, 320-pounder and is the heir apparent to Tyron Smith as Dallas’ future left tackle.
7. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
A first-round pick in last year’s draft, Pickett tallied an unimpressive seven touchdowns and nine interceptions during his rookie season. However, he tossed just one pick over the season’s final eight games and became the first-year quarterback in league history to throw a game-winning touchdown in the last minute of the fourth quarter in two consecutive games. The Steelers have revamped their offensive line, and Pickett has an array of offensive weapons to become a franchise-caliber quarterback in 2023.
8. Abraham Lucas, OT, Seattle Seahawks
The third-round pick started in 16 games for the Seahawks as a rookie and surrendered nine sacks in 975 offensive snaps to earn a 68.5 PFF grade. The 24-year-old has the potential to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber tackle after an impressive freshman campaign.
9. Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Tennessee Titans
A fourth-round selection in last year’s draft, Okonkwo reeled in 32 passes for 450 yards and three touchdowns during his rookie campaign. The 23-year-old is a versatile pass-catcher who can catch screen passes and work the middle of the field. The former Maryland standout and fellow second-year pass-catcher Treylon Burks will be the top options for the Titans’ lackluster passing attack.
10. Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens
The 139th player taken in last year’s draft, Likely is in a great spot to thrive in the Ravens’ new aerial attack. The 23-year-old finished his rookie season with 36 catches for 373 receiving yards and three touchdowns, including an eight-catch, 103-yard outing in the regular season finale. Look for the Coastal Carolina product to blossom into a playmaker under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
