Every year, there are many breakout stars in the NFL. Breakout stars can come in many different forms. Last year it was Jamarr Chase, Cooper Kupp, Jonathan Taylor, Deebo Samuel, and many more. These players take their game to the next level for many different reasons. Sometimes their team can get better around them. Also it could just be them putting in the work to reach their maximum potential. I have picked three players who I think could take the leap to the next level in 2022.
- Trey Lance(QB)
The 49ers selected Trey Lance with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Most of his rookie season, Lance was sitting on the bench behind Jimmy Garoppolo. As he sat there, he watched the 49ers make it all the way to the NFC Championship game. The 49ers, as expected, have decided to end the Gorrapalo era in San Francisco. Now Lance will have his chance as the 49ers starting QB. Lance has a very strong arm that almost reminds me of Patrick Mahomes. It might be a stretch, but if you watch his NFL or college highlights, you would see the connection. However, Lance being an athletically gifted QB will not be the only thing contributing to a possible breakout season. Trey Lance is getting put in possibly one of the best situations in the NFL. I mean to start, he is in Kyle Shanahan’s run-heavy offense, which will take a lot of the pressure off of him. Secondly, he’s being put with all-pro level weapons around him. He will have Deebo Samuel and George Kittle to throw to(assuming Deebo resigns). Also he will have an elite offensive line, headlined by all-pro tackle, Trent Williams. Alongside these elite players, he will also have very solid players such as Brandon Aiyuk at wide receiver, and Elijah Mitchell at running back. It’s looking good for Trey Lance’s first year as a starter.
- Joseph Ossai(EDGE)
You might not know a lot about Joseph Ossai, but you will after this season. The Bengals drafted the edge rusher in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. In the 2021 preseason, Ossai had 7 pressures, two run stops, and a sack. To add to it, his one sack was on Tom Brady. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see any more of Ossai due to a season ending injury in the preseason. Ossai is a very athletic rusher who will always try his best to get to the quarterback. In college at University of Texas, he was an All-American First Team player. We will definitely see a lot of Ossai this season, and he will probably play a key role in the Bengals defense. A lot of people were convinced that the Bengals would either draft or sign an edge rusher to pair with Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard, however they didn’t. This shows that the Bengals are committed to Ossai being the future at that position. If I am correct, Ossai could prove to have been the steal of the 2021 draft. Expect to see a lot of Joseph Ossai this coming season.
- Rondalle Moore(WR)
Rondalle Moore showed flashes of being elite in 2021. In his second ever NFL game he received for 114 yards and a touchdown. However the rest of his rookie season was very inconsistent. Moore was targeted just 64 times which was tied for 4th on the Cardinals. That number should skyrocket up now that Christan Kirk, the Cardinals leading receiver, signed to the Jaguars. Also Deandre Hopkins got suspended for 6 weeks which will just help him even more. Moore won’t be the Cardinals number one receiver in 2021 due to the Cardinals trading for Hollywood Brown, but he will definitely be number 2. Also Moore will have an elite quarterback in Kyler Murray throwing him the ball. Moore is definitely poised for a breakout season.
Third Down With Devin 