The NFL preseason is about to be upon is in a few weeks and it’s time we start listing out some predictions. Skill position players have the most visibility other than quarterbacks in the NFL. Whether it’s Justin Jefferson, Odell Beckham Jr. (Still), or whoever… they’ve consistently been in the spotlight.
Whether for good or not.. Let’s get into some potential breakout stars we could see this upcoming NFL season.
WR: Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
This might be an obvious choice, but it needs to be said. Drake London may already be a star at the receiver position, but just hasn’t been able to showcase it. The sad thing is… we all know why. The Falcons have not put a consistent accurate quarterback at the helm in the 2 years of London’s career with Marcus Mariota, Taylor Heinicke, and Desmond Ridder as his options.
He finally gets one of the most consistent quarterbacks of the past decade in Kirk Cousins. Cousins is not going to be the most flashiest QB or have insane highlight reels, but he will get you the ball and be a consistent accurate QB you can count on. Drake London will look to be that #1 target for Cousins like Justin Jefferson was for the past few years.
Stat predictions: 1,501 receiving yards, 11 TDs
RB: Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have decided to move on from their long time starting running back in Joe Mixon this offseason. After drafting Chase Brown and seeing what he could do with the ball in his hands, it’s hard not to see why.
The Bengals needed a change in the backfield and Brown has showcased he can be dangerous with the ball in his hands. I don’t think he’ll be the starting running back to start the season with Zach Moss, but don’t be surprised if he does by the end of the year and flourish doing so.
Stat predictions: 865 rushing yards, 331 receiving yards, 8 total TDs
TE: Jelani Woods, Indianapolis Colts
Another player from the 2022 draft, Jelani Woods showed flashes of why they the Colts took him in his rookie season. After being sidelined the whole 2023 season due to hamstring issues, it’s time for a breakout season for the young Colts tight end.
With an expected breakout season for the young QB in Anthony Richardson, he’ll be looking to throw to a safety blanket… having a 6’7 big bodied receiver like Jelani Woods helps solve a lot of issues. Don’t be surprised to see Woods be a featured player in the Colts offense with Michael Pittman and co.
Stat predictions: 855 receiving yards, 12 TDs
