2021 NFL season: 5 breakout stars to watch for
With the 2021 NFL season only a few months away, here are five players entering their second year who would leap into superstardom.
5. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
In 12 games as a rookie, Aiyuk managed to post 60 receptions and 748 yards with five touchdowns. This despite starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo missing most of the season, along with top receiving option, tight end George Kittle. The 49ers now welcome Garoppolo and Kittle back into the fold, giving Aiyuk a much better chance to explode on the scene. Don’t be surprised if he posts 1,000 yards.
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4. Andrew Thomas, OT, New York Giants
Thomas was a mess to start his career after being the No. 4 overall pick out of the University of Georgia. However, as the year went on, Thomas improved and helped quarterback Daniel Jones to stay upright. Now, after the Giants added more weapons and get running back Saquon Barkley back from a torn ACL, the pressure mounts on Thomas. Big Blue needs him to play well if it’s going to reach the postseason and let Jones live up to his potential.
3. Henry Ruggs, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Ruggs struggled as a rookie last year, both with staying healthy and then performing when on the field. The speedster from Alabama caught only 26 passes for 452 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games, basically giving the Raiders half of the production they were looking for in his maiden voyage. With Nelson Agholor having left in free agency for the New England Patriots, Ruggs needs to be much better if the Raiders are going to compete for a wild card spot in the crowded AFC.
Read: Washington Football Team Is Clearly NFC East Favorite
2. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
The final pick of the 2021 first round, Edwards-Helaire was expected to be an immediate star for the Chiefs. And while the rookie running back was a solid contributor, Â he didn’t excite as many believed he would in head coach Andy Reid’s system. All told, the LSU product ran for 803 yards and four touchdowns on 4.4 yards per attempt, while adding 36 catches, 297 yards and another score in the passing game. The man known as CEH must give Kansas City a bit more behind what is a much better offensive line.
1. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Lamb has to take the top spot here. Despite playing nonsense at the quarterback position most of his rookie year, the former Oklahoma stud posted 74 catches and 935 yards with six touchdowns. Now Dak Prescott is back on the field, and Lamb is entering his second year after a full offseason. Look for Lamb to push his stardom to the next level, perhaps reaching the Pro Bowl down in Dallas.
