NFL: 5 breakout candidates in the 2022 season
Going into the 2022 NFL season, here are five young players who have a chance to reverse their fortunes and enjoy a breakout campaign.
5. Kadarius Toney, WR, New York Giants
The Giants took Toney in the first round last year, and he flashed potential with 39 catches for 420 yards. However, Toney was the rumor of offseason movement this winter before new general manager Joe Schoen ultimately decided to keep him. Now, with first-year head coach Brian Daboll taking over, the offensive guru could unlock Toney’s talent with quarterback Daniel Jones trying to save his job.
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4. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Edwards-Helaire has endured a strange career through the first two seasons of his NFL life. The former LSU star was the 32nd-overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft and produced as a rookie with 803 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 4.4 yards per carry, along with 297 receiving yards. However, Edwards-Helaire only played 10 games last season and while he kept pace at 4.3 YPA, his overall production fell to 646 yards from scrimmage. With the Chiefs perhaps playing differently without Tyreek Hill but with a great offensive line, CEH could eat.
3. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
Not much needs to be said, right? Tagovailoa is entering his third season with Miami, and if he doesn’t perform now, he’s likely going to be moving on after 2022. The Dolphins added the aforementioned Hill from Kansas City in a blockbuster deal, sending five draft picks to the Chiefs for his superstar receiver talents. The Dolphins also have second-year receiver Jaylen Waddle and tight end Mike Gesicki, along with a revamped offensive line. Time to make a move.
2. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Much like Tagovailoa, Hurts is also going into his third season on a team with two first-round picks in 2023. In other words, the Eagles could move on from Hurts if they don’t like where he’s at come season’s end. However, general manager Howie Roseman has loaded up around him with a terrific defense and a stud receiver in A.J. Brown. Hurts will have every opportunity to become a star for Philadelphia.
1. Gabriel Davis, WR, Buffalo Bills
On the surface, Davis is an odd choice. He had 599 receiving yards as a rookie and then went to 549 last season. However, Davis was incredible in the AFC Divisional against the Chiefs, going for 201 receiving yards and four scores. The talent is clearly there to be a star in Buffalo’s high-powered attack, and if he puts it together, he could become a Pro Bowl player.
