Top 5 year 2 NFL offensive breakout candidates.
- Kyle Alexander
- Aug 5, 2020
- 5 min read
Here we take a look at offensive players from the 2019 draft class and see who has the most potential for their sophomore year.
Becoming a star in the NFL is all about opportunity. We saw Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes win the MVP award in their second season after both teams traded their veteran passers. With the 2020 season coming up and certain players opting out of playing, we look at the 5 best breakout sophomores on the offense.
1. Marquise Brown, WR, Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens took WR Marquise Brown, the fastest player in the draft, with the 25th pick from Oklahoma to give Lamar Jackson some receiving help. In 14 games, the rookie caught 46 out of 71 targets for 584 yards and hauled in 7 touchdowns as he helped the Ravens reach a league’s best 14-2 record last year. He even had a great showing in his playoff debut against the Tennessee Titans as he caught 7 passes for 126 yards but still lost 28-12. After that heartbreaking lost, Marquise quickly went to work as the first thing he did was get a screw removed from his foot that came from an earlier Lisfranc injury. The surgery paid off as he topped his highest speed from last year this offseason. After the surgery, Brown has been putting in work with his teammates and cousin, former Steelers WR Antonio Brown. The biggest knock on the pass catcher was his size as he end his rookie year at 157 pounds. He has now reported that he’s gained 23 pounds, putting him at 180. With the Ravens not signing a receiver in the offseason and drafting 2 in later rounds (Devin Duvernay and James Proche), Marquise is slated to be the number 1 receiver and to take a tremendous jump after his transformation.
2. Kyler Murray Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals took signal caller Kyler Murray with the 1st overall pick out of Oklahoma. Murray didn’t disappoint as he threw 3,722 yards on 64.4% completion and 20 touchdowns with 12 interceptions as the Cardinals went 5-10-1 in a challenging NFC West division. Murray was sacked 48 times last year but the team made sure to fix that by extending tackle DJ Humphries and drafting Josh Jones in the 2nd round of the 2020 draft. The team also ranked 28th in total defense last year but spent money to bring in MLB De’Vondre Campbell, pass rusher Devon Kennard, and DT Jordan Phillips. The team also landed possibly the best athlete in the draft in Isaiah Simmons, who is listed at linebacker but can play anywhere on defense. The team retooled the defensive side of the ball but the biggest move was on offense as they traded for elite WR Deandre Hopkins. With this move, the reigning offensive rookie of the year has a good chance to be the 3rd straight QB to win MVP in their 2nd year.
3. Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Penn State RB Miles Sanders with the 53rd pick of the draft. he started the first half of the year behind veteran back Jordan Howard. Once Sanders got the nod to be the premiere back, he was a key point for the Eagles winning the division at 9-7. Miles had 179 carries for 818 yards and 3 touchdowns and also caught 50 catches for 509 yards and 3 more touchdowns. Sanders had the 2nd most scrimmage yards for a rookie back with 1,327 yards. Sanders even had 16 carries for 69 yards in a 17-9 playoff lost to the Seattle Seahawks. Jordan Howard decided to take his talents to the Miami Dolphins and the Eagles didn’t draft or sign a RB. Although the team expressed interest in signing a veteran back, they’re expecting Sanders to take the next step to become the franchise back. With his versatility and the confusion about the WR group, Sanders will have the chance to become a top young back in his 2nd year.
4. Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
After Peyton Manning retired in 2016, the Broncos struggled to find his heir. After struggling to return to the playoffs, the Broncos seemed to have found the next heir in Missouri QB Drew Lock when he was drafted 42nd overall. Denver played QB roulette as Joe Flacco was the starter originally but then had a herniated disk that ended his season. The team then went with Brandon Allen who played a little bit before turning to their rookie passer. He started the last 5 games and went 4-1 as he accumulated 1,020 yards on 64.1% completion with 7 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. It was a good enough sample size for the team to start building around him as they signed former rival RB Melvin Gordon to add to the rushing attack of Phillip Lindsay. The Broncos were also lucky to have top 3 WR Jerry Jeudy from Alabama fall to them in the draft and, also snatch speedster KJ Hamler from Penn State, and added former Missouri teammate TE Albert Okwuegbunam to give Lock a great arsenal. General Manager John Elway also paid money to bring in guard Graham Glasgow from the Detroit Lions and drafted center Lloyd Cushenberry from LSU to give Lock the protection he needs. Although star tackle Jawaun James opted out of playing this upcoming year, Drew Lock has a chance to put the league on notice with his new and improved weapons.
5. Devin Singletary, RB, Buffalo Bills
Devin Singletary was selected by the Buffalo Bills 74th overall last year. He originally came in as longtime veteran Frank Gore’s backup. Buffalo used him as a number 2 or scat (receiving) back for the first half of the year but every week, Singletary would improve. Devin finally got to start for the 2nd half of the year and finished with 151 carries for 775 yards and 2 touchdowns while also racking up 29 catches for 194 yards and 2 touchdowns. Singletary was able to help QB Josh Allen to lead the Bills to their first double digit winning season since 1999. He also had a good performance in the playoffs against Houston with 13 carries for 58 yards and also caught 6 catches for 76 yards in a 22-16 lost. The Bills have added star WR Stefon Diggs to boost the passing game and let Frank Gore walk, leaving the starting job open for Singletary. The team did draft RB Zack Moss from Utah to add to the backfield, but he’s more of a power runner where Devin is a shifty and versatile back. The Bills hit the nail on the head with the young pairing of Josh Allen and Delvin Singletary to lead the team for years to come. With Tom Brady out of the division and Singletary being the starting back, he can take a huge jump from last year while leading Buffalo to a division title.
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