Each season in the NFL is a brand new opportunity for players to prove themselves on the field. Last year, rookie running back Todd Gurley silenced the haters by rushing for over 1,100 yards in 13 games after being one year removed from an ACL tear. Even older players show that they still have something to prove. Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, at 36-years-old, threw for a career-best 35-touchdowns last season.
So in 2016, who will be the players that take it to the next level and have a breakout performance?
NFL Offensive Breakout Candidates For 2016
Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings
For the first time since 2009, the Minnesota Vikings won the competitive NFC North. They proved to be a viable contender in the NFC. They have a sturdy defense, a premier running game under the seemingly unstoppable Adrian Peterson, and now have a quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater who has the ability to lead the offense while limiting mistakes.
One player who will thrive with the Viking’s newfound success is wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Diggs, a fifth round draft pick in 2015, was an under-the-radar player last year. He made the most of his time on the field. In games against the number one ranked defense against the pass in the Denver Broncos and the ninth best defense in the Kansas City Chiefs, he torched them for a combined 216 yards on 13 catches. He has speed, can make plays, and is an exceptional route runner.
Pair Diggs up with the massive 6’2, 221 pound red zone target in wide receiver rookie Laquon Treadwell, and he is destined to get open and have a productive year. If Diggs can continue to replicate plays like the diving catch he had against the Detroit Lions; he is going to be a household name by the end of the season.
Ladarius Green, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
The injury-bug and playing second fiddle to arguably the best tight end in the last decade in Antonio Gates, has had Ladarius Green on the outside looking in during his five-year career. Now he should be able to get consistent playing time as the starter in Pittsburgh.
In his first four seasons as a San Diego Charger, Green has shown promise. He routinely filled in for Gates during time of injury. Last year he got playing time due Gates four game suspension. In 13 games played, Green had 37 receptions for 429 yards and four touchdowns.
This off-season, skill met opportunity. The Pittsburgh Steelers saw their longtime fan favorite tight end Heath Miller retire, creating a gaping hole in the offense. Green jumped at the chance to play with All-Pro quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and landed a four-year deal. Under Big Ben last season, the Steelers were the number three ranked passing offense (288 YPG). Without playmakers in Miller, and also without big play creator in Martavis Bryant, who is suspended all of 2016, Green will see a lot of balls thrown his way this season.
If Green can expand on the glimpses of greatness that he showed last year; he will light up the scoreboard in the black and yellow. He has it all: great jumping ability, big hands, and smooth route running skills,
Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans
Mariota did everything possible last year to help his team succeed. As a rookie, he was accurate, threw for 2,800 plus yards, while throwing nearly double the touchdowns to interceptions (19-10) before getting injured.
To say the least, Mariota’s supporting cast was pitiful. He had wide receivers routinely drop passes (11th worst in drops per team); as well as no running game (25th in yards per game). He was also sacked the second most in the league last year (50 times). This includes being sacked seven times against the Cleveland Browns.
In the off-season, the Titans addressed important needs to help their quarterback progress by adding former 2014’s league leader in rushing in DeMarco Murray, signed talented young wide receiver standout in Rishard Mathews, and drafted offensive tackle Jack Conklin with the eighth overall pick.
Mariota is a dual threat quarterback, who can make a big play at any moment. With another year under his belt and some players around him, Mariota may preform to his full potential and could resemble the closest thing the NFL has seen to Hall-Of-Fame quarterback Steve Young.
Main Photo:
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 20: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans looks to pass during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 20, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
