The Breakout Stars of 2020
Kyler Murray QB Cardinals
Kyler Murray is my number one breakout player of 2020. When a quarterback enters his second year under the same system, it's really important to measure the growth. We get to see what this quarterback is capable of, and I think Kyler Murray has unlimited potential. Kliff Kingsbury looks like he's building his offense around Murray, and that's when we see exponential growth. When coaches buy into their quarterback, we see franchise turn around. Let's look at some of the best quarterbacks in the league: Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Drew Brees, Russell Wilson... all of their coaches have bought into them. With the Cardinals adding DeAndre Hopkins, resigning Kenyan Drake, and drafting Isaiah Simmons; it looks like the Cardinals are all in. Kyler Murray is going to explode onto the scene this year.
Drew Lock QB Broncos
Drew Lock is going to be on another level this season. The Broncos have one of my favorite receivers in the league right now (Courtland Sutton), the best route runner in the draft (Jerry Jeudy), and an offensive playmaker (KJ Hamler). The Broncos also have a great tight end core and got Drew Lock's safety blanket from college. The Broncos also now have a top five running back core in the NFL. Phillip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon are both pro bowl running backs and the best offenses in the NFL have two running back that can tote the rock. The Broncos are going to put up a lot of points this year, I think every team in the AFC West improved this offseason so Lock is going to have some games where he'll need to sling it. While Pat Shurmur may not be the best head coach, he's a really solid offensive coordinator. I expect a ton of improvement from Drew Lock this season.
Miles Sanders RB Eagles
I expect Miles Sanders to be a top 10 running back in the NFL this season. The Eagles are going to be a lot stronger offensively this season. I'm extremely interested to see how Doug Pederson uses Jalen Hurts this year. I believe their will be heavier packages with option plays. Sanders is going to benefit from a heavier workload and you started to see what he's capable of at the end of last season. The game looked like it was slowing down for him and he was the best player on the field for the Eagles on their late season run in 2019. Sanders is going to dynamic in the run game and explosive as a receiver. I think Sanders will be looked at as a top running back in the NFL next year.
Curtis Samuel WR Panthers
Curtis Samuel is one of the most athletic receivers in the NFL, but didn't fit what the Panthers old system was going for. He is going to have a big role under Joe Brady's high powered offense and I see him making plays after the catch. He can be a running back in some packages and on other players he'll be a number one receiver. If him and Teddy are able to build up their chemistry, I see Curtis Samuel being what he was projected to be out of Ohio State.
Cooper Kupp WR Rams
You might be saying, "Cooper Kupp had his breakout year two seasons ago"... This year I think he becomes a top 5 receiver in the NFL. With the Rams losing Brandin Cooks this offseason, Kupp is going to take on an even bigger role. Everybody, including me, are doubting the Rams right now. There is no chance that Cooper Kupp is blocking out the haters, he is feeding off of them. I believe Kupp's numbers will be out of this world and is going to be one of the biggest breakout stars in the NFL this year.
Marcus Williams S Saints
The most impactful signing of free agency may be Malcolm Jenkins signing with the Saints. With Malcolm Jenkins playing strong safety, he will help slow the game down for Marcus Williams. Williams is already a baller, but Jenkins experience is going to help him more than he knows. Malcolm Jenkins is going to provide leadership in New Orleans' secondary and his knowledge will benefit everyone in the secondary. Jenkins' knowledge and film study is going to wear off on Marcus Williams and he's going to be a huge star this year.
