Breakout Talent for the 2024 NFL Season

The draft has concluded and the NFL training camps are in full swing. And this means we can start checking out the latest trainees and talent lining up for the upcoming season. Yes, maybe checking out potential rising stars is somewhat premature before August, but if you’re planning on placing a bet or two down the line, having early insight is key if you want to make the most of good NFL odds.

What makes them a breakout player?

In order to be added to this list, a breakout player has to be moving into their third season at least. On top of that, players listed here cannot have been made to an All-Pro team or even won an award of any type. Importantly, some of these players are going to get an expanded role which is only going to help them develop and shine (hopefully) down the line.

Top NFL positions

So, let’s take a look at some of the key positions (barring the quarterback as that its own article) and who might be filling these shoes.

Wide receiver

For the Atlanta Falcons, there is Drake London. He was one of the first wide receivers drafted in the 2022 season. He’s got talent in spades and is ready for a jump in terms of the way he plays and the recognition around it. The Falcons also have a new offensive coordinator which might match well with London’s style. With a style of condensed formations, the fact that London has the ability to win both outside and in, might be the key here. He also has more of a bullyball style which matches his size and control. London doesn’t have speed over distance, but as he has strength, he can also be a good blocker and the perfect option to open up the way the Falcons play

Tight End

Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals is the top choice here after he began to develop at the latter end of the 2023 season. Coming into 2024 off the back of that means McBride is already riding high. When it comes to offense, McBride is the man you want. He’s got confident hands allowing clean transitions and good catching abilities. On top of this, he has the trust of teammate Kyler Murray which is exactly what you want to see. And, McBride is a great blocker, though, with other top tight-ends already present, this could give McBride the option to move around the formation to create more interesting options for the offense.

Offensive tackle

There are more than one player to keep an eye on in this position, but we’re just going to take a look at one. Though Bernhard Raimann of the Indianapolis Colts, and Luke Goedeke from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are strong contenders, our money is on Charles Cross from the Seattle Seahawks. Okay, yes, he did have the worst 2023 season of the three players, mostly due to injuries and as such, simply wasn’t at his best. When he does get back to 100% though, he needs to be watched. This is a player who has often looked like a Pro Bowler and has really light feet and great run-blocking ability. Under the new offensive coordinator for the Seahawks, it would be great to see Cross up to his best, especially in this more offensive-oriented environment.

Running Back

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Jaylen Warren is top of the list here when it comes to running backs. It’s a long time coming, but no doubt Warren’s talent is coming to the fore. Like many others on this list, he is a strong competitor with great vision of the game. Not only that, but he plays like every move and action is the one that will win the game — a habit or instinct that may prove true. Additionally, he somehow sees the game unfold, but this enables him to temper runs and let some blocks occur where other players may hesitate or over-commit. With a smartness for pass protection, he has great hands and is poised to be a regular starter. Given the fact that he’s a great all-rounder, the Steelers really have something growing here, and he’s one to watch, especially if you like a good head-to-head bet.

Defensive tackle

In this position look no further than Alim McNeill from the Detroit Lions. Though it took a while to get going, by the end of the 2023 season, it was clear that McNeill is the best thing for this team. He simply is a good defensive tackle. This year he’s paired with DJ Reader, previously at the Bengals, which will make this a very disruptive pairing in terms of limiting efficient plays. If he’s in full fitness, then expect McNeill to be edgy and find all manner of opportunities to create a disorganized run game.

Linebacker

Though smaller and more streamlined than we’re typically used to in a linebacker, Azeez Al-Shaair for Houston Texas is the one to watch. This man is solid across many areas in he games and is likely going to get a more expanded role now he’s at Texas. Not only can he run and pass well, but he’s got some speed and a great attitude that sees him taking on blockers, even when he’s a lot smaller. With this grit and determination, Al-Shaair looks to be a great addition to this team, offering narrower play styles to outfox the opposition.

Safety

Arizona Cardinal’s Jalen Thompson is the top pick here. Right now, Thompson is playing a very wonky scheme in football. Unfortunately, this team really lacked defensive talent in the last season even with all the will in the world from the defensive coordinator. But, Thompson is adaptable. He’s great for all the strange moves, knuckleball pitches, and so on. As such, Thompson is a great compliment to this defense and even make it a little more interesting this season.

Keeping an eye on new players, head-to-heads, and styles of play is key to making good betting decisions. Consider all these aspects when looking at the odds.