Marvin Harrison, Jr. (Arizona Cardinals, Wide Receiver)
Marvin Harrison had a solid rookie season last year, but it was inconsistent. Some games Marvin clicked with quarterback Kyler Murray, but in others they just couldn’t get it going. Now in his second year, Harrison’s should have a stronger connection with Murray – one that’s growing every week. Their chemistry could make him the go-to guy in Arizona’s offense, since they don’t have many other weapons. Harrison has the size, skill, and hands to be a true WR1. If he takes the next step, defenses around the league are going to have their hands full. Harrison is also the son of Hall-of-Famer Marvin Harrison who played on the Indianapolis Colts from 1996 to 2008. Between his dad being able to help, and him building a connection with Murray, Harrison could very well have a breakout season this fall.
Xavier Worthy (Kansas City Chiefs, Wide Receiver)
Worthy made a name for himself for speed running the 40-yard dash in 4.21 – faster than the previous record held by John Ross, 4.22. Worthy is very difficult to catch in the open field. This season the Chiefs are going to count on him to try and make the next jump in his career. Basically no other receivers will be taking Worthy’s touches for the first few weeks, since Rashee Rice is suspended. So the Chiefs will rely on Worthy heavily. As of this writing, Worthy has gotten hurt and is out for week two, but is expected to return in week three. (Worthy collided with tight end Travis Kelce in week one causing a shoulder injury.) Still, expect him to come back better than ever.
Jameson Williams (Detroit Lions, Wide Receiver)
Williams is coming off the best season of his career last year, when he hit 1000 yards for the first time. Even though he had a rocky start dealing with a lot of injuries, he is coming off of a fully healthy season and the Lions will definitely have to use him a lot more this season. Williams’ speed and his ability to make big plays is going to show more this season. Being the number two receiver behind Amon-ra St. Brown may hold him back – but at the same time, most defenses will be focused on St. Brown. The Lions are hoping to try and get the number one seed in the NFC again, so they need Williams to step up even more than he did last season.
Drake Maye (New England Patriots, Quarterback)
Quarterbacks usually take a leap in year two, and Maye should do that this season. Maye’s rookie season had highs and lows, but he did show great flashes. The arm talent is there, along with the mobility and the confidence to play in the pocket and to take shots down the field. The Patriots have spent a lot of money to try and build a great core around Maye, giving him many weapons and securing his offensive line. Maye is one of the direct successors to one of the best, if not the best, Tom Brady – so he will have a lot to live up to. He is not the first quarterback the Patriots have tried. Two years ago they started Mac Jones, who had looked promising as a rookie, but that didn’t go well at all. He was even benched by the head coach in favor of the backup. The Patriots are going into this season a different unit and hopefully they can make some news around the league.
Every NFL season has its surprises, but these four players seem ready to take over the spotlight – or at least share it with the top guys already in the league. Then again, all four could put up terrible years or get injured. Then again, there could be different guys who will rise and fall this season.
Stay tuned as I write more about this season! Meantime, wWhat team are you rooting for? Who is your sneaky breakout player this year? Let me know in the comments!
