Who’s got next? That’s always the question as we prepare for an NFL season.
We already know about Patrick Mahomes, T.J. Watt, Aaron Donald and Justin Jefferson. Those are the elite of the elite, the stars who will grace commercials and introduce football to the next generation.
But what about the players rising to make themselves household names?
This summer, I spent time talking to league sources to find out who they believe will be some of the stars of tomorrow. The ground rules? The player had to either be a rookie or second-year player, and if they’re the latter, they can’t already have accolades such as All-Pro or Pro Bowl to their name.
Here’s my list of breakout players for 2023.
10. Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Chicago Bears
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A youth movement is afoot in Chicago, and Stevenson stands to benefit. A second-round pick out of Miami (Fla.), Stevenson initially fought for snaps during training camp with fellow rookie Terell Smith but separated as the summer went on, partially due to Smith' being injured.
Entering the season, it appears Stevenson will play the majority of those starter snaps alongside second-year slot corner Kyler Gordon and veteran Jaylon Johnson. With star safeties Eddie Jackson and Jaquan Brisker behind him, Stevenson has a terrific opportunity to shine early on.
9. Malik Heath, WR, Green Bay Packers
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Heath was a long shot to make the Packers’ roster in the spring when he showed up for rookie minicamp, but the former Ole Miss star showed enough to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
While Heath is still toward the bottom of the depth chart, the Packers’ youth at receiver gives him a chance to move up quickly. Outside of the entrenched Christian Watson—expect a big year from him—everybody else is still somewhat of an unknown on the outside. Look for Heath to fight for snaps with Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed.
At 6'2" and 213 pounds, Heath is a big body who could be an ideal target in the red zone for Jordan Love.
8. Jerome Ford, RB, Cleveland Browns
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Talking to people around the Browns, there’s excitement about Ford. After letting Kareem Hunt hit free agency, Ford was elevated to second string behind Pro Bowler Nick Chubb, putting him in line for a decent amount of work.
Last year, Hunt notched 123 carries, most of which will now go to Ford. At 220 pounds, Ford saw most of his action as a kick returner last year, totaling 723 yards on 30 runbacks. Now, he’ll join the backfield on a more consistent basis after only eight carries as a rookie.
7. Evan Hull, RB, Indianapolis Colts
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With Jonathan Taylor demanding a trade out of Indianapolis, and on the physically unable to perform list, someone has to take over in the Colts’ backfield. Enter Hull, a rookie fifth-rounder from Northwestern, who can catch, block and run.
Hull is an all-around back who can complement rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. With the Wildcats, Hull caught 55 passes last year and scored seven touchdowns. Don’t expect stardom, but there’s a niche for Hull to fill as part of a committee approach.
6. Tre Hawkins, CB, New York Giants
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The Giants are bullish on much of their young defensive talent, including last year’s first-round pick in Kayvon Thibodeaux and third-year safety Jason Pinnock.
However, Hawkins is a fascinating name to watch because of his size (6'3", 195 pounds) and how his skills translate to coordinator Wink Martindale’s aggressive style. While fellow rookie and first-round pick Deonte Banks has gotten most of the attention, don’t sleep on Hawkins, a sixth-rounder and two-year starter at Old Dominion with ample potential.
5. Chamarri Conner, DB, Kansas City Chiefs
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Last season, the Chiefs won the Super Bowl with five defensive rookies seeing significant snaps, including three corners. This year, don’t be shocked when another first-year defensive back sees real snaps.
A fourth-round pick out of Virginia, Conner was initially seen by many as primarily a special teams boost. However, Conner impressed the Chiefs with his play this offseason as a slot corner, both in coverage and as a blitzer. He should figure prominently in Kansas City’s crowded secondary, utilizing his versatility as a corner and safety.
4. Abraham Lucas, OT, Seattle Seahawks
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No team had a better 2022 draft than the Seahawks, who selected left tackle Charles Cross, corner Riq Woolen, running back Kenneth Walker III and edge rusher Boye Mafe. But don’t forget about Lucas, a third-rounder who locked down Seattle’s right side for 16 games as a force in the run game.
While Cross garnered most of the acclaim as a rookie, Lucas was a bit more unsung nationally. Yet Seattle is very high on Lucas, believing he’s shown significant growth. Last season, Lucas posted a 68.5 grade on Pro Football Focus, despite allowing nine sacks. Look for that number to shrink in 2023.
3. DJ Turner II, CB, Cincinnati Bengals
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The Bengals’ secondary will look different this year. Out are veteran safeties Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell, and corner Eli Apple. As a result, second-year players Cam Taylor-Britt and Dax Hill will see increased snaps, and they’ll be joined by Turner, a second-rounder out of Michigan.
Turner has impressed Cincinnati with his blazing speed (4.26 40-yard dash) and great ball skills despite being only 5'11" and 178 pounds. While Turner is behind Mike Hilton, Chidobe Awuzie and Taylor-Britt on the depth chart, he’ll get plenty of run in Lou Anarumo’s defense.
2. Brian Branch, S, Detroit Lions
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It was impossible to ignore the effusive praise about Branch around the Lions’ facility during my trip to Allen Park, and it’s easy to see why. A projected first-round pick who fell to the second, Branch was the top safety off the board in April and has looked the part in camp.
Although the Lions brought in a host of new secondary talents, including C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Emmanuel Moseley, Cam Sutton and more, Branch is likely to see starter-level snaps. Branch can also match up one-on-one as well, giving coordinator Aaron Glenn added flexibility in his scheme.
1. Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings
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Is any rookie entering a better situation than Addison? Minnesota has the league’s best receiver in Jefferson playing across from him, and a defense that ensures the Vikings will be throwing plenty.
During my camp tour, Addison stood out as much as any first-year player. He caught every pass while running a variety of crisp routes, showing why the Vikings used their first-round pick out of USC. In short, Minnesota is thrilled with Addison’s talent and potential.
Don’t believe me? Ask Kevin O’Connell.
