2024 NFL Breakout Candidates, Every NFL season produces new stars who shatter expectations and redefine team fortunes. As we approach the 2024 campaign, a new class of ascending talents stands ready to make the leap from promising contributor to bona fide superstar.
In this definitive guide to 2024’s breakout players, we analyze:
✔ 10 emerging stars with Pro Bowl potential
✔ 3 second-year players poised for the “sophomore surge”
✔ Historical comps for each breakout candidate
✔ Fantasy football implications of these emerging stars
✔ Why coaching/scheme changes fuel breakout seasons
Whether you’re preparing for fantasy drafts or scouting the next wave of NFL talent, these breakout candidates will define the 2024 season.
Top 5 Breakout Candidates for 2024
1. Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Why He Breaks Out:
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Justin Jefferson commands double teams
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Sam Darnold/Kirk Cousins upgrade at QB
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83% contested catch rate as rookie (best in NFL)
Historical Comp: Justin Jefferson’s 2021 breakout
Fantasy Outlook: WR2 with WR1 upside
More Vikings analysis: NFL Newsz
2. Will Anderson Jr., DE, Houston Texans
Breakout Factors:
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Danielle Hunter opposite him prevents double teams
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Year 2 typically huge for elite edge rushers
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12 QB hits in final 8 games as rookie
Ceiling: 15+ sack season
3. Jahan Dotson, WR, Washington Commanders
Perfect Storm:
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Jayden Daniels’ deep ball accuracy
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Kliff Kingsbury’s Air Raid system
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Terry McLaurin drawing top coverage
Next Tier of Emerging Stars
4. Brian Branch, S, Detroit Lions
Versatility: 74 tackles, 3 INTs, 7 PD as rookie
New Role: Expected every-down nickel defender
5. Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Opportunity: Mike Williams’ departure opens 120+ targets
Athletic Profile: 6’4″ with 4.5 speed
Chargers updates: NFL Newsz
3 Second-Year Players Primed to Explode
1. Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Year 2 Boost:
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Derrick Henry improves play-action
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77 catches as rookie despite shaky QB play
2. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seattle Seahawks
Breakout Signs:
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Allowed just 50% completion rate as rookie
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New DC Aden Durde loves press coverage
3. Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions
Unfinished Business:
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86 receptions as rookie could grow to 100+
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Jared Goff’s security blanket
Why These Players Will Break Out
Scheme Changes That Help
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Texans O-Line: Better protection helps Anderson’s sack chances
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Commanders Air Raid: Perfect for Dotson’s deep threat skills
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Ravens Run Game: Henry forces safeties into box, helping Flowers
Historical Breakout Patterns
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WRs: Biggest jumps occur Year 2-3 (see: A.J. Brown)
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Pass Rushers: Year 2 typically 30% production increase
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CBs: Coverage instincts click in second season
Fantasy Football Implications
Best Values
✅ Jordan Addison (ADP WR24)
✅ Jahan Dotson (ADP WR38)
Potential Overhyped
❌ Quentin Johnston (ADP WR30 – still raw)
❌ Sam LaPorta (ADP TE2 – tough to improve on rookie year)
Read More: 2024 NFL MVP Odds & Predictions: Top 10 Candidates, Dark Horses & Historical Trends
Contract Years Fueling Breakouts
| Player | Contract Status | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| Jahan Dotson | 3rd Year | $20M+/year extension at stake |
| Will Anderson | Rookie Deal | Pro Bowl escalators |
| Brian Branch | Rookie Deal | Starting job up for grabs |
Final Verdict: Who Makes the Leap?
While Jordan Addison has the clearest path to stardom, Jahan Dotson offers the most explosive breakout potential in Washington’s new offense. His ability to stretch defenses vertically with Jayden Daniels’ arm talent could produce a 1,300-yard season. For defensive breakouts, Will Anderson Jr. has all the tools to join the NFL’s elite pass rushers.
For daily NFL news: NFL Newsz
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