NFL’s Most Improved Players of 2024: 7 Stunning Breakouts Redefining Their Careers

The NFL’s Most Improved Players of 2024 season has unveiled remarkable transformations from players who’ve made quantum leaps in performance. While some improvements were anticipated, others have shocked analysts, coaches, and fans alike. After reviewing game film, advanced metrics, and insider reports, we reveal the seven most dramatically improved players who are changing their teams’ fortunes and rewriting expectations for their careers.

Defining Genuine NFL Improvement

Before presenting our selections, let’s establish what constitutes true improvement:

• Statistical jumps (Minimum 25% increase in key production metrics)

• Film grade improvements (Via PFF, NFL Next Gen Stats)

• Expanded role/usage (Snap count increases of 20%+)

• Contract year performance (Eliminated to avoid distortion)

According to performance analysts at NFL Newsz, legitimate breakout seasons typically feature:

• 68% average increase in “big play” creation

• 42% improvement in consistency metrics

• 91% correlation with offseason training changes

1. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Resurrection:

• TD%: 5.8 (2023) → 7.1 (2024)

• Passer Rating: 86.4 → 103.2

• YPA: 6.8 → 8.1

• Game-Winning Drives: 2 → 4 (through Week 7)

What Changed:

• Perfect fit in Dave Canales’ offense

• Improved footwork from offseason work with QB coach Jeff Christensen

• Career-low 2.1% turnover-worthy play rate

Historical Context: Most improved completion percentage (+9.3%) since 2018 Case Keenum

2. Rachaad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Breakout Evidence:

• YPC: 3.7 → 5.2

• Yards After Contact: 2.1 → 3.7

• Targets: 4.1/game → 6.3/game

Scheme Impact:

• Outside zone emphasis plays to his patience

• 38% of runs going outside tackles (up from 19%)

• Leads all RBs in screen yardage (247)

Advanced Metric: Elusive rating improved from 47.1 to 89.3

3. Greg Newsome II, CB, Cleveland Browns

Lockdown Leap:

• Completion % Allowed: 68% → 51%

• Passer Rating Against: 112.3 → 62.1

• Forced Incompletions: 5 → 11 (through 7 games)

Technical Improvements:

• Refined press technique with DB coach Brandon Lynch

• Studying Richard Sherman film weekly

• Playing 87% of snaps at outside CB (was slot specialist)

Stat That Stuns: 0 TDs allowed on 42 targets

4. Cole Kmet, TE, Chicago Bears

Revelation:

• Yards/Route Run: 1.21 → 2.43

• Contested Catch %: 33% → 71%

• YAC/REC: 3.1 → 6.8

Development Factors:

• Shane Waldron’s TE-friendly scheme

• Offseason work with George Kittle

• Playing 92% of snaps (up from 68%)

Pro Comparison: 2024 version resembles prime Zach Ertz

5. Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, New York Giants

Pass Rush Breakout:

• Pressure Rate: 9.1% → 18.3%

• Sacks: 2.5 → 7.0 (pace)

• Win Rate: 14% → 27%

Physical Transformation:

• Added 12 lbs of muscle

• Developed spin counter move

• Playing 78% of snaps (was rotational)

Efficiency Jump: 2nd among edge rushers in pressures per snap

6. Jahan Dotson, WR, Washington Commanders

Sophomore Surge:

• Catch %: 53 → 71

• Yards/Target: 6.1 → 9.8

• Deep Recs: 3 → 9 (through 7 games)

Quarterback Impact:

• Building chemistry with Jayden Daniels

• 87% of routes from slot (better matchups)

• 12.3 average target depth (up from 8.7)

Advanced Metric: 3.14 yards per route run (up from 1.21)

7. Jaquan Brisker, S, Chicago Bears

All-Pro Leap:

• Coverage Grade: 51.2 → 89.1

• Missed Tackle %: 18 → 4

• INTs: 1 → 4 (through 7 games)

Scheme Impact:

• Playing more single-high safety

• Blitzing 28% of snaps (5 sacks already)

• Studying Ed Reed film weekly

Historical Context: On pace for best safety season since 2018 Derwin James

Why These Breakouts Are Sustainable

Age Curve Factors

5 of 7 are in traditional “prime years” (Years 3-5)
All showing technical refinement beyond physical gifts

Scheme Fits

4 joined new offensive/defensive coordinators
3 have QB/playcaller upgrades

Health Indicators

All playing 85%+ of snaps (durability proven)
0 have recurring injury concerns

Coaches & Scouts Sound Off

Anonymous quotes from NFL personnel:

“Mayfield’s improvement is real. He’s seeing the field like never before.” — NFC South Scout

“Newsome’s tape is elite. Should’ve been Pro Bowl last year based on this.” — AFC North DB Coach

“Brisker went from liability to best player on our defense.” — Bears Defensive Assistant NFL’s Most Improved Players of 2024

Fantasy & Betting Implications

Waiver Wire Targets

• Rachaad White (RB1 in PPR formats)

• Cole Kmet (Top-5 TE rest of season)

Prop Bet Opportunities

• Jahan Dotson OVER 4.5 receptions (hit in 5 of last 6)

• Azeez Ojulari ANYTIME sack (+140 value in favorable matchups)

Historical Precedent for Improvement

Studying past breakout stars shows these players could maintain elite play:

2025 Contract Implications

Projected market value increases:

• Baker Mayfield: $8M\to$35M+/year

• Greg Newsome: $3M\to$18M/year

• Jaquan Brisker: $1.5M\to$14M/year

How to Identify Future Breakouts

Scouts look for:

1. Technical Refinement (Footwork, hand usage)

2. Scheme Changes (Better fits for skillsets)

3. Quarterback/Playcaller Upgrades

4. Offseason Work Ethic (Verified trainer reports)

Why This Matters for NFL Fans

Understanding improvement helps:

• Fantasy managers find next-year sleepers

• Betting enthusiasts spot undervalued teams

• Draft analysts project development curves

• Casual fans appreciate player growth stories

Read More: NFL’s Most Clutch Players of 2024: The Performers Who Rise When It Matters Most

Final Verdict: Breakouts Here to Stay

NFL’s Most Improved Players of 2024, While some year-to-year improvements prove fluky, these seven players have demonstrated fundamental changes in their games that suggest sustained excellence. Their development provides blueprints for how NFL talent can make genuine leaps through coaching, scheme fits, and dedicated offseason work.

For more player development analysis and breakout candidate tracking, visit NFL Newsz—your premier source for NFL insights beyond the box score.

Which 2024 breakout has surprised you most? Who did we miss? Join the conversation in the comments!