Each year, millions of football fans and analysts make their pre-season predictions on which under-the-radar players will breakthrough and make a name for themselves in NFL. Whilst many of these will eventually fulfill their potential, there are several others who overwhelmingly fail to live up to the hype. There are always plenty of future stars who are simply waiting to be handed the opportunity to shine, and we have picked out five players who look destined for a breakout season in 2020.
Marquise Brown – Baltimore Ravens
Marquise Brown was the Ravens’ more explosive slot target, and Mark Andrews was big as a slot TE, but Willie Snead showed great command of the subtleties of the slot position in 2019. Using leverage to create space for the quarterback. pic.twitter.com/eWNu8uUU6R
— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 2020
The wide receiver has been plagued by ankle issues over the last couple of seasons and has so far been unable to get a decent run of games. He’s now declared himself completely injury-free, and having bulked up over the summer, he looks set for a big campaign in Baltimore. Despite his fleeting appearances, Brown still ended his rookie season with 46 passes for 584 yards as well as completing seven touchdowns in 14 appearances.
He could be a huge asset to the Ravens, who unceremoniously crashed out in the divisional play-offs last year, despite their 14-2 record during the regular season. With a fully-fit Marquise Brown in the side, big things are expected from the AFC Northside, and at odds of 2.00 with Funbet to secure over 11.5 regular-season wins in 2020, many football fans will be backing them to ease their way into the post-season once again.
Miles Sanders
The Eagles running-back showed a few glimpses of his undisputed talent at the back end of the 2019 season, and all of the signs point towards a memorable 2020 campaign for the former Penn State star. Jordan Howard’s unfortunate injury handed the opportunity to Sanders, who subsequently racked up 1,327 total yards and six touchdowns.
He quickly became the Eagles’ biggest threat down the stretch, and with natural improvement expected this season, he should be able to nail down a regular spot in Pennsylvania.
Will Dissley
The Seahawks’ star has been incredibly unlucky with injuries over the last couple of seasons, and if he can stay clear of any further setbacks in 2020, he could be a force to be reckoned with at CenturyLink Field.
No MRI yet, but “the belief is” Seahawks TE Will Dissly suffered a ruptured Achilles on Sunday, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/0vbrcCCu94
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 14, 2019
During his limited time on the field, Dissley has posted fantastic numbers, with 31 passes for 418 yards and six touchdowns. He has significant potential, and if he can cope with the physical demands of a full season, he will surely become one of the league’s highest-performing tight ends.
Darius Slayton
Fifth-round pick Darius Slayton exceeded all expectations in 2019, and he is widely predicted to take another huge step forward this season. He caught 48 passes for 740 yards last year, making him the Giants’ leading receiver, and although it was a hugely disappointing campaign for Dave Gettleman’s side, the Georgia-born star was one of the few success stories to come out of a hugely forgettable three months.
Marcus Davenport
Davenport was expected to be a difference-maker for the Saints, and the New Orleans side traded away two first-round picks in order to secure the services of the athletic defensive end. He undoubtedly took a step forward last season with 31 tackles and six sacks, however, there is still significant room for improvement.
Injury curtailed his 2019 campaign, but if he can remain fit and healthy throughout 2020, he should be able to make life miserable for the majority of opponents.
With a number of players desperately hoping to put underwhelming 2019 showings firmly behind them, this season could provide the opportunity for a number of future stars to make a name for themselves in NFL in 2020.
