Every year, the NFL sees a handful of players emerge from under the radar to make a big impact, and the 2024 campaign is sure to be no different.
Whether it's a new opportunity on the depth chart created by offseason departures, or a change of scenery that allows a player to feature their strengths in a more effective way, breakout performances can come in all shapes and sizes.
Here are five players who could take their game to new heights this season:
Also see:
• 3 Possible First-Round Running Backs
• QB Prospects Who Could Go No. 1
• NFL’s All-Time Undrafted Team
RB Chase Brown, Bengals
Longtime starter Joe Mixon left in free agency and signed with the Houston Texans, opening up the top of the depth chart in the Cincinnati backfield. Yes, the Bengals signed veteran Zack Moss to replace some of Mixon's impact, but Brown is younger and more explosive.
Brown brings three-down versatility and big-play potential to a Bengals offense that's already loaded with explosive weapons in the passing game, which should open up plenty of room for him to work as both a runner and a receiver. While Moss will still see the ball plenty this year, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations, Brown should put up the better per-touch numbers.
WR Jalen Tolbert, Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb is one of the best wide receivers in the league, and Brandin Cooks is a solid No. 2, but the Cowboys are still searching for another difference-making pass-catcher to help Dak Prescott. Tolbert finally started to come along toward the end of last season, making the most of his limited opportunities.
Michael Gallup was never the same player after his knee injury, and Cooks will turn 31 in September. It wouldn't be surprising to see Tolbert slowly overtake Cooks as Prescott's No. 2 target through the air at some point this season.
RB Jaleel McLaughlin, Broncos
There are plenty of bodies in this backfield who will challenge for the lion's share of the touches in a committee operation, but none have done more with their chances up to this point than McLaughlin. Undersized but tough and versatile, McLaughlin has three-down ability and plays bigger than his size.
Javontae Williams, Samaje Perine, and rookie Audric Estime will all take away from any volume McLaughlin might see in another backfield, but when he's on the field, McLaughlin will be the one proving himself to be the most effective back in the bunch this season.
WR Khalil Shakir, Bills
The offseason departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis left the Bills thin at wide receiver, and while second-round pick Keon Coleman is sure to fill some of that void, it's Shakir who might prove to be Josh Allen's favorite receiver to start the 2024 season.
Shakir isn't the biggest receiver, but he's tough for his size, and has the combination of polished routes, reliable hands, and big-play explosiveness to be effective in any situation. While Coleman and tight end Dalton Kincaid will obviously be heavily involved in the game plan, Shakir should be in for a big year in an expanded role.
RB Zamir White, Raiders
Similar to Chase Brown, White should be the primary beneficiary of a veteran departure following the loss of Josh Jacobs to the Green Bay Packers in free agency. Also like Brown, he'll have a new addition to contend with (Alexander Mattison), but White is the better back.
In limited action last year as Jacobs' primary relief, White averaged 4.3 yards per carry, and he brings a well-rounded blend of size, physicality and explosiveness that make him a tough assignment for opposing defenders in any situation. An increased workload, if he maintains his recent efficiency, could mean big numbers for White in 2024.
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