Every year, a new breakout player is born in the NFL. Last year it was Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs. In year two, Diggs became an All-Pro and had 11 interceptions and 21 pass deflections.
Becoming a breakout player brings instant stardom, but also high expectations. Some players maintain those expectations, while others become one year wonders.
What it takes to be a breakout player?
Before we dive into the list lets answer the question, what does it take to become a breakout player?
Becoming a breakout player doesn’t just happen overnight. What defines a breakout player is their willingness to become great. They work hard in the offseason and it shows with their play on the field.
Along with offseason work, having coaches put them in the best spot to succeed plays a big part in helping them ascend to that next level.
But without a further ado, here are my breakout defensive candidates for 2022.
4. Dre’Mont Jones, Defensive End Denver Broncos
Dre’Mont Jones has been an under radar player the last three years. He was drafted in a star studded defensive class in 2019 that had Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams, Devin White and Jeffrey Simmons
In three seasons, Jones has a career total of 15.5 sacks, reaching 6.5 in 2020 and 5.5 in 2021. Jones is more of a situational pass rusher and has only played 63% and 59% of snaps on defense the last two years.
The third rounder out of Ohio State play has been overshadowed playing with the likes of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb in his career.
Denver will be in the limelight heavy this season after trading for future hall of fame quarterback Russell Wilson. Then at that the AFC West this year will go down to the wire with all four teams being playoff contenders. So don’t be surprise if you hear Jones name mentioned more often on Sundays.
3. Javon Kinlaw, Defense Tackle San Francisco 49ers
In 2021, Niner fans didn’t get see much out of Javon Kinlaw due to him undergoing season ending knee surgery. In the four games he did play Kinlaw had eight tackles and just one quarterback hit.
It has been nothing but positive comments coming out of Niner training camp in Santa Clara about Kinlaw. Niner defensive coordinator Demeco Ryans has raved about Kinlaw, especially on his work ethic and attention to detail.
Javon Kinlaw update from Demeco Ryans pic.twitter.com/y1UTE4IlJc
— John Chapman (@JL_Chapman) August 7, 2022
Some have forgotten about Kinlaw due to his injury last year, but the 6’6 320lb lineman will look to show people why he was the 14th pick in 2020. Its’s possible that Kinlaw could be the next great lineman in San Francisco, but we will have to wait and see come the regular season.
2. Jaycee Horn, Cornerback Carolina Panthers
When Jaycee Horn was on the field last year he looked more like a season veteran rather than a rookie. Even though it was three games Horn was on trajectory to have a phenomenal rookie season. Before he broke his foot in week three Horn allowed a passer rating of 39.6.
For the ones who don’t remember, Horn was the first defensive player selected in the 2021 NFL draft. He was taken over fellow rookies corner Patrick Surtain ll and All-Pro and linebacker Micah Parsons. Horn has a lot to prove this season with his return, and will play a big a part in a Carolina defense that is becoming one of the best in the league.
1. Chase Young, Edge Washington Commanders
Young’s season came to an abrupt end after he tore his ACL week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year. In only nine games Young had 26 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two force fumbles, and four QB hits.
Young is an electric young player and when he healthy he is must see TV. I understand Young’s stats are not the most eye popping, but he is an impact player that defensive coordinators have to game plan for every Sunday.
Currently Young is on the PUP(physically unable to perform) list, and more than likely will not play in the Commanders week one matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Once the Commanders feel Young is ready, he will rejoin a Washington front that includes Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.
For More Great Football Content
Follow us on Twitter at @GridironHeroics for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Football news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
