NFL Sophomores Primed to Breakout in 2021
Tua tagovailoa | qb | Miami dolphins
No QB had more question marks coming into his first season last year than Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa. After an injured sidelined his final college year, the Alabama star QB still landed in the top 5 of the 2020 NFL Draft and viewed as the future of the Dolphins. In his few starts last year, Tagovailoa showed glimpses of his accuracy and what could come from his potential in South Beach but it was not enough to quiet the doubters. Now entering his second season and fully healthy, Tagovailoa looks ready to roll in preseason and should have complete command of the offense with no hiccups. If he can remain healthy and continue to relationship connections with his WRs and TEs, Tua Tagovailoa should have no problem making a big leap in the NFL and be recognized as one of the biggest risers come 2022.
Jalen hurts | qb | Philadelphia eagles
Last year the Eagles made the surprising move of the draft when they selected former Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts in the 2nd round with Carson Wentz in the driver’s seat and a firm group on the starting QB job. That grip slowly loosened by the week and in the end the Eagles moved on from the former #2 overall pick from North Dakota State and have moved Hurts into the starting QB position. Hurts is prime position to move a name for himself in the city of brotherly love alongside his former Alabama teammate and Heisman trophy winner, WR DeVonta Smith, and turn the Eagles around into once again a playoff worthy franchise.
Jk dobbins | rb | Baltimore ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have become one of the most dynamic running offenses in the league led by star QB Lamar Jackson and with veteran RB Mark Ingram now in Houston, second year standout JK Dobbins will assume the starting role. Dobbins is a do-it all back who can form a dynamic duo with Jackson and the rest of the backfield and continue to showcase the Ravens as must watch for TV on gameday.
Brandon aiyuk | wr | san Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers’ WR, Brandon Aiyuk, was used as one of the most underrated WRs in the 2020 draft and a near perfect fit for the Kyle Shanahan offense. In 12 games, Aiyuk amassed over 700 yards on 60 receptions and flashed signs of a future go-to target for the 49ers. With a another year in Shanahan’s offense and a healthy off-season, Aiyuk has the opportunity to breakout this year especially if he builds a connection with 2021 #3 overall pick, QB Trey Lance, who may have the most upside of any rookie QB. Keep an eye out for Aiyuk this season.
Darnell mooney | wr | Chicago bears
Next on the list is a late round pick who became a gem for the Bears in Tulane’s Darnell Mooney. The speedy WR stood out for Chicago last year going from depth receiver who could make a couple plays to a bona-fide starter alongside star WR Allen Robinson. With former 2nd round pick Anthony Miller now in Houston, Mooney will look to have a breakout season and hopefully form a great connection with rookie QB Justin Fields for the foreseeable future.
Isaiah simmons | lb | Arizona cardinals
Arizona upgraded their defense last year by drafting Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons in the top 10 as their future defensive signal caller. Simmons is an athletic & rangy do-it-all LB with Pro Bowl upside and the traits needed to be a star defender. In 2020, Simmons only started 7 games and in his second year should have no issues starting all 17 games and the Cardinals’ day 1 starter at LB alongside fellow first round pick Zaven Collins.
Jaylon johnson | cb | Chicago bears
Chicago CB Jaylon Johnson had a great start to his rookie season before suffering an injury that hindered his 2020 campaign. Now that the Bears moved on from former Pro Bowl CB, Kyle Fuller, Johnson is set to take over the top CB role in Chicago for the foreseeable future. If the beginning of 2020 is any indication of how Johnson could play for a full 17 game season, Chicago should have one of the top young CBs in the league.