Although the 2023 NFL season is still a few months away, it’s never too early to plan ahead. With free agency and the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror, we have a better understanding of the roster makeup for all 32 NFL clubs, and if you are a fan, you’ve most likely begun your fantasy football research.
It’s a known ritual that journalists and fans alike spend this time of year in the NFL attempting to stay ahead of storylines. If you’re strong at predicting the future, you may make a lot of money at sportsbooks that offer many ways to bet on NFL games online or dominate your fantasy league.
Several NFL players had breakout seasons last season, including Geno Smith, Jalen Hurts, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, and Talanoa Hufanga. In 2022, each of these players was crucial to their respective teams. For the 2023 NFL season, it remains to be seen which players will take significant steps ahead and make a season to remember.
For that, we’ll are examining seven NFL players who are poised for a breakout season this 2023 in the sections below.
(1) Kenny Pickett
The Steelers boast an incredible record of 19 straight seasons without a losing record, one short of tying the Super Bowl Era record. Last year, Pittsburgh came back from a 2-6 start to finish 9-8. The Steelers, however, needed to win their final four games to reach nine victories!
In terms of NFL rankings, Kenny Pickett’s average of 184.9 passing yards per game placed him at the 28th position, while his seven passing touchdowns were positioned at 33rd. The numbers aren’t particularly outstanding, but Pickett showed plenty of promise in 2022. Pickett’s first season was split in two. He threw one interception in his final eight games after tossing eight in his first five. Maybe his breakthrough has already begun.
Pickett had three fourth-quarter comebacks and four “game-winning drives” between Weeks 10 and 17. Two of them came back-to-back in Weeks 16 and 17 to keep the Steelers in the win column. When called upon late in the season, Pickett proved himself as a rookie for the Steelers in the quarter wherein he performed brilliantly well, and that itself, is something to write home about.
Pickett is very much a candidate to make a significant second-year jump with several offensive line upgrades and threats in the likes of Diontae Johnson, the youthful George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Najee Harris, and Jaylen Warren.
(2) Kadarius Toney
I suppose it’s about time. After joining the Chiefs at the trade deadline, Toney only caught 14 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns in seven regular-season games, but he did play a major part in the Super Bowl LVII victory with a touchdown reception and the longest punt return in Super Bowl history.
Toney is anticipated to be a steady contributor to the offense in 2023 now that JuJu Smith-Schuster is gone. Brett Veach, the general manager of the Chiefs, believes that Toney will play a significant role going ahead even if he is mostly viewed as a gadget player rather than a classic WR1.
(3) Abraham Lucas
The Seahawks likely had the finest freshman class last year, led by the likes of cornerback Tariq Woolen, running back Kenneth Walker, and left lineman Charles Cross, who bagged the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Abraham Lucas, a right tackle, deserves to be listed among those famous players, though.
According to PFF, Lucas started all 16 of the games he took part in last year and recorded nine sacks in 975 offensive snaps. This earned him a grade of 68.5 PFF. While recording more sacks per snap than his teammate, Cross, who had a lower PFF grade (63.7), and allowed 20 more pressure than Lucas, writes SI.com.
While Lucas is on his way to becoming a Pro Bowler, I strongly look forward to the upcoming 2023 season being a breakout season for him.
(4) Chigoziem Okonkwo
Treylon Burks of the Titans could easily fill this spot, but I’m more interested in Tennessee’s second-year tight end position Chigoziem Okonkwo. In his first season, Chig Okonkwo caught 32 passes for 450 yards and three scores, proving himself to be the versatile playmaker many expected him to be coming out of Maryland. Against the Chiefs, he showed a brilliant performance running on wheel routes all the way from the fullback position to the backfield working through the middle of the field with 48 passes to his name.
There is no writing off Okonkwo at any moment. The brilliant playmaker joins an incredible list of talented Tennessee’s mediocre wide receiving corps. If new offensive coordinator Tim Kelly wants to improve one of the NFL’s worst passing assaults, he’ll have to game-plan with Okonkwo in mind. Okonkwo and Burks should be focal points in the Titans’ passing offense in 2023.
(5) Nakobe Dean
Dean appeared to be a steal for the Eagles after being taken in the third round, but that remains to be seen. He didn’t play much in his first season because of Kyzir White and T.J. Edwards, although both are currently on different teams.
With 13 combined tackles and just one recorded loss in the 2022 NFL season to his name, Dean could find himself Philadelphia’s starting middle linebacker this season.
Dean thrived for Georgia’s defense, which was probably the best in college football history, despite his little stature. He began the game as a savvy NFL player capable of playing downhill or in coverage. In 2023, Dean has the potential to be a three-down playmaker. It also helps that he is collaborating with so many of his former college classmates.
(6) Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah had 70 total tackles, four passes defended, and two forced fumbles in 11 games in the 2022 NFL season. But that doesn’t negate the fact that he’s a physically gifted athlete capable of filling a variety of defensive roles. There are several reasons why the 23-year-old will have his best season ever in 2023.
The Browns recently recruited the services of Jim Schwartz, whom I believe is an excellent defensive coordinator hire. Schwartz rarely blitzes, is someone, who relies on his defensive line to be disruptive and apply pressure to quarterbacks. That is fantastic news for JOK, in my opinion.
(7) Drake Jackson
Here’s a good one. The 49ers lost two of their top three leading sack creators from last season when Samson Ebukam joined the Indianapolis Colts and Charles Omenihu signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. The duo exits, we believe opens up an opportunity for Jackson to prove himself, who in 15 games (no starts as a rookie), bagged 14 combined tackles, six Quarterback hits, defended eight passes with one interception and three sacks.
Jackson displayed a relentless pass-rushing approach, frequently adopting a two-point stance inside against offensive guards. However, he also showcased versatility by assuming the role of a traditional defensive end, lining up with his hand in the dirt. What made Jackson stand out was that two of his three sacks occurred after the quarterback had gotten out of danger with an initial pursuer. He didn’t abandon the play.
On the flip side, Jackson’s rookie season left room for improvement. He was marked as a healthy inactive during the latter part of the season, including all three of San Francisco’s postseason games. Nevertheless, there is no denying his remarkable skills and potential. With consistent performance, the upcoming 2023 NFL season holds the promise of a breakout year for Jackson, especially under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
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