It is that time of year, NFL fans!
Predictions are not yet proven wrong so anything goes.
The current category is breakout players in 2022.
These players did not switch teams but the circumstances and surrounding talent around them should yield breakout seasons.
In ascending order, they are as follows:
3. DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
DeVonta Smith, the Heisman Trophy winner, was very much in the shadows of fellow rookie wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals.
His size and durability for a rigorous 17 game NFL schedule were questioned.
Smith had a good rookie season alongside a rookie NFL coach in Nick Sirianni.
He finished just shy of 1,000 yards receiving with 5 touchdowns.
DeVonta Smith rookie stats:
64 rec
916 yards
5 TDs
14.3 yards per receptionThe sky is the limit for Smitty pic.twitter.com/Zi0x4err96
— CorePhilly (@corephilly) April 6, 2022
Jalen Hurts will be healthy and ready to connect with Smith on more and bigger plays in 2022.
2. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins made a lot of waves in the 2022 offseason.
One player that stayed in place is quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Is Tua Tagovailoa going off this season?
(📸 @MiamiDolphins) pic.twitter.com/ZTldTn5wdv
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) April 7, 2022
Tagovailoa got a new coach in Mike McDaniel who was the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.
The Dolphins also added running back Chase Edmonds, but the huge addition was the trade for Tyreek Hill.
Hill is a one-man wrecking crew for opposing defenses so Tagovailoa just needs to get the ball in his hands, and big plays will happen.
1. Justin Fields, QB, Chicago Bears
Justin Fields had an ominous start to his NFL career in 2021.
He was sacked nine times by the Cleveland Browns in his first NFL start.
Former head coach Matt Nagy’s offense did not maximize Fields’ talents.
That is all behind him now as the Bears have a new head coach in Matt Eberflus.
An underrated aspect of Justin Fields' game is the ability to throw down field. Hopefully we'll see more of that this season #Bears #BearDown #NFL pic.twitter.com/4OH5ANRKIm
— The Sick Podcast with Adam Rank (@sickpodadamrank) April 1, 2022
Eberflus is interested in protecting Fields and giving him time to look down the field and connect with receivers instead of running for his life.
Fields has the makings of a franchise quarterback for his team, similar to Joe Burrow, if he is given the resources to grow and develop.
This will be his year to show everyone that too many teams passed on him in 2021 allowing him to drop to the No. 11 overall pick.
Conclusion
Speaking of Chicago Bears (or former ones), the other player that did not make this top three list but is worth seriously watching is Mitchell Trubisky.
His fresh start in Pittsburgh under Mike Tomlin could be just the change of scenery that his career needs for a resurgence.
He does not seem intimidated by following Ben Roethlisberger‘s footsteps so he could have a breakout year.
Mitch Trubisky: "I am absolutely heartbroken, Dwayne has made such an impact on me in a short period of time. He welcomed me to his team with his big heart and infectious smile. I am so thankful to have known Dwayne. All my love and prayers are with his family." 🙏♥️ #Steelers
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) April 9, 2022
Of course, he is now dealing with the devastating loss of his new teammate Dwayne Haskins so we will have to see how he responds to the horrible tragedy.
Keep your eyes on all of these players and see if they turn out to have breakout seasons!
NEXT: Could Tyrod Taylor Beat Out Daniel Jones As The Starter?