TUSV Quick Hitters:

NFL Breakout Players From Sub .500 Teams

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

08/26/2022

With the NFL in the final week of its preseason rosters are being finalized and team prepared for the challenge of the 2022 NFL regular season. Young players across a number of NFL rosters are looking to have breakout seasons, from offensive players looking to cement themselves as upper echelon performers, to defensive players looking to make a name for themselves as they try to impact games consistently. The Unheralded Sports View will analyze three players that are set to have breakout seasons this coming 2022 campaign, highlighting two players from the NFC and one player in the AFC that could make a huge jump in play and production.

Candidate #1: D’Andre Swift – Detroit Lions Running Back

The 23-year-old running back was a 2020 2nd round pick by Detroit and has come in and produced despite a limited role and lack of consistent opportunities his first two seasons. Swift has accumulated 8 total starts in his first two seasons, yet he has managed to rush for 1,138 yards while tallying 809 receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns. Also, last season Swift averaged only 11.6 rush attempts a game and had only 213 total touches, yet put up 1,069 total yards (617 rushing, 452 receiving) and 7 total touchdowns. Thus, with Swift coming into this season as the lead back, his touches will increase along with his production. A player with Swift’s speed, elusiveness, and big play ability will elevate Detroit’s offense in search of more explosive plays. Swift will obviously need to remain healthy, but with a full workload headed his way he is set to rush for at least 1000 yards while contributing heavily to the pass game for a Lions team that will surprise people this season.

Candidate #2: Davis Mills – Houston Texans Quarterback

Davis Mills came to the Texans as a 3rd round pick in 2021 Draft, and more as a developmental QB. By season’s end he had shown enough promise to now earn the opportunity to be the full-time starter coming into this 2022 year. Mills last season passed for 2,664 yards, 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while completing 66.8% of his passes. Mills compiled these numbers after not starting a game until Week 3 and making 13 overall while missing three games in the middle of the season. The 23-year-old also average 204.9 passings yards per game and finished 26th in passing yards, while doing so for a Texans offense devoid of consistent weapons on offense. Now with a year against NFL competition under his belt, his confidence should be high. Plus, add in the fact Houston acquired running back Marlon Mack, receiver Brandin Cooks, and running back Dameon Pierce in the offseason, and he has a few more weapons to utilize. While Houston may not be set up to be an explosive offense, Mills proficiency in the short to intermediate passing game will give the Texans a chance. It is likely that the Texans will once again have a tough time winning games, but Mills will gain further experience that may help him solidify his standing as a solution at QB for the Texans.

Candidate #3: Jaycee Horn – Carolina Panthers Cornerback

As the 8th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, Horn was set to become the latest piece added to a developing young defense in Carolina. Unfortunately, he was robbed of his rookie year due to a foot fracture, but now is back and hoping to showcase the shutdown corner skills he has. In just three games last season, Horn accumulated 5 tackles and 1 interception, showcasing in his short stint how effective he can be facing off against NFL competition. Horn, at 22-years-old, is the son of former NFL wide receiver Joe Horn – coming from an NFL bloodline – and thus has a great example to learn from as he continues into his early career. Now having been activated off the PUP list as of August 1st, Horn has been back at practice and ramping up to be ready for the regular season. It may take time for him to get back to the level he is capable of, but Horn is set to comeback and alongside fellow corner Donte Jackson form a formidable corner tandem that can challenge some of the top passing offenses in the NFC. Horn has all the skills to be a true lockdown corner with ball hawking ability, and hopefully will remain healthy and establish himself as a top tier corner.

The Unheralded Sports View certainly sees these three players as legit breakout candidates. These players will be able to help their teams significantly improve on the side of the ball they play. Whether their breakouts lead to their team winning more games remains to be seen, but they are set up to do their part.