NFL: Cordarrelle Patterson, players sure to breakout in 2014

Dee Milliner, CB New York Jets

Throughout the majority of his rookie season, cornerback Dee Milliner struggled mightily. Despite having the pedigree of being a defensive back under Nick Saban at Alabama, Milliner’s perceived ability to step in and contribute positively as a rookie was sidetracked by his underwhelming performance, and the label of “bust” was being freely used to describe his future with the organization. However, things turned around in a big way down the stretch.

The Jets were firmly out of the national spotlight as the season came to a close, but the 6-foot, 200-pound Milliner made a big impact in the team’s last handful of games. Against the Browns and Dolphins in weeks 16 and 17, Milliner defended five passes in each contest, and his play was reminiscent of the player that New York fans were expecting to see from the opening whistle of the season. As with any young player, nothing is a lock, but the 22-year-old Milliner displayed the ability to make adjustments as the season went along, and if he can recapture that late-season magic, a breakout campaign will be in the offing.