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Top 20 NFL breakout candidates in 2017

By John Buhler

Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
6

Carson Wentz

Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles

It’s hard to say that an NFL starting quarterback can really have a breakout season. We all know who all the starters are anyway. This is the most scrutinized position in the NFL by a side margin. However if any young signal caller takes a leap forward in his play this fall, it would have to be Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback Carson Wentz.

Wentz held his own during a trial by fire rookie season with the Eagles. Keep in mind that he was supposed to redshirt and be the Eagles’ third-stringer to Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel as a rookie. Well, when Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a gruesome knee injury, Bradford was traded to the Vikings and Wentz became the Week 1 starter for the Eagles.

He completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 3,782 yards, 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions as a rookie. Philadelphia went 7-9 last season, but could be a few wins better in 2017. Wentz has the look and feel of a franchise quarterback. He improved as the season went along under the Eagles’ great offensive-minded coaching staff.

Yes, Wentz will need some help on the outside in the passing game to become a more dynamic passer. Landing Alshon Jeffery in free agency helps significantly. Wentz may not get to his first Pro Bowl this fall, but he has the potential to lead the Eagles to the NFC Playoffs should they be three wins better.

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