Fansided

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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Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) reacts with teammates after he sacked New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) reacts with teammates after he sacked New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Grady Jarrett

Defensive Tackle, Atlanta Falcons

Like with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, NFL people already know who Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is. He had a three-sack performance in Super Bowl LI. Jarrett was instrumental in the Falcons’ improving defense last fall.

He is the son of Falcons great Jessie Tuggle and has been tabbed as the Falcons’ equivalent of Aaron Donald. Though Jarrett will probably never eclipse his father or Donald on the gridiron, he will be key up front for Atlanta if the Falcons want to win a Lombardi Trophy this decade.

Jarrett isn’t massive for a nose tackle, but plays with great leverage concepts and a high motor. Atlanta traded up to grab him atop the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Clemson. He takes well to coaching and continues to improve with every snap he plays for Falcons head coach Dan Quinn.

Atlanta is still incredibly young defensively, but could build on last season’s success. Jarrett may never achieve star potential in the NFL, but he looks to be a defensive line cornerstone for Atlanta for years to come. The Falcons needed an heir apparent to Jonathan Babineaux up front. Jarrett looks to be that guy.

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