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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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Nov 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) walks on the field after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Lions won 26-19. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) walks on the field after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Lions won 26-19. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Taylor Decker

Offensive Tackle, Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions making the 2016 NFC Playoffs wasn’t a fluke. This team is well put together, well-coached, and should be in contention for a playoff berth again this season. The Lions have great coordinators in Teryl Austin and Jim Bob Cooter, as well as a strong franchise quarterback in Matthew Stafford.

One player that played well for the Lions last year was tackle Taylor Decker. Detroit drafted Decker 16th overall out of Ohio State. He might end up being the best former Buckeye to play for the Lions since Chris Spielman. Decker did start all 16 games at tackle for the Lions last year.

Most players improved the most from their rookie seasons to their second years in the league. Decker will have need to have a strong sophomore campaign with the Lions up front. He will have to pick up the slack left by former first round pick Riley Reiff’s departure to the Minnesota Vikings in 2017 NFL free agency.

It’s hard to imagine that Detroit was happy to see Reiff leave for a division rival, but the Lions could have something special up front in Decker. In an era of the NFL where offensive linemen are increasingly unprepared coming out of college, Decker shined as a rookie. Look for him to be excellent in his second year in the league for a playoff-contending Lions team.

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