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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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Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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James Bradberry

Cornerback, Carolina Panthers

2016 was not kind to the Carolina Panthers. They were nine wins worse than their NFC Championship season from the year before. The Panthers offense deserves most of the blame for their downfall. However, one player did show a great deal of promise as a rookie in 2016.

The Panthers took cornerback James Bradberry at No. 62 in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Samford University. While Carolina may have been ridiculed last spring for over-drafting Bradberry, his on-field performance as a rookie could lead to a breakout sophomore season in the league.

Bradberry had 69 combined tackles, 10 passes defended and two interceptions in his rookie campaign. He was gradually worked into the Carolina defense, playing in and starting 13 games for them last season. As a rookie, Bradberry played with confidence in the back-end as the season progressed.

With former Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott going to the Buffalo Bills, head coach Ron Rivera will need to pay closer attention to his secondary. McDermott specialized in coaching that area of his defense. In 2017, look for Rivera to lean on Bradberry in his defensive backfield to have a big year.

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