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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Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
14

Shaq Lawson

Defensive End, Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills’ 2016 first round pick in defensive end Shaq Lawson had to fight through injuries in his first season in the league. He was a former standout pass rusher for Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers. Shoulder surgery in the 2016 offseason limited Lawson’s overall effectiveness in his first year in Orchard Park.

Lawson still played in 10 games for the 2016 Bills and recorded two sacks. We should be expecting big things from Lawson in his second NFL season for several reasons. Most NFL players see their biggest leap forward coming between years one and two. Lawson should have a full offseason to recover and get his body back to good.

Keep in mind that the Bills inherit a new defensive-minded head coach in Sean McDermott. While he specializes in coaching secondaries, he will want a vaunted pass rush to get the Bills defense off the ground. Buffalo largely underwhelmed defensively last year despite having above-average talent across the board.

The middle of the pack in the AFC is totally up for grabs. Buffalo has hovered around .500 the last few years. If McDermott can get the most out of the defensive players that general manager Doug Whaley drafted, Buffalo could win as many as 10 games next year and earn an AFC Wild Card berth. Lawson has to come up big for the Bills to reach the AFC Playoffs.

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