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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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Jan 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman (19) runs with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman (19) runs with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Corey Coleman

Wide Receiver, Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are young, but could be getting better as soon as 2017. Well, that’s got a lot to do with them going 1-15 last fall. However, there is something about how this organization is rebuilding that football fans even outside of Cleveland can get behind.

Cleveland won’t finish near .500, but could have a few players having breakout seasons. One guy to keep an eye on is second-year wide receiver Corey Coleman. The Browns traded back to No. 13 to take the standout wideout from Baylor in last year’s NFL Draft. He had 33 catches for 413 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games.

Those aren’t terrible numbers, but he’ll have to be better in year two to be worth that mid-first round selection from a year ago. While Cleveland added veteran receiver Kenny Britt to offset the loss of Terrelle Pryor to the Washington Redskins, improvement in the Browns receiving game hinges a great deal on Coleman’s play in 2017.

Fortunately for him and the Browns, general manager Sashi Brown has gone all-in on rebuilding this offensive line. It could resemble the type of front five that was in Cleveland only a few years ago. Quarterback play will have to be better, but Coleman has an outside shot at 1,000 receiving yards this upcoming season.

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