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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; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Rex Burkhead (33) against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Rex Burkhead (33) against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rex Burkhead

Running Back, New England Patriots

Rex Burkhead had been sparingly used in his four previous NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He has a former standout in college with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, but hasn’t had his opportunity to shine in the NFL.

Though Burkhead had only 87 carries for 375 yards for three rushing touchdowns in four years with the Bengals, we should expect big things from him. The reason for this is that he now plays for the New England Patriots. Almost every running back thrives playing for the Patriots.

One can connect the dots that head coach Bill Belichick has exhausted the last bit of running back fumes from bruising tailback LeGarrette Blount. He had been outstanding for years in Foxborough, but he may be past his prime in Belichick’s eyes.

Burkhead will be fresher than most fifth-year NFL running backs. He won’t be asked to be the featured back in New England either. Burkhead would play alongside Dion Lewis and James White in 2017. All three offer differing skill sets to the ground game. Lewis is the speed guy. White is the elite pass catcher on third down. Maybe Burkhead can be the battering ram that Blount had been with the Patriots before him?

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