5 NFL players who are having breakout seasons in 2019
While many stars are furthering their reputations as the league’s best, there are a few players breaking into the next tier. They get their due here.
The 2019 season has been one of the best in recent memory as there is no clear-cut favorite in either conference.
The AFC continues to have several of the same faces up top with the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs atop of their divisions. In the NFC, there are five or six legit Super Bowl contenders with a healthy amount of teams just on the outside looking in, as well. Part of the reason this season has been so much fun to watch is that there have been several players who have risen to stardom that have improved the quality of the games from week to week.
Today, we are looking at five of the most prominent breakout players in the NFL on both sides of the ball.
1. TE Darren Waller, Oakland Raiders
One of the league’s biggest breakout stars this season has been tight end Darren Waller, who was moved from wide receiver to tight end by Jon Gruden at the end of the 2018 season. Entering 2019, Waller played in just 22 games, catching a total of 18 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns. But after overcoming some substance abuse problems, he’s developed into one of the league’s very best receiving tight ends.
Through 11 games, Waller has caught 59 passes for 707 yards and three touchdowns. Assuming he can stay healthy over the next five games, he should come close to surpassing 1,000 receiving yards and his first Pro Bowl selection.
2. WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quickly…who leads the NFL in receiving yards? The answer is Michael Thomas. But second is Chris Godwin, who has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career. The third-year receiver from Penn State currently leads the NFL in receiving touchdowns with nine and is averaging close to 100 receiving yards per game. Godwin is an exceptional athlete who is only 23-years old.
However, he is a name not recognized by the national media enough due to playing across from Mike Evans. But at this point in the season, it’s fair to wonder how big of a gap there is between the two players. Look for Godwin to continue to put up monster numbers in Bruce Arians’ offense.
3. DE Za’Darius Smith, Green Bay Packers
Over the offseason, the Packers made it a point to rebuild their pass-rush and did so by signing two under-the-radar edge defenders in Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith. While Preston Smith has undoubtedly been a quality signing, it’s Za’Darius Smith who has been the biggest surprise.
After never recording double-digit sacks at any point in his career in Baltimore, Smith has already brought down the quarterback ten times this season. He’s currently third in the NFL in quarterback hits with 23 and has notched ten tackles for a loss. Smith is proving the Packers right for investing in him this offseason, and he is quickly becoming one of the better bargain pass-rushers in the entire NFL.
4. CB Quinton Dunbar, Washington Redskins
Not many things have gone right for the Redskins this season. However, one positive development has been the play of cornerback Quinton Dunbar, who is currently Pro Football Focus’ No. 1 graded cornerback through 12 weeks. In his nine starts this season, he has totaled six pass deflections along with four interceptions as he has quickly established himself as one of the best playmaking cornerbacks in the NFL. Dunbar is a former receiver from the University of Florida, and it shows as he can anticipate where the pass is going on most routes.
While the rest of the Redskins’ roster might be in disarray, fans can take solace in the fact that Dunbar has played so well this season. Look for the 27-year old defensive back to make the first Pro Bowl of his career this season.
5. RT La’el Collins, Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have always had a tremendous offensive line, but the right tackle spot has been a question mark. However, that has changed this season as Collins has arguably been the team’s best offensive linemen this season. He’s dominated on the right side, both in the run game and in the passing game despite dealing with multiple knee injuries.
What makes Collins unique is his athleticism to make blocks in space, but also to win with power at the line of scrimmage. Collins’ success on the right side is one of the big reasons Dak Prescott is having a career year in Dallas as he has had all day to deliver the football to his talented receiver. As long as Collins continues to play at this level, expect him to make his first Pro Bowl appearance this season.