Fansided

Each NFL team’s top breakout player in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 15: Chase Winovich #50 of the New England Patriots follows the play during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 15: Chase Winovich #50 of the New England Patriots follows the play during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 03: Mike Hughes #21 of the Minnesota Vikings fumbles a fair catch punt in the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on November 3, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. Hughes recovered his own fumble. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 03: Mike Hughes #21 of the Minnesota Vikings fumbles a fair catch punt in the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on November 3, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. Hughes recovered his own fumble. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings: CB Mike Hughes

This offseason, Mike Zimmer’s secondary saw its share of departures – especially at cornerbacks – be it by the organization (Xavier Rhodes) or via free agency (Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander). TCU’s Jeff Gladney was Rick Spielman’s second first-round pick in April. Mike Hughes was solid in coverage and a special teams’ demon.

New England Patriots: DE Chase Winovich

Of course, veteran quarterback Tom Brady wasn’t the only player to leave the Patriots this offseason during free agency. Bill Belichick’s defense lost its share of veterans and will be counting on youth more than ever. End Chase Winovich made his presence felt on special teams and also contributed 20 tackles and 5.5 sacks on defense.

New Orleans Saints: WR Tre’Quan Smith

Prolific Michael Thomas set a new NFL record in 2019 with a gaudy 149 receptions. And now veteran quarterback Drew Brees has Emmanuel Sanders at his disposal. But there’s also 2018 third-round pick Tre-Quan Smith, who has caught just 46 passes in two seasons but 10 for scores. It could be a banner year for the 6’2”, 210-pound pro.

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