Fansided

One breakout star for each NFL team in the 2020 season

By Nicholas McGee

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 23: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #22 of the LSU Tigers scores a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Tiger Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 23: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #22 of the LSU Tigers scores a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Tiger Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 10: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants gets tackled after throwing a pass against Ja’Whaun Bentley #51 of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter in the game at Gillette Stadium on October 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 10: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants gets tackled after throwing a pass against Ja’Whaun Bentley #51 of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter in the game at Gillette Stadium on October 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings – Irv Smith Jr.

The Vikings relied heavily on two-tight end sets in 2019 and that should continue to be the case in 2019 with Gary Kubiak calling the plays. Not all Stefon Diggs’ targets will go to rookie first-round pick Justin Jefferson, with second-year tight end Smith an obvious candidate for an increased share after a first season that suggested he can be a consistent difference-maker on offense for Minnesota.

New England Patriots – Ja’Whaun Bentley

D’Onta Hightower’s decision to opt out of the season has promoted Bentley into a significantly larger role in 2020. Bill Belichick turned sixth-round pick Elandon Roberts into a success story at the linebacker position and 2018 fifth-rounder Bentley has been productive in limited playing time for New England in two seasons. It is not too much of a stretch to expect Bentley to step in and effectively fill the void left by Hightower.

New Orleans Saints – Tre’Quan Smith

Smith has not realized his potential to this point with New Orleans but has the size, athleticism and yards after catch ability to be an excellent complement to Michael Thomas. With Emmanuel Sanders entering the receiver room, the pressure is somewhat off Smith, who should benefit from the addition of another veteran to occupy the attention of opposing defenses.

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