2022 NFL Season: Top 10 second-year breakout candidates

With their rookie season behind them, the players from the 2021 NFL Draft class will hope to come back even stronger in 2022. Although some such as Ja’Marr Chase and Micah Parsons have already made their case as stars, there are still many waiting for their chance.

The second pro season is often a big turning point for athletes, and there is still plenty of potential to be put to use. That’s why NFL analyst Bucky Brooks compiled a list of the top 10 second-year breakout candidates for 2022, which you can view below.

Top 10 second-year breakout candidates for 2022 NFL season

1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars, Clemson

The No. 1 overall pick in 2021, Lawrence may very well want to forget his rookie season. Anything positive out of Jacksonville was marred by former head coach Urban Meyer, who couldn’t even last a full season amidst multiple scandals. Now with a new coach, new weapons and improved offensive line, Lawrence should get every chance to realize his potential.

2. Nick Bolton, LB, Kansas City Chiefs, Missouri

Bolton might have been the best kept secret after logging 112 tackles (11 for loss) across 12 starts this past season. After releasing Anthony Hitchens this offseason, Kansas City will likely be counting a lot more on Bolton in his second year.

3. Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota

Bateman came in with high expectations as a rookie, but had to overcome a groin injury to start the year. He did not make his pro debut until October, ultimately playing 12 games and finished with 515 yards receiving and a touchdown. With the Ravens trading away Marquise Brown this offseason, it seems Bateman could be asked to move into a bigger role. Could that lead the Minnesota product to have a breakout season?

4. Kwity Paye, DE, Indianapolis Colts, Michigan

Paye put together a solid rookie season to finish with 32 tackles, four sacks and two fumble recoveries. Brooks sees the addition of Yannick Ngakoue freeing up Paye to do even more during the 2022 NFL season, and even predicts that he could post double digit sacks.

5. Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers, South Carolina

The No. 8 overall pick, Horn looked poised to become a lockdown defender for the Panthers this past season. However, a foot injury derailed his rookie season as he played only three games before being shut down for the rest of the year. He has now fully recovered and has his sights set on a breakout campaign in 2022.

6. Rondale Moore, WR, Arizona Cardinals, Purdue

Moore is expected to see more targets this season following the departure of Christian Kirk to Jacksonville. Throw in the fact that DeAndre Hopkins is suspended for six games to start the year, and Moore should start out as the No. 2 option behind newly acquired Marquise Brown. Even with the roster fully healthy, Moore should be expected to play the role of WR3.

7. Zach Wilson, QB, New York Jets, BYU

The Jets did just about everything they could this offseason to pick Wilson, last year’s second overall pick, in a good spot to improve. They added another weapon in Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson, beefed up the offensive line and return playmakers Corey Davis and Elijah Moore. Could this be the year that New York finally starts to see some progress on the football field?

8. Gregory Rousseau, DE, Buffalo Bills, Miami Hurricanes

Rousseau put together a solid rookie season to finish with four sacks, eight tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Brooks sees the addition of Von Miller to the Bills roster creating more opportunities for Rousseau, and also believed the second-year defensive end could learn a thing or two from the all-star.

9. Amari Rodgers, WR, Green Bay Packers, Clemson

With Davante Adams now in Las Vegas, the Packers find themselves in search of their next No. 1 receiver. Many believe that could be rookie second round pick Christian Watson, but don’t count out Rodgers. There have already been reports that he is looking “faster and stronger” this offseason, so don’t be surprised if you see him take on a bigger role than he had in 2021.

10. Divine Deablo, LB, Las Vegas Raiders, Virginia Tech

Deablo appeared in all 17 games this past season and made five starts, but Brooks sees him having an even bigger impact in 2022. A hybrid safety/linebacker, the second-year pro could take on a role as a sub-package specialist that enables him to thrive as a box-area defender.