With the 2024 NFL season fast approaching, anticipation is building around the league. Fans are eager to see how established stars and emerging talents will perform. While many eyes are on the quarterbacks and skill position players, several key figures across various teams are set to command attention.
Stars to Watch
Heading into the new season, a few names are already dominating the conversation. Patrick Mahomes, Justin Jefferson, and T.J. Watt are among the most discussed, as they are expected to make significant impacts on their respective teams.
One player who has captured a lot of interest is Cook. The 25-year-old running back is coming off an impressive season with 1,500 scrimmage yards. Over his first two seasons, Cook has averaged 5 yards per carry, demonstrating his efficiency and reliability in the backfield. His performance will be crucial for his team as they look to make a deep playoff run.
Caleb Williams' arrival with the Chicago Bears has been a major talking point. The talented quarterback has already captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, bringing a renewed sense of optimism to the franchise.
Breakout Performers and Potential Surprises
Running back Swift had a breakout year with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, amassing 1,000 yards despite inconsistent usage. This kind of performance has heightened expectations for him as he enters the new season.
In contrast, Jones, a running back nearing 30 with a history of injuries, brings a different narrative. The former Green Bay Packers star still retains top-flight speed, but his role may shift this season as he potentially shares carries with Ty Chandler.
Chris Olave is another player set to draw significant attention. With 2,165 yards over his first two NFL seasons, Olave has shown his prowess despite dealing with injuries. Entering what could be the prime of his career, he has the potential to establish himself as a leading downfield threat.
Tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Cole Kmet offer additional intrigue. Freiermuth, who had 60 catches in each of his first two seasons, dealt with injuries in 2023. Yet, he is growing into a reliable safety valve across multiple quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Kmet emerged as an over-the-middle threat, hauling in 73 catches last season without missing a single game.
Impactful Defense and Offensive Line
On the defensive side, Simpson's consistency is noteworthy. Having started all 17 games twice in his four-year career, Simpson has been an above-average interior lineman. His pass-blocking skills will be integral to Aaron Rodgers' success with the New York Jets.
Linebacker Floyd also makes the list of players to watch, logging more sacks than all but nine players since 2020. After achieving a career-high 10.5 sacks with the Buffalo Bills, he will now join forces with defensive stalwarts like Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, and Maliek Collins.
In the secondary, Williams has had an impressive run, finishing with four interceptions and a career-best 19 pass breakups in 2023. Returning to L.A., Williams is expected to continue his solid performance. Similarly, Amik Robertson and Bynum have shown their capabilities with multiple pass breakups and interceptions, exemplifying high-level play on the back end.
Brian Branch, considered for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, rounds out the defensive players to watch. Primarily manning the slot in his NFL debut, Branch has quickly made a name for himself and will be critical to his team's defensive schemes moving forward.
Conclusion
As we gear up for the 2024 NFL season, the league is brimming with both proven stars and promising newcomers. From dynamic running backs and wide receivers to steadfast defensive players and offensive linemen, the storylines are plentiful. Fans around the league will be eagerly watching as the season unfolds, wondering which players will rise to the occasion and etch their names into NFL lore.
