December 17, 2023; Nashville, Tenn., USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) is injured after being tackled by Houston Texans cornerback Desmond King II (25) and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) in overtime at Nissan Stadium. Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports Every NFL season, players emerge that few expected over the summer.
It’s a physical game and injuries create opportunities (hello Brock Purdy) and players have to take advantage of them when their chance presents itself.
Other times, a player gets a bigger role. Or maybe it’s a player who finally lives up to his expectations.
A number of players are sure to stand out this season, and here are 10 to watch:
QB Will Levis, Titans
This time, there will be no waiting in the wings. After replacing Ryan Tannehill last season, Levis passed for 1,808 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Although his completion percentage was low (58.4%), he showed great competitiveness. The Titans shrewdly acquired him with the first pick of the second round last season.
Quarterback Bryce Young, Panthers
Bryce Young throws in practice for the Carolina Panthers | Photo source: AP Last season’s first-round pick was one of the worst QBs in the league. He completed just 59.8 percent of his passes for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He finished second in the league with three interceptions, which is not a stat to brag about. Oh yeah, Carolina also selected him right before CJ Stroud left for the Houston Texans.
RB Zamir White, Raiders
January 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) is pushed out of bounds by Denver Broncos linebacker Drew Sanders (41) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports The third-year pro will get most of the carries for a team that needs a new running back after the departure of Josh Jacobs. White auditioned in the final four games of 2023, when Jacobs was injured. He averaged 21 carries during that span and rushed for 391 yards, including outings of 145 and 112.
WR Khalil Shakir, Bills
Former Buffalo receiver Stefon Diggs suffered a slump late last seasonand Shakir added 105 receiving yards in the season finale and caught assists in both of Buffalo’s postseason games.
The third-year pro will have plenty of opportunities this season because of his speed and quickness. Shakir should easily surpass last season’s 39 yards, 611 yards and two touchdowns.
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks
November 12, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) celebrates with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) after throwing a touchdown pass against the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports Last season’s first-round pick had good numbers — 63 receptions, 628 yards, four touchdowns — and is projected to be a 1,000-yard threat in the future. He suffered a wrist injury in the preseason that contributed to a slow start to the season.
He averaged just 63 yards and had just 10 yards per reception. He should improve in both categories.
WR Jameson Williams, Lions
Aug 19, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) leaves the field after their preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports Now in his third season, Williams has been a standout in OTAs, and he’ll enter this season without distractions. He missed the first 11 games as a rookie with a torn ACL he suffered in Alabama’s national title game loss in January 2022. Last season, he missed four games for violating NFL gambling policyHe had 24 receptions for 354 yards and should match those numbers in 2024.
C Cam Jurgens, Eagles
THE Jason Kelce Retirement has thrust Jurgens into the spotlight by having to replace a near-certain Hall of Famer. Jurgens, a second-round pick in 2022, backed up Kelce as a rookie, then moved to right guard and started 11 games last season. Now he’s back at center and trying to cut down on comparisons, but he should be a capable replacement for Kelce.
DE/OLB Travon Walker, Jaguars
After a quiet rookie season, Walker exploded with 10 sacks last season, with some feeling he’s only scratched the surface of his skill set. A 15-sack season is possible, as new Jacksonville defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen has vowed to do everything he can to take advantage of Walker’s abilities. Walker could join the top tier of pass rushers.
DT Jalen Carter, Eagles
Jalen Carter appears to have made a comeback this year with the Philadelphia Eagles. Photo source: Getty Images The 9th overall pick in 2023 should be a major force after Fletcher Cox’s retirement. Carter had six sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble return for a touchdown last season and was a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Carter is on pace to double last season’s sack total with his increased playing time.
CB Jaycee Horn, Panthers
The 2021 No. 8 overall pick has played in just 22 games in three seasons. A broken foot limited him to three games as a rookie; he suffered a season-ending rib injury and broken wrist while playing 13 games in 2022; and a hamstring injury left him healthy for just six games last season. He has four interceptions and has flashed some ability, but he needs to stay on the field.
