2015 NFL Season: Sophomore Breakout Candidates
By Erik Lambert
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Not every prospect can be the Odell Beckham or C.J. Mosley of their draft class. That is to say, an immediate success. For others it takes a little more time. Typically another year of experience. So who among the second-year NFL newcomers are poised for breakout seasons in 2015?
Kyle Fuller
Things started off great for Kyle Fuller last year when he was forced into the lineup to relieve an injured Charles Tillman. He snared three interceptions in two weeks and racked up tackles like a linebacker. However, injuries and inexperience soon caught up to him as he leveled off for the Chicago Bears down the stretch. Now though he has so many more advantages including more talent around him as well as infinitely better coaches including John Fox and Vic Fangio. There is no reason to doubt Fuller will be able to put a complete season together this time.
Derek Carr
All the praise was heaped on Teddy Bridgewater last season but people overlooked how well Derek Carr performed despite playing on a bad Oakland Raiders team (3,270 yards, 21 TDs, 12 INTs). The kid has worlds of talent, plenty of smarts and charisma and now a more proven coaching staff around him who understand what they have to do to make him better. Namely give him more weapons. If they do that, Carr could help the Silver and Black wreak some havoc on the AFC West.
Eric Ebron
His rookie season had its share of health problems but Eric Ebron seemed to struggle finding a place in the offense between Megatron and Golden Tate. Still, it doesn’t make him any less talented than he was coming out of North Carolina. He seemed to play better towards the end of the season and should be more comfortable in the offense and with quarterback Matthew Stafford. If he stays healthy, he could become that threat down the middle the team envisioned him to be.
Brandin Cooks
He had some nice games in 2014, but given the hype that followed Brandin Cooks from Oregon State one has to think he underachieved a bit with the New Orleans Saints. Then again, he was a rookie so there was a built in excuse. He played much better down the stretch including a two-TD performance against the Packers and now, almost by default has become the best option Drew Brees has. That should translate to better performances.
Dee Ford
When you have Justin Houston and Tamba Hali in front of you on the depth chart, it’s hard to make an impact. That is what happened to Dee Ford last season. The young outside linebacker was a reserve all season, collecting just 1.5 sacks. Even so, with Hali turning 32 there is a serious likelihood that Ford will see lots more action in 2015. If he’s as good as he showed coming out of Auburn then it should yield results.