NFL Season 2015: Derek Carr Leads Top Breakout Candidates

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Nov 16, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) rushes against Cleveland Browns tackle Joe Thomas (73) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Texans won 23-7. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

EDGE: Jadeveon Clowney (Houston Texans)

Was it the pressure of being the most highly anticipated rookie to come out of college in 10 years? Maybe. Mostly though it was an inability to stay on the field. Jadeveon Clowney has finally had time to get his body healthy and comes in with a fresh start in 2015. He’s still young and plays on a Houston Texans defense where all the attention will go to J.J. Watt. There is no reason to put extra pressure on himself moving forward, which should lead to better days given the number of single blocks he’s sure to see in the coming months.

CB: Kyle Fuller (Chicago Bears)

It was a hot start for cornerback Kyle Fuller in 2014 with three interceptions in two games. However, offenses soon began to adjust to him and his rookie inexperience began to seep through the cracks. Combined with nagging injuries and poor coaching, he never really had a chance. Now the Chicago Bears are under new management with John Fox and Vic Fangio, which puts Fuller in the best possible situation to maximize his considerable talents.

S: Calvin Pryor (New York Jets)

Part of succeeding in the NFL is not just being smart or talented, it’s also about the players around you. Calvin Pryor didn’t get much help from what was largely a deficient New York Jets secondary his first year on the field. That might explain his lack of playmaking with just two passes defended, a half sack and no interception. Don’t expect that to continue now that he has Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie protecting the boundaries. That should free Pryor up to do what he does best by playing aggressive and attacking offenses both in coverage and along the line of scrimmage.

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