NFL: One breakout star for each team in the 2018 season

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Jake Butt #88 of the Michigan Wolverines receives medical attention in the first half against the Florida State Seminoles during the Capitol One Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on December 30, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Jake Butt. . team. 45. . TE, Denver Broncos.

Jake Butt didn’t play a down for the Denver Broncos in 2017, but could be poised to make a major impact in 2018.

The Broncos do not have solidified tight end position with Virgil Green leaving in free agency to play for the Los Angeles Chargers, and fourth-year player Jeff Heuerman the most experienced returning player at the position (18 career catches).

ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 05: Jake Butt #88 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a 59-3 win over the Maryland Terrapins with fans on November 5, 2016 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Butt was an All-American at Michigan and drew some really lofty comparisons to future Hall of Fame tight end and new Monday Night Football analyst Jason Witten.

Butt’s well-rounded game and ability to make plays after the catch earned him some day two NFL Draft grades, and he would have definitely been picked in that range were it not for an ACL tear in the team’s bowl game against Florida State in January 2017.

With more than a year spent recovering, rehabbing, and learning the Broncos’ offense, Butt is back to full speed and ready for a breakout year.

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