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

By George Stockburger

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 31: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 31: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 13: Defensive end Takkarist McKinley #98 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts to their 10-15 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 13: Defensive end Takkarist McKinley #98 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts to their 10-15 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

44. . DE, Atlanta Falcons. . Takk McKinley. . team

One could argue the breakout was long underway even before Takkarist McKinley ended up on this list. The Falcons 1st round pick had six sacks in the final nine games he played last season including one in each of their playoff games. The edge rusher is fully healthy and only growing in confidence.

Given the fact he’s rushing across from Vic Beasley, the prospects for a major breakout are far easier to envision.

He could be the main cog in what might be one of the best defenses in the NFL this season. It comes down to whether he’s able to stave off the injury bug.

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