Arizona Cardinals: 5 Players Primed to Breakout in 2015

John Brown, WR

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals found one of the biggest steals in the entire 2014 NFL Draft when they selected WR John Brown in the third round (91st overall). Coming from little-known Division II program Pittsburg State in Kansas, Brown flew under the radar in the draft process. His lack of size (5-foot-10, 179 pounds) and not coming from a major Division I program allowed scouts to overlook him, but now they are certainly regretting that decision.

Brown is a very talented player who uses his incredible speed and quickness naturally on the field. His impressive change of direction speed allows him to get free against defensive backs, and once he is in open space, it is game over.

He used his natural abilities to have an impressive rookie season, hauling in 48 receptions for 696 yards and five touchdowns. At times, Brown proved to be an incredibly difficult receiver to defend, and became a very dangerous deep threat.

Brown’s production slipped as the season went along, and the way I see it, two separate things caused that. First, the injury to Palmer was a big deal to Brown. The ability to beat the defense deep is the best part of Brown’s game. Palmer has a huge arm, and is one of the best deep ball throwers in the NFL. He is the perfect quarterback for Brown’s game, and if he can stay healthy, it is only going to mean good things for Brown.

Also, because of his small stature, Brown’s body appeared to wear down from the grind of the lengthy NFL season. He admitted as much in an interview with Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com.  “It was kinda tough because like, at the end of the season, my body started going down and I started losing weight,” Brown said. “So, this year I’m trying to focus on being able to keep all this weight on as the season goes on.”

According to Weinfuss, Brown had already “added 10 pounds to his small frame,” and that was over a month ago. Brown is a very talented player, but he must build the size and stamina to become a legitimate threat all season long.

If he can build his body to the point where he won’t wear down late in the season, and Palmer stays healthy, the sky is the limit for Brown. He is a very talented player, and with another year in Arians’ system that fits his skills very well, Brown is a prime breakout candidate for 2015.

Next: An Incredibly Talented Defensive Back