The NFL is brimming with young talent and these 10 players should step into stardom in 2020.
Only a few players become superstars during their rookie seasons in the NFL. Most prospects take several seasons to develop, win starting jobs, and build rapport with their teammates. Several second and third-year players seem primed to finally fulfill their potential this season, including a duo of safeties and quarterbacks.
Players received selections for this article based on their years of experience, potential, and outside elements that could lead to success, like playing for a competitive team or an elite coach.
Plenty of other prospects could’ve made this list, but these are the top 10 young players that I believe could become stars in the 2020 NFL season.
10. Johnathan Abram, S, Las Vegas Raiders
Johnathan Abram landed on injured reserve (IR) last year after only one appearance. The rookie safety tore his rotator cuff, ending his season before it really began. The Raiders used the 27th overall selection on Abram, making him the second safety drafted in 2019. The first, Darnell Savage Jr., set a high bar during his rookie campaign.
Abram rejoins a deep safety group that should push the second-year safety as he strives to carve out a spot for himself in the crowded landscape. The Mississippi State product certainly has the talent and capacity to become a star in the NFL. With Erik Harris, Jeff Heath, and Damarious Randall also on the roster, Las Vegas already employs three safeties that served in starting roles last year.
9. Sam Darnold, QB, New York Jets
A poorly timed case of Mononucleosis sidelined Sam Darnold for a few weeks toward the start of the season. It took even longer before he got back into a rhythm. In his first four games back after recovering from Mono, the former 3rd overall pick threw five touchdowns and nine interceptions.
However, Darnold provided a spark for the Jets during their final eight games. He threw for 1,947 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions as New York went on a 6-2 run. The Jets went 1-7 during the first half of the season.
Assuming another freak illness or injury doesn’t strike, Darnold should finally roll into a season without distractions. The Jets poured a lot of time and money into their offensive line this offseason, including the 11th overall pick, which they used on Mekhi Becton. New York also tried surrounding Darnold with new weapons, adding free agent Breshad Perriman and rookie Denzel Mims.