10 NFL youngsters ready to become stars in the 2020 season

8. Juan Thornhill, S, Kansas City Chiefs

Tyrann Mathieu and Juan Thornhill formed one of the best safety duos in the NFL this past season. As a rookie, Thornhill started all 16 regular-season games, amassing three interceptions, five passes defended, a defensive touchdown and 58 tackles. Unfortunately, the Virginia product tore his ACL in Kansas City’s final regular-season matchup.

According to Pro Football Focus, Mathieu and Thornhill are already a top-10 safety duo. The 2019 NFL Draft produced several phenomenal safeties, and Thornhill looks like he could develop into a borderline Pro Bowler.

7. Drew Lock, QB, Denver Broncos

Lock’s rookie year didn’t go as planned, although it’s hard to say if head coach Vic Fangio had any control over last season. Lock missed the majority of Denver’s season as the Broncos relied on Brandon Allen and Joe Flacco. Eventually, Lock got healthy, and public pressure called for his appearance. Fangio complied.

Lock started Denver’s final five games. The Broncos went 4-1, including an impressive 38-24 clubbing of the Houston Texans. However, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs dominated Lock and Denver in a 3-23 snow game at Arrowhead. Lock finished his rookie season with 1,020 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions.

Over the offseason, the Broncos signed Melvin Gordon and drafted three wide receivers, including Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy. With a new group of weapons, Lock and the Broncos could become Wild Card candidates in the AFC West.