The 2021 NFL season is right around the corner and hopes are high for every player, but not all will achieve their expectations, including these 10 players
Usually, the biggest stories in each NFL season are the players who outperform their expectations. Stefon Diggs, for example, completely changed the Buffalo Bills offense as he was a much better addition than anyone expected.
Then there was the play from undrafted running back James Robinson who had 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Unfortunately, not every player is able to meet their expectations. That’s the topic here and whether it’s a free agent addition, rookie, aging player, or someone taking on a new role for their team, here are 10 players who might not live up to their expectations in 2021.
10. Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Pittsburgh Steelers
Last year, Chukwuma Okorafor got his first opportunity to be a full-time starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers and he did a solid job. A former third-round pick from Western Michigan, Okorafor had just four starts entering the season but was the No. 1 right tackle for 15 games.
Now in 2021, he will take on a new role as he replaces left tackle Alejandro Villanueva. Not only is this a new position for him — and a much more challenging one — but the Steelers are also lost center Maurkice Pouncey in the offseason as well as guard David DeCastro.
That means an offensive line that already wasn’t great in 2020 is replacing two starters and moving their best remaining player to a new position. That’s not the best recipe for success and it’s even worse when you consider quarterback Ben Roethlisberger just turned 39 years old.