6 Early Breakout Candidates From the 2022 NFL Preseason
The NFL preseason can get written off as nothing more than a few exhibition games. But it shouldn't be overlooked as a platform from which some breakout seasons spring.
The scores don't matter, but for those trying to raise their stock before the season, the games are a proving ground.
They also provide a glimpse into who might have big things in store. With the move to a condensed, three-game schedule, the stakes are higher.
Based on results from the first week of the preseason and training camp reports, here are some early candidates for breakout seasons in 2022.
WR Lynn Bowden Jr., Miami Dolphins
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Lynn Bowden Jr.'s NFL career got off to a shaky start. The versatile Kentucky star was drafted in the third round in 2020 but was traded to the Miami Dolphins before he ever played a game for the Las Vegas Raiders. He has only appeared in 10 games since, having sat out the 2021 season after being placed on IR with a hamstring injury in August.
Bowden played quarterback, running back and receiver during his time in Lexington. He can be dangerous but hasn't put it all together.
However, in Week 1 of the preseason, he showed he might be worth keeping on the roster. Bowden had three catches for 55 yards and a touchdown as well as an 18-yard punt return and 26-yard kick return.
If the 24-year-old is to ever catch on in the NFL and become the weapon he appeared to be coming out of college, it will take a head coach such as Mike McDaniel to make it happen. McDaniel's experience with the 49ers and multi-purpose weapon Deebo Samuel should be seen as a positive for Bowden as he attempts to carve out a unique role in the Dolphins offense.
Edge Baron Browning, Denver Broncos
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The Denver Broncos' pass rush will look a lot different in 2022. After finishing tied for 18th in sacks and 32nd in ESPN's pass-rush win rate, the unit heads into the new season in search of answers.
As it turns out, one of them might have been on the roster the whole time.
This offseason, the club transitioned 2021 third-round pick Baron Browning from inside to outside linebacker, where he'll be charged with rushing the quarterback. The 23-year-old was productive as an inside 'backer with 58 tackles but didn't make many high-impact plays.
That could be quick to change if the preseason opener against the Cowboys was any indication.
He notched a sack while the Cowboys were running their two-minute offense, defended a pass and registered four tackles. The performance caught the attention of head coach Nathaniel Hackett.
"His acceleration off the ball, ability to bend is really good to see. He came out and played free. I thought it was awesome to see. We'll evaluate him more, but he's doing a great job," Hackett said, per Aric DiLalla of the team's site.
With a healthy Bradley Chubb, the addition of Randy Gregory and a breakout season from Browning, the Broncos could be much scarier to opposing passers.
QB Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers
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Trey Lance has been one of the league's most fascinating players heading into the campaign, and his preseason debut didn't do anything to change that.
Incumbent starter Jimmy Garoppolo is the epitome of a safe quarterback. He does well in most efficiency metrics and has a 33-14 career record as a starter.
However, Lance is the ultimate upside prospect, as he has the arm and athleticism to become a star.
The 22-year-old has struggled at times in camp, as David Lombardi of The Athletic reported the second-year quarterback's completion percentage was hovering around 55 percent.
The 49ers faithful should be feeling much better after watching the quarterback in game action.
Lance showcased the strong arm that could open up the Niners passing attack on a 76-yard connection with rookie Danny Gray. It was the highlight of a 4-of-5 performance that resulted in a perfect passer rating in limited action.
The sophomore isn't expected to play in the second preseason game, but he's starting to show that he's ready to take over.
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Edge Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Houston Texans
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Ogbonnia Okoronkwo was a bit of a small-sample-size darling last season. With the Los Angeles Rams, he only had 111 pass rushes, but his 11.3 percent pressure rate was nearly identical to Von Miller's 11.6 percent, according to Sports Info Solutions.
The Houston Texans saw that potential and gave a one-year, $3.25 million deal to a player who only played 28 percent of his team's defensive snaps in his most active season.
So far, it looks like that investment might pay off. The Texans need help rushing the quarterback after they finished 18th in ESPN's pass-rush win rate and tied for 27th in sacks.
Okoronkwo showed he could be that breakout player even at 27 years old. He had a nasty spin move to beat Saints tackle Trevor Penning for a pressure and also notched a sack. A fumble recovery sealed the great stat line.
The Texans found a legit pass-rusher in Jonathan Greenard last season. Now, they need to find a running mate for him. Okoronkwo is making a case to be considered alongside Jerry Hughes, Mario Addison and Rasheem Green.
WR Tajae Sharpe, Chicago Bears
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The Chicago Bears desperately need a wide receiver to break out.
Darnell Mooney showed he can be a No. 1 wide receiver with his first 1,000-yard season and display of speed to take off the top of a defense. What the team needs is a second receiver to be a reliable target for Justin Fields.
There are several candidates to fill the role. Byron Pringle could rise to the occasion after serving in an auxiliary role in Kansas City. Velus Jones Jr. could have a great rookie season, but it could also be a veteran such as Tajae Sharpe.
The 27-year-old showed some chemistry with Fields in the team's first preseason game against the Chiefs, finishing with two catches for 44 yards. He likely earned plenty of trust with a highlight reel, one-handed grab along the sidelines.
He did not suit up in the team's second preseason game because of an undisclosed injury.
It's not common for a player Sharpe's age to have a breakout season, but the Bears' lack of depth at receiver could set the stage for a surprise campaign if he continues to develop chemistry with the young Fields.
LB Mack Wilson, New England Patriots
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Mack Wilson was the odd man out in the Cleveland Browns linebacker rotation last season. New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick should be happy about that.
The fourth-year linebacker saw his snap share shrink in three consecutive seasons in Cleveland. He went from playing 88 percent of the defensive snaps in his rookie season in 2019 to just 21 percent last season.
The Patriots traded Chase Winovich for Wilson in a March deal that is looking good for New England.
The former Alabama 'backer had four tackles in his Patriots debut and showcased his speed with a quarterback hit as a blitzer. It's also worth noting that he wore the green dot, signifying that he was the defensive player in direct communication with the coaching staff.
Wilson is clearly enjoying playing for the coaching staff, specifically linebackers coach Jerod Mayo.
“I love getting coached by Mayo,” Wilson told reporters. “Feel like he’s the greatest coach I’ve ever had in my life at the position."
Mayo might be able to coach the 24-year-old into putting up his best season yet with a change of scenery.
Statistics via Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.
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