2015 NFL Predictions: 2nd-Year Players Set to Become Breakout Fantasy Stars

Fantasy competitors often like the safety of drafting veteran players or the upside of rookies, but you have to make sure not to forget about the second-year potential breakout stars.  

Players are often forgotten about after quiet rookie seasons, especially when others at the position shine in their place.

However, one only needs to see the jump Le'Veon Bell made from his first to second season to know a breakout year is certainly possible. The Pittsburgh Steelers running back nearly doubled his yards from scrimmage (1,259 to 2,215) from 2013 to 2014 and is now considered one of the best running backs in the NFL.

Even without making this big of a leap, it's possible for some lesser-known players to step up their production in a major way this upcoming season. Here is a look at the best breakout candidates for 2015.

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Minnesota Vikings

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Although he wasn't the first quarterback taken in the 2014 draft, Teddy Bridgewater seemed like the best one as a rookie last season. He played in 13 games while accumulating an 85.2 quarterback rating thanks to his impressive accuracy as well as poise in the pocket.

By the end of the year, Bridgewater seemed to be as good as anyone in the league. In four games in December, the quarterback completed 72.3 percent of his passes at 9.18 yards per attempt. He also averaged 273 passing yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game in this stretch.

This strong finish should carry over into his second year, with general manager Rick Spielman praising the 22-year-old's approach, per KFAN Sports Radio FM 100.3:

With receiver Charles Johnson coming on strong at the end of last season and Mike Wallace joining the receiving corps, Bridgewater will have more options to throw to throughout 2015. This could lead to a big year for the young passer.

Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers

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Jeremy Hill has already arrived as a fantasy starter, while other second-year options such as Tre Mason and Andre Williams might have too much competition in their team's backfield to trust in fantasy. However, Carlos Hyde has what it takes to take a major step this season.

Hyde had a productive first year in the league despite having limited touches behind Frank Gore. The rookie had 333 rushing yards at 4.0 yards per carry to go with four touchdowns. With Gore now gone to the Indianapolis Colts, Hyde has a chance to step up and be the man in the offense.

Despite losing some key players along the offensive line, the San Francisco 49ers still have a unit that knows how to create space up front. Even if it struggles, Pro Football Focus noted the running back's ability to get yards on his own:

His talent and a chance to be a workhorse represent all the ingredients necessary to be a fantasy star.

While free-agent addition Reggie Bush could take away some carries, the oft-injured player only totaled 76 attempts last season and has never scored more than six rushing touchdowns in a year. Hyde should remain the go-to option on the ground and will likely rack up plenty of scores this season.

Jarvis Landry, WR, Miami Dolphins

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Last season was the year to grab a rookie receiver with Odell Beckham Jr., Mike Evans, Kelvin Benjamin, Sammy Watkins and others putting together fantastic years. Even guys like Brandin Cooks and Martavis Bryant turned heads with a few quality showings. However, Jarvis Landry comes into 2015 as the most underrated of the bunch.

The LSU product finished with 84 catches, which ranked 17th in the NFL and second among rookie wideouts. This coming with the now-departed Mike Wallace receiving a team-high 115 targets on the year.

Miami has added a number of options to replace Wallace, including Greg Jennings and Kenny Stills, but neither of them has the upside of Landry. As for rookie DeVante Parker, there are still concerns about his recovery from foot surgery, according to the Palm Beach Post's Andrew Abramson.

Meanwhile, Landry has already received plenty of praise from training camp regarding his ability after the catch, including from Michael Cugno of CBS Miami:

As Ryan Tannehill continues to improve as a passer, the entire receiving corps will benefit. Landry will be the prime example and should have a much better year than many are anticipating.

Eric Ebron, TE, Detroit Lions

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

It was undeniably a disappointing rookie season for Eric Ebron, who finished with just 25 catches and one touchdown in 2014. He struggled to get onto the field and rarely stood out when he was there.

However, he is coming into his second year more determined to make an impact. According to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com, he has developed a better line of communication with quarterback Matthew Stafford, and he is now understanding the offense.

Jeff Risdon of ESPN Radio 96.1 also mentioned him specifically alongside Darius Slay as someone who stood out during training camp:

The Lions drafted Ebron with the 10th overall pick because of his incredible athletic ability and the fact he is a major mismatch in the defensive backfield. If he can gain more consistency with his approach, he could legitimately be a Pro Bowl tight end.

While this seems like a long shot, it is worth taking the risk in your fantasy draft in an otherwise shallow position.

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