NFL Offseason 2016: Identifying the Best Breakout Candidates at Every Position

There is a lot to be said about getting better as time wears on. Every player in every sport strives to do just that.

From promising prospects to potential stars, here's a look at the NFL's top player at each position who will take a big jump in 2016.

While a few of these 13 performers may already be household names to some degree, things will only get better for these up-and-comers.

It could be building on a strong finish from 2015, being put in a better situation to succeed or inheriting a starting role. Each of these players showed hints this past season of where he could be headed.

It will all come together for these talented men this fall, with a few elevating their games multiple levels.

Quarterback: Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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When you are the first overall pick in the NFL draft, you're expected to produce in a big way sooner than later.

After a so-so start, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston finished his debut campaign on a high note. He ended up throwing for 4,042 yards and 22 touchdowns while being picked off 15 times. Showing marked improvement toward the end of the year, he threw twice as many touchdowns (16) as interceptions (eight) in his final 12 games.

So what would constitute a breakout year for the 22-year-old performer? How about jumping from the development stage to full-out stardom?

With a year already under his belt working with Dirk Koetter (the Bucs offensive coordinator who took the reins as head coach this past winter), Winston should have a stronger understanding of the Buccaneers offense and should be fully adjusted to the speed of the NFL.

Furthermore, while he rushed for six touchdowns this past season, the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner ran for just 213 yards. Expect that number to climb as Winston gets on page more with his offensive line and Koetter trusts him to improvise more within the offense.

All of this should also make the young signal-caller the first player in franchise history to throw at least 30 touchdown passes in a season. Look for Winston to be the main catalyst for the team's first winning campaign since 2010 and jump into the NFL's elite tier of quarterbacks.

Honorable Mention: Brock Osweiler, Houston Texans; Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills

Running Back: Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers

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In 2013, San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors after a disappointing performance the previous year.

Could history repeat itself in more ways than one?

Look for second-year pro Melvin Gordon (who turns 23 years old on April 13) to put his dismal rookie season behind him with the help of offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt. The well-traveled coach held the same role for the club during Rivers' bounce-back year in 2013.

About three weeks ago at the NFL Spring League Meetings (courtesy of Chargers.com's Ricky Henne), head coach Mike McCoy talked about his young runner's rocky debut:

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He's going to be a better player. I think the big thing for any young player is you're going to learn from your early years. He's going to look back in a year or two and say, "God, I wish I would have known that." … Like all players, whatever you're playing, when you're not having as much success at times you are going to start questioning yourself a little bit and be a little hesitant at times. But he's a very talented player, and that's why he's going to have a great career.

"

A total of 14 contests netted 641 yards rushing and 192 receiving. Gordon failed to reach the end zone in 2015 and lost four of his six fumbles. San Diego's decision to trade up in the first round in April for the former University of Wisconsin star looked like a flop.

But one year does not a career make. Whisenhunt's return to the franchise will be a boon for Gordon. The Bolts finished 13th in the NFL in rushing in 2013 under his direction, compared to 30th the season following his departure and 31st this past season.

Honorable Mention: Duke Johnson, Cleveland Browns

Wide Receiver: Devin Funchess, Carolina Panthers

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For the second consecutive year, the Carolina Panthers struck gold when it came to adding a wide receiver in the draft.

Although 2015 second-round pick Devin Funchess didn't enjoy the same kind of rookie showing that Kelvin Benjamin did one season earlier, the 21-year-old talent emerged as time wore on. He finished with 31 catches for 473 yards and five scores. But after totaling just seven receptions for 90 yards in the club's first seven games, Funchess managed 24 grabs for 383 yards and five touchdowns in Carolina's final nine contests.

Now the one-time University of Michigan standout will be paired with Benjamin, who missed all of 2015 with a knee injury. As a rookie, the now-25-year-old wideout totaled 73 catches for 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns.

Back in late February, Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman told Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer that it's exciting to think about the prospects of two young receivers paired together.

"I had that conversation with [offensive coordinator] Mike Shula two days ago," said Gettleman. "It's certainly fun to think about. But we'll see."

What you'll see is a major jump by Funchess, who will flirt with a 10-touchdown season in 2016.

Honorable Mention: Willie Snead, New Orleans Saints; Dorial Green-Beckham, Tennessee Titans

Tight End: Maxx Williams, Baltimore Ravens

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This offseason, the Baltimore Ravens added some notable veterans in free agency.

The franchise added three-time Pro Bowl free safety Eric Weddle and speedy wideout Mike Wallace, who turns 30 on August 1.

But the most intriguing move was the addition of tight end Benjamin Watson, who is coming off a career year with the New Orleans Saints. The Ravens already have a pair of promising tight ends in Crockett Gillmore and Maxx Williams—the latter a second-round selection in 2015. Last month, BaltimoreRavens.com columnist John Eisenberg summed up the why the signing of the 35-year-old Watson is such a positive.

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And even if Watson, 35, can’t maintain the high performance thresholds he reached in 2015, he can still influence the young guys the Ravens have stockpiled at his position–Gillmore, (Nick) Boyle, Maxx Williams, etc. They’re the future of the position in Baltimore, and Watson is about the best possible mentor the Ravens could have brought in.

"

Williams totaled just 32 catches for 268 yards and one score as a rookie in 14 games. But Pro Football Focus rated him as an effective run-blocker—good news for a Baltimore offense that ranked 26th in rushing in 2015.

The former University of Minnesota star celebrates his 22nd birthday April 12. His total skill set, combined with a little push from the veteran Watson, will be cause for more celebration this fall.

Honorable Mention: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tackle: D.J. Humphries, Arizona Cardinals

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When you win 13 games and a division title, there usually isn't cause for a lot of change.

But the Arizona Cardinals offensive line will look different in 2016. One addition is right guard Evan Mathis, signed away from the Super Bowl 50 champion Denver Broncos this offseason.

Another is installing the 24th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft at right tackle. D.J. Humphries was a healthy scratch his entire rookie year. But head coach Bruce Arians is apparently ready to give the 6'5", 307-pound performer his chance.

"D.J. has really improved," said Arians in an interview in January with Arizona Sports 98.7 FM's Dan Bickley and Vince Marotta. "I would never tell him, but I would have played D.J. without hesitation in the second half of the season."

That's revisionist history. Now the 22-year-old blocker will not only get his chance to show what he can do, he'll be paired with one of the best offensive linemen in the business in Mathis. It will pay off for the former University of Florida standout.

Honorable Mention: RT Morgan Moses, Washington Redskins

Guard: James Carpenter, New York Jets

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There was big news this past week when it came to the offensive line of the New York Jets.

Steady left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson opted for retirement after 10 seasons. General manager Mike Maccagnan wasted little time securing a replacement, trading for Denver's Ryan Clady. The four-time Pro Bowler missed all of 2015 with a knee injury.

This past season, Pro Football Focus ranked 145 guards, and 27-year-old James Carpenter finished 20th with a plus-9.9 grade. In his debut campaign with the Jets, the former Seattle Seahawks blocker started 16 regular-season contests for the first time in his five-year career.

His performance with his new team improved significantly from the previous season. Including three postseason contests, Carpenter was a 16-game starter for the Seahawks in 2014, and his minus-10.8 PFF rating was disappointing indeed.

The new surroundings were a plus for the 2011 first-round pick from the University of Alabama. Just as was the case this past season, Carpenter will be placed next to a Pro Bowl tackle. It did not take him long to adapt to lining up alongside Ferguson.

Now he will play alongside Clady, who when healthy is stellar in pass protection. That was an aspect of Carpenter’s game that he struggled with late in the year. Adding the well-schooled former Broncos’ blocker may be perfect timing at its best.

Honorable Mention: G Andrew Tiller, San Francisco 49ers

Center: Mitch Morse, Kansas City Chiefs

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Rookie Mitch Morse had some big shoes to fill in 2015. The Kansas City Chiefs watched underrated center Rodney Hudson leave via free agency and join the Oakland Raiders.

A second-round pick from the University of Missouri one year ago, Morse made the transition from college tackle to pro pivot—although he had seen playing time at center during his career with the Tigers.

Pro Football Focus tells us the 23-year-old blocker needs some work in terms of pass protection. But he did well when it came to the run—good news for a team that finished sixth in the league in rushing this past campaign.

Late last season, Andy Reid had praise for his rookie center and hinted as to his future. “He’s getting better every week,” said the head coach to Pete Sweeney of Chiefs.com. “He’s still got a ways to go and he’ll do that—that’s the way he’s wired. He’ll keep working. If he makes a mistake, he normally doesn’t make it twice. I think he’s becoming more confident each week.”

Teammate Alex Smith echoed Reid’s feelings. “He’s come a really long way. He’s gotten a lot thrown at him. We’ve faced a lot of different types of fronts and different things and I think he’s done such a great job learning week in and week out being able to handle all that stuff.”

The key word from the coach is “wired.” Expect a power surge in 2016 from Morse, who is obviously determined to build on a promising debut.

Defensive End: Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Vikings

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Throughout their 55 seasons on the field, the Minnesota Vikings have always had their share of quality defensive linemen, from Hall of Famers such as Alan Page, Carl Eller, Chris Doleman and John Randle, to the current roster that includes Linval Joseph, Sharrif Floyd and Everson Griffen.

The next real find may be 2015 third-round pick Danielle Hunter, who finished second on the club behind Griffen (10.5) with six sacks. The 21-year-old LSU product played in 14 games as a rookie and totaled 33 stops. He was the Vikings' top-ranked defensive end against the run, via Pro Football Focus. More than half of those six sacks (3.5) came in Minnesota's final four games.

Hunter is now just that—the hunter. And he will press 32-year-old defensive end Brian Robison on the left side. You can be assured that the younger defender will be making more than one start in 2016.

Honorable Mention: Kony Ealy, Carolina Panthers; Stephon Tuitt, Pittsburgh Steelers

Defensive Tackle: Sylvester Williams, Denver Broncos

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The defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos led the NFL with 52 sacks in 2015.

This offseason, it seems like there have been just as many departures.

All kidding aside, the top-ranked defense in the league this past season will now be minus starters Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan, as well as key reserves such as David Bruton and Omar Bolden.

But 6'2", 313-pound nose tackle Sylvester Williams returns and is primed for a huge year. The 2013 first-round selection rebounded from a slow start and not only played well in the playoffs, but earned his highest grade of the year (from Pro Football Focus) in Denver's Super Bowl 50 win over the Carolina Panthers.

There's been a lot of bad news surrounding the Broncos the last few months. The 27-year-old defender will carry that aforementioned late-season momentum into this fall.

Honorable Mention: Eddie Goldman, Chicago Bears

Outside Linebacker: John Simon, Houston Texans

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When you feature a performer who has now been named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year three times in four NFL seasons, it’s easy to feel good about this aspect of your club.

But the Houston Texans are more than just J.J. Watt. Outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus, cornerback Johnathan Joseph and inside linebacker Brian Cushing are also key members of the league’s third-ranked defense of 2015.

As is a 2013 fourth-round draft choice of the Ravens.

“John Simon is a guy that we picked up from Baltimore last year that really defines in many ways the type of player that were looking for,” said head coach Bill O’Brien this past summer, per P.D Starr of Scout.com. “He’s tough. He’s smart. He’s in here all the time. He works extremely hard in the weight room. He’s a great teammate.”

In his first campaign in Houston in 2014, the now-25-year-old performer appeared in 11 games, totaled a dozen tackles and 1.5 sacks. This past season, he played in 16 contests and made eight starts. Simon racked up 53 tackles and five sacks—the latter ranking third on the club.

More experience in 2015 led to greater success for the Ohio State product. A third straight year under defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel spells jackpot for Simon.

Honorable Mention: Telvin Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars; Shaq Thompson, Carolina Panthers

Inside Linebacker: Tahir Whitehead, Detroit Lions

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Opposing offenses around the league may no longer have to deal with middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch anymore. At least not as a member of the Detroit Lions, a source close to the situation told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

Now Tahir Whitehead looks like the heir apparent to Tulloch. He re-signed with the club this offseason and turned 26 on April 2. His 2015 resume includes 50 tackles, two sacks, two takeaways and six passes defensed.

The four-year pro will also benefit from the return of outside linebacker DeAndre Levy, who missed all but one game this past season with a hip injury.

Honorable Mention: Jordan Hicks, Philadelphia Eagles

Cornerback: Ross Cockrell, Pittsburgh Steelers

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Pro Football Focus ranked five cornerbacks for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015. Three of those players had positive grades, which may surprise some who watched the club finish 30th in the league in pass defense.

The best of the bunch was 24-year-old Ross Cockrell at plus-7.4, which is not bad for a player who joined the team in early September. It was then that he caught the eye of defensive coordinator Keith Butler. Cockrell spent that first day with the team keeping All-Pro wideout Antonio Brown under wraps.

“I was impressed by it, because he has enough confidence to say I am going to try to cover one of the best wide receivers in the league,” said Butler then to reporters (via Daniel Sager of SteelersWire). “He’s done a good job with it.”

A fourth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2014, Cockrell played in only seven contests as a rookie and was released last August. In his debut season in the Steel City, the Duke University product played in 15 games and made seven starts. He totaled 44 tackles and three takeaways (including two interceptions) while tying for the team lead with 11 passes defensed. Cockrell’s playmaking ability was evident throughout the year.

Cornerbacks Antwon Blake and Brandon Boykin have moved on via free agency. Cortez Allen played in only one game in 2015 and spent the majority of the year on injured reserve. Suddenly, Cockrell is a leader in the Pittsburgh secondary, and it won’t be a shock when the improving player is starting opposite William Gay this fall.

Honorable Mention: David Amerson, Oakland Raiders; Darqueze Dennard, Cincinnati Bengals

Safety: Isa Abdul-Quddus, Miami Dolphins

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He's the one player on this baker's dozen of a list who switched teams this offseason. And the Miami Dolphins hope safety Isa Abdul-Quddus picks up where he left off in 2015 with the Detroit Lions.

The 26-year-old defender played in all 16 games and saw action at both free and strong safety. He finished sixth on the team with 57 tackles. Add one sack, one forced fumble and six passes defensed, and he became a desirable target for teams in free agency.

The Dolphins will reap the benefits of this addition. Abdul-Quddus played his best football in the second half of 2015, starting seven of Detroit's final eight games at strong safety.

Honorable Mention: SS David Bruton, Washington Redskins

Unless otherwise noted, all player and team statistics come from Pro-Football-Reference.com and ESPN.com. All player ratings courtesy of Pro Football Focus. All 2016 free-agent and salary-cap information, contract terms and 2016 transactions are courtesy of Spotrac. Depth charts via Ourlads.