NFL Preview: Potential Breakout Stars of the 2011 Season

Even if the The Labor Organization Formerly Known as the NFLPA comes to an agreement with the league’s owners on a new CBA in the next week or so, abbreviated training camps will likely hamper the chances of any rookies having big impacts in 2011. Still, there are plenty of young players already on NFL rosters that could emerge as standouts during a season that we should be relieved is even happening.

Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers

Mathews was pegged as an early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2010 on the assumption he’d immediately receive a full workload as the feature back for a talented team that had just lost future Hall-of-Famer LaDanian Tomlinson. Unfortunately, durability issues that had nagged him since college surfaced again, and he missed time with a high ankle sprain and arm injury. Mike Tolbert was reasonably effective in his place and also cut into Mathew’s playing time.

Assuming he can stay healthy, Mathew’s should bounce back from the disappointment of his rookie year. Tolbert is much better suited to play fullback and carry the ball in short-yardage situation, while third-down back Darren Sproles will likely leave in free agency. Mathews will have to improve his pass blocking if he hopes to be a three-down back, but most runners struggle in that role in their first season. Chargers coach Norv Turner wants a more balanced offense in San Diego, and he’ll count on Mathews to make that happen.

Matt Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

Like Mathews, Stafford’s biggest challenge has been staying on the field. The former first-overall pick has had to deal with shoulder injuries in both of his pro seasons, limiting him to only 13 games. He’s certainly shown flashes of his enormous potential at times—most notably when he threw for five scores against the Browns in 2009.

He has one of the best receivers in football at his disposal in Calvin Johnson, and rookie Titus Young will help flesh out an interesting arsenal that also includes veterans Bryant Johnson and Nate Burleson as well as up-and-coming tight end Brandon Pettigrew.

The Lions still might be one year away from the playoffs, but if Stafford stays healthy he should finally lead them out of the bottom of the NFL standings.

Jermichael Finley, TE, Green Bay Packers

Finley has as much physical talent as any tight end in the league not named Vernon Davis, with the size and speed to really stretch the field. He was on the verge of a breakout season in 2010 before landing on IR (noticing a theme here?) with a knee injury. He’ll be yet another weapon for arguably the best passing offense in the NFL, a phenomenal check-down option for Aaron Rodgers when Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson are covered downfield and a great red-zone target. He could accumulate 1,000 yards and 10 TDs in 2011.