NFL Predictions 2011: 5 Players Poised for Breakout Seasons

Every football season, there are guys in the NFL that show potential but have yet to fully capitalize on it. This season is no different, and there are many players poised for break out seasons.

Predicting these players isn’t always easy, but there are some guys that are clearly poised to take significant steps forward in their careers.

Here are five guys that will take that next step.

Sam Bradford

The young Rams’ QB showed tremendous poise last season, nearly leading his team to a playoff spot.

He did all that with a pretty subpar receiving corps. Though that part of the equation hasn’t improved much, other parts have.

New offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is an offensive genius, and Bradford will grow under his tutelage.

Dez Bryant

Known just as much for his off-the-field maturity issues as his tremendous talent, Dez Bryant has had a rocky start to his pro career.

He was injured for a large part of last season, and Dallas QB Tony Romo’s injury didn’t help.

If Romo stays healthy, Bryant will have a huge year.

Ndamukong Suh

You could argue that Suh’s rookie campaign last year was his breakout year.

But this season will be even more memorable.

Suh will be even better this season, establishing himself as the most dominant defensive force in the NFL. If the Lions can somehow get to the playoffs out of their tough division, it will be due to this guy.

Kevin Kolb

We’re still not sure what Kevin Kolb will be like as a full time NFL starter.

He showed signs of big things during his time in Philly and having Larry Fitzgerald at his disposal will only make him better.

Expect Kolb to show why Arizona gave him that big contract.

Chad Ochocinco

Another wide receiver whose talent has been overshadowed by his off-the-field antics, the man formerly known as Chad Johnson finds himself in a new city this season.

And he’ll benefit mightily.

Ochocinco will thrive with Tom Brady in the Pats’ big-time offense. He’ll have one of the, if not the, best seasons of his career.