The NFL may only be in Week 4, but certain players are showing signs of breakout seasons, whether it’s guys who were starters making the jump to reliable stars, or players who were previously afterthoughts becoming regular starters. Regardless of the expectations at the start of the year, these players are jumping onto the scene.
Players Experiencing Breakout Seasons
Greg Rousseau for the Buffalo Bills was a first-round pick in 2021 and has always been an above-average edge rusher. He’s hit eight sacks in a season twice and has posted at least five in every year since his rookie season. This year, though, he’s taking the next step.
The 6-foot-6 pass rusher currently ranks first in the entire league with six sacks through three games, also tying his career high with three forced fumbles. The AFC Defensive Player of the Month has excelled so far under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. The DC has been able to scheme and align Rousseau into situations that let the powerful linebacker use his length and frame in his favor. Nobody’s ever called the Miami (FL) product a bust, but he’s quickly becoming a superstar.
Another guy making a similar jump is Chris Olave. Also a former first-round pick and never someone the public titled a bad pick, but this year he’s shown vast improvement. He’s currently on pace to smash his career-high in receiving yards (1,163).
In his first full season as the starting quarterback, Tyler Shough has made it a point to throw the ball to his best receiver, and Olave hasn’t failed him yet. He’s tied for first in the NFL in catches, and sits second behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba in yards. He doesn’t just catch everything; he can turn any play into a game-changing highlight. Olave’s the New Orleans Saints’ best offensive weapon and is turning into a top-five wideout.
Going back to defense, Mason Graham has been dominant in his second year in the league. After recording half a sack as a rookie, the No. 5 overall pick in last year’s draft has shown growth as he takes his game to the next level.
Entering Week 4, the former two-time All-American at Michigan has four sacks. Despite the Cleveland Browns losing Myles Garrett, the defensive line hasn’t lost a step with Graham, who’s been wreaking havoc at defensive tackle. He came into this season bigger and stronger, and it’s all paying dividends. Cleveland as a whole has been enjoying a surprising start to the season, and its young interior defensive lineman is playing a huge role in the team’s success.
Speaking of young defenders on teams surprising the league, Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Hezekiah Masses has been making headlines. The fifth-round rookie made his second career start in Week 3 and played every defensive snap. He secured his third interception of the season, tying him with Jevon Holland for the league lead.
Masses transferred from FIU to California for his senior season and led the country in passes defended, so his on-ball skills have always been there. To do what he’s been able to do as a Day 3 draft pick in his first season as a pro is unbelievable. Las Vegas is undefeated, and having Masses as a ballhawk in the secondary is huge for a secondary that has struggled for the past few seasons.
