10 2024 NFL breakout candidates from the 2023 draft class, including Bryce Young

The 2024 NFL season is only a couple of weeks away, as all 32 league teams prepare to make a push for a Super Bowl title.

While we know so many talented NFL players will return to their regular dominance this fall, there are 10 players in particular from the 2023 NFL Draft class that we're especially excited to see this fall.

Some of these players are well-known names that didn't quite reach their ceiling last fall, while others are guys that we think you'll definitely know a good bit about by the time the 2024 NFL season is over.

Let's break down these 10 players and talk about why they're poised to make their mark this fall.

Arizona Cardinals: T Paris Johnson Jr.

The Cardinals swapping their 2023 first-round tackle over to the left side of the offensive line should officially cement Johnson as one of the true-blue breakout candidates for 2024. Returning to his natural spot on the offensive line and having a year of starting reps under his belt should skyrocket Johnson into the conversation of great offensive tackles, and his stalwart play should help this Arizona offense (and quarterback Kyler Murray in particular) reach much higher heights.

Atlanta Falcons: DL Zach Harrison

Harrison came on strong for the Falcons at the end of 2023, scoring three sacks last December for an Atlanta team that desperately needs more pressure coming from the defensive front. The new Falcons regime has Harrison playing all over the defensive line this offseason, and it's possible that playing with so much talent (Grady Jarrett, Matt Judon, David Onyemata to name a few) could help Harrison rack up his sack numbers and emerge as one of the breakout defensive lineman this fall.

Baltimore Ravens: ILB Trenton Simpson

The Ravens always seem to find a way to elevate their linebackers into the upper echelon of the position, and Simpson feels like the next man up to inherit this annual tradition. He was all over the field in Baltimore's second preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, and we bet that playing next to superstar Roquan Smith will make this one of the best duos in the league by season's end.

Carolina Panthers: QB Bryce Young

You cannot imagine a worse rookie situation for Young than what he had last year, but having Dave Canales as his coach, an improved offensive line and better passing options should help the former Alabama quarterback show more of why he was worthy of a top draft pick. We're not saying the Panthers will make the playoffs, but we do think Young will rebuild his reputation this fall in a meaningful way. After such a nightmarish first season, the only way to go is up for Young.

Los Angeles Chargers: OLB Tuli Tuipulotu

With the Chargers potentially nearing the end of their time with both Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, Tuipulotu has the chance to emerge as Los Angeles' premiere pass-rusher for the future. He tallied 4.5 sacks in an impressive rookie campaign, and having former Michigan defensive mastermind Jesse Minter calling the plays on defense should set the sophomore talent up for lots of success.

New England Patriots: CB Christian Gonzalez

Gonzalez wouldn't be on this list if he hadn't gotten hurt in his rookie season. He was playing like one of the true rising stars at the position before his first year got cut short, and we feel like he's going to jump right back to where he was and establish himself as a lockdown corner. Even if the Patriots might not be very good this year, we feel like Gonzalez will have a Pro Bowl-ready season.

Pittsburgh Steelers: DL Keeanu Benton

Benton has all the tools to be the next monster to take up residence on the Pittsburgh defensive line. His rookie season showed that he meshes quite well with the Steelers' defensive scheme, and he's going to be inevitably elevated by the outstanding talent around him. Opposing offensive lines are going to dread going up against Pittsburgh this fall, and Benton will be a big reason as to why.

Seattle Seahawks: OLB Derick Hall

Hall has earned praise from new Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald for how he's developed throughout this year's Seattle training camp. With the way Macdonald maximized the talent on his defense during his outstanding years with the Ravens, we won't be shocked to see Hall explode onto the scene as a valuable part of the Seahawks defensive line. His production in 2024 will skyrocket from where it was last year (38 tackles, one pass defended), if only by default.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OLB Yaya Diaby

Diaby might technically qualify as a breakout candidate for 2023 with his 7.5-sack season. However, he feels like he's destined for more as perhaps the best pass-rusher on the Tampa Bay roster. He'll undoubtedly start for the Bucs and could very well hit double digits in sacks this fall.

Tennessee Titans: G Peter Skoronski

Skoronski played perfectly fine during his rookie season with the Titans, but he's got the potential to emerge as an elite guard under the tutelage of legendary offensive line coach Bill Callahan. Tennessee desperately needs improved offensive line play to help second-year quarterback Will Levis, and having Skoronski taking the elite leap would be a huge boost for the Titans.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 10 2024 NFL breakout candidates from the 2023 draft class, including Bryce Young