Meanwhile, NFL teams are laying the groundwork for a new season. All the key player movements and breakout stars from last year will play a huge role in determining how the league’s competitive landscape shakes out. Notable among these are the developments surrounding players like C.J. Stroud, Breece Hall, and Dalvin Cook, along with roster changes that could impact team dynamics.
In fact, even a consensus pick for rookie of the year C.J. He faced split safety coverages on close to half (49.4%) of his dropbacks. This challenge was not new territory for him. Over the course of his rookie year, he experienced a similar trend—42.8% of his dropbacks were against split safety looks. Statistics like these underscore the significance of Stroud learning to adjust his game. He needs to improve his late-game judgment as he moves into his sophomore season.
Breece Hall has become an invaluable resource for his squad. In 2023, Hall set the world on fire with 76 grabs, a true dual-threat running back out of the backfield. While his reception totals did fall to 57 catches in 2024, he’s still an integral piece of the offensive game plan. Whether it’s in the running game or as a receiver, his versatility is on full display. He’s surely one of the top six players to keep an eye on next season!
Key Player Performances
Dalvin Cook is another top-tier talent as well. He finally broke out in 2021 with 1,159 yards on 249 carries and an excellent 4.7 yards per carry. His performance proved once and for all that he’s one of the top running backs in the NFL. As teams evaluate their backfield options, Cook’s past performance will serve as a benchmark for other players aiming to contribute significantly this season.
The Dallas Cowboys shocked the world by announcing that they had extended Michael Gallup’s contract for $62.5 million. Which is why the team as a whole is convinced of Gallup’s unique, extraordinary talent. They are focused on doing the things to keep a competitive advantage in their division by committing to this extension. On top of that, the Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick to select Jonathan Mingo, instantly upgrading and deepening the WR room.
At the time, Brandin Cooks was signed to a two year, $13 million deal with the Saints. This decision represents a notable turn in his anti-public, pro-environment career arc. As Cooks acclimates to a new offense, his speed and experience will help as the Saints look to get more diverse on the attack.
Roster Changes and Strategic Moves
The offseason wasn’t just about which free agents signed where, with some significant trades that could change the balance of power in league competitiveness. Trading All-Pro DB L.Jarius Sneed from Kansas City to Tennessee should fortify the Titans’ defensive core. Sneed’s unique skill set will be key as he steps into the fire with more responsibility in a new scheme.
Despite Ojomo’s outstanding performance last season, it largely went unnoticed due to Williams’ prominent displays. Perhaps the most unfortunate part is that it shows why individual talents are often drowned out by others in a team setting. The coming season should give Ojomo a chance to shine even brighter on a bigger stage.
In Indianapolis, Ryan Kelly faces a wholly novel set of circumstances. Since 2016, he will no longer begin his season as the starting center of the Colts. His absence will be felt as Bortolini stepped in last year and played over 300 snaps at center during Kelly’s injury. This change might prove to be a disruption in the chemistry and effectiveness of the offensive line.
Emerging X Factors
As teams strategize for success in the new season, emerging players like Keon Coleman are being identified as potential X factors. Coleman has an unconventional skill set that would just open up his team’s offense even more. His talent can arguably even change the results of key contests.
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