Aug 12, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) passes during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
While the 2024 college football season has officially arrived, we are still awaiting the start of the year in the NFL, which is set to begin Thursday, September 5 when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens.
When this game kicks off, it will mark the beginning of yet another season for numerous former Alabama Crimson Tide football players in the league, ranging from experienced veterans to rookies. Taking a look at the latter of that group however, there are multiple names that you should be watching for this season that could be set for breakout seasons, some of which are in fact rookies.
Here are three former Alabama football players who could be set to breakout this season, starting with a former top draft pick.
Dec 31, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Stats: 59.8 CMP%, 2,877 yards, 11:10 TD:INT ratio, 39 rushes, 253 yards across 16 games
We begin with the former Heisman Trophy winner in Young who struggled at times a year ago as a rookie with the Carolina Panthers. The former No. 1 overall pick had only a completion percentage of 59.8%, as well as an 11:10 TD:INT ratio, a year ago, and should improve on those numbers in his second season in the league.
Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams celebrates his touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023.
2023 Stats: 24 receptions, 354 yards, 2 TD, 3 rushes, 29 yards, 1 TD
After catching only one pass in 2022 as a rookie, Williams burst onto the scene for Detroit a year ago to the tune of 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns across 12 games. Expect the former Alabama standout to take an even bigger step forward for the Lions in 2024.
John Metchie III, Wide Receiver – Houston Texans
Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III (8) in action during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Stats: 16 receptions, 158 yards, 1 rush, 4 yards
Metchie made an impact as a member of the Houston Texans wide receiver room a year ago, as he had 16 total receptions for 158 yards. Even despite a deep Texans wide receiver group entering the 2024 season as well, Metchie could still have a big fall campaign, potentially surpassing those 2023 totals in the process.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (81) catches a pass for a touchdown as Tampa Bay Buccaneers corner back Zyon McCollum (27) attempts to stop him in the fourth quarter of the NFL preseason game at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
2023 Stats: N/A
The first rookie selection mentioned is Burton, who was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. The former Alabama wide receiver is currently behind the duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the Bengals depth chart, but has the potential to be the third option for Cincinnati this fall, as well as be among Alabama’s top rookie performers.
Tennessee Titans offensive tackle JC Latham (55) takes on San Francisco 49ers defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (94) to give quarterback Will Levis (8) time to throw during their first preseason game of the 2024-25 season at Nissan Stadium Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.
2023 Stats: N/A
Continuing with the rookie trend to conclude this list, it feels likely that Latham will have a breakout year one during the 2024 season. Selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans, Latham is likely to start at left tackle for the team this season as a rookie, and will join Burton as Alabama’s top instant-impact rookies.
This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama in the NFL: 5 former players who could breakout in 2024
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Publish date : 2024-09-04 04:25:00
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