2024 NFL All-Breakout Team, Defense: Steelers, Jags each boast two selections; fear Kayvon Thibodeaux!
Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. In today’s installment, he spotlights 11 defensive players poised to make noise in 2024.
With mandatory minicamp in the rearview and training camp a month away, it’s summer break in the NFL. This is the calm before the storm of another football season, a time to reflect on rosters and project what could be in store for the coming campaign. With that in mind, I’m here to identify players who can make the leap to stardom in the fall.
I performed this same exercise last offseason, accurately predicting breakout years from guys like George Pickens, Tyler Smith, Derrick Brown and Derek Stingley Jr. Of course, not every selection proved savvy — SEE: Kenny Pickett, Kadarius Toney, Nakobe Dean — but that won’t stop me from providing another forecast on future stars.
The players listed below have yet to receive any All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors, but I believe they could garner consideration with their play in the coming campaign.
So, without further ado, here is the defensive side of my 2024 All-Breakout Team.
After amassing 11.5 sacks in his second season, Thibodeaux could become the next elite pass rusher to flourish in the Big Apple. The 6-foot-5, 258-pounder thrives as a speed rusher off the edge — and now he’s in position to really wreak havoc, lining up across the formation from two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns. New York’s blockbuster trade acquisition will command most of the attention as the team’s most established edge rusher, leading to more one-on-one opportunities for Thibodeaux. With second-team All-Pro DT Dexter Lawrence also wrecking shop inside, Thibodeaux could post monster numbers in Year 3.
The ultra-talented interior D-lineman flashed serious disruptive potential in a rotational role as a rookie, despite playing on a dysfunctional Eagles defense that lacked an identity. With Vic Fangio taking over the unit, Carter could blossom as a featured playmaker at the point of attack. Whether harassing quarterbacks up the gut or punishing runners attacking the middle, Carter could destroy opponents at the line of scrimmage, especially given the defensive architect’s history with interior
playmakers — like Christian Wilkins just last season in Miami. Considering Carter totaled six sacks, nine quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and a scoop-and-score touchdown despite logging just one start, the Eagles’ young standout could move into the top-five conversation at his position with a strong sophomore campaign.
