Mazi Smith, Bryce Young, and 8 Other Second-Year NFL Players Who Must Step Up in 2024
The NFL is a league where expectations are high, and the pressure to perform is immense, especially for young players. As the 2024 season approaches, there are several second-year players who must step up and make significant strides in their development to justify their draft positions and contribute to their teams’ success.
Among these players are some of the most highly touted prospects from the 2023 NFL Draft, including the No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young. These young athletes have a chance to showcase their skills, build upon their rookie experiences, and establish themselves as key players for their respective franchises.
From the highly anticipated quarterback to the promising defensive linemen and wide receivers, these 10 second-year NFL players have the potential to make a major impact in 2024. Their performance will be closely watched by fans, coaches, and scouts alike, and their success will be crucial to their teams’ aspirations.
- Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, needs to step up in 2024 to prove himself as the Panthers’ franchise quarterback.
- Young must improve his ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver accurate passes to lead the Panthers to success.
- Supportive offensive line and a better cast around him can help Young become a dominant force in the NFL.
- Mazi Smith, drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, is expected to make significant strides as a defensive tackle in 2024.
- Smith needs to showcase his potential and justify his draft position by contributing effectively to the Cowboys’ defense.
- Second-year NFL players like Young and Smith have a chance to establish themselves as key players for their teams in the upcoming season.
- The performance of these young athletes will be closely monitored by fans, coaches, and scouts, impacting their teams’ aspirations.
Bryce Young, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers
The pressure is on for Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. While his rookie season was marred by a lack of support and a challenging offensive line, Young still showed flashes of brilliance and the potential to be a franchise quarterback. However, he needs to take a significant step forward in 2024 to prove he can be the long-term solution for the Panthers.
Young’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver accurate passes will be crucial to the Panthers’ success. He also needs to develop a stronger understanding of the NFL game, improve his pocket presence, and learn to avoid sacks. With a more supportive offensive line and a better supporting cast around him, Young has the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL.
The Carolina Panthers are counting on Bryce Young to be their franchise quarterback, and for good reason. He’s a talented and intelligent player with all the tools to succeed at the next level. But he needs to show improvement in 2024 to live up to the hype surrounding him and to help the Panthers return to contention.
Mazi Smith, Defensive Tackle, Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys selected Mazi Smith with the 26th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping he would become a dominant force on their defensive line. However, Smith’s rookie season was underwhelming, and he struggled to consistently make an impact. He needs to show significant improvement in 2024 to justify his high draft status and earn a starting role on the Cowboys’ defense.
Smith has the size and strength to be a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line. He needs to refine his technique, improve his pass-rushing skills, and become a more consistent run-stuffer. If Smith can develop into the player the Cowboys envisioned, he could be a key piece of their defensive puzzle. But for now, he’s a work in progress who needs to take a big step forward in 2024.
The Cowboys have a strong defensive line, but they need Mazi Smith to step up and become a reliable force in the middle. He has the potential to be a dominant force, but he needs to work on his technique and improve his consistency to live up to the expectations placed upon him.
Will Levis, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
Will Levis, the No. 33 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the class. He has the arm strength, athleticism, and potential to be a star in the NFL. However, his rookie season was plagued by inconsistency and injuries, and he only got limited playing time.
Levis has the opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback job in Tennessee this season and needs to capitalize on this opportunity. He needs to work on his accuracy, improve his decision-making, and show that he can handle the pressure of being an NFL quarterback. If Levis can put it all together, he could become a dominant force in the league. But he needs to show significant improvement in 2024 to prove he can be a successful NFL quarterback.
The Tennessee Titans have a number of questions surrounding their quarterback position, and Will Levis could be the answer. He has the tools to be a successful quarterback, but he needs to show improvement in 2024 to earn the trust of his coaches and teammates.
Quentin Johnston, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Quentin Johnston with the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping he would become a dominant force in their passing game. However, Johnston’s rookie season was underwhelming, and he struggled to make a consistent impact. He needs to show significant improvement in 2024 to justify his high draft status and become a key part of the Chargers’ offense.
Johnston has the size, speed, and athleticism to be a dominant force in the NFL. He needs to refine his route running, improve his hands, and become a more consistent target for Justin Herbert. If Johnston can develop into the player the Chargers envision, he could be a game-changer for their offense. But for now, he’s a work in progress who needs to take a big step forward in 2024.
The Chargers need Quentin Johnston to step up and become a reliable target for Justin Herbert. He has the potential to be a dominant force, but he needs to work on his route running and become more consistent with his hands. If he can do that, he could be a key part of the Chargers’ offense.
Wanya Morris, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Wanya Morris with the 95th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping he would develop into a reliable starting offensive tackle. However, Morris struggled to earn a consistent role on the Chiefs’ offensive line, appearing in just 12 games. He needs to take a big step forward in 2024 to solidify his place on the Chiefs’ roster and become a key contributor.
Morris has the size and athleticism to be a successful offensive tackle in the NFL. He needs to refine his technique, improve his strength, and become more consistent in pass protection. If Morris can develop into the player the Chiefs envisioned, he could be a key piece of their offensive line. But for now, he’s a work in progress who needs to take a big step forward in 2024.
The Chiefs have a strong offensive line, but they need Wanya Morris to step up and become a reliable force at the tackle position. He has the potential to be a dominant force, but he needs to work on his technique and become more consistent in protecting Patrick Mahomes.
Trenton Simpson, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens selected Trenton Simpson with the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping he would become a dominant force on their defense. However, Simpson’s rookie season was underwhelming, and he struggled to make a consistent impact. He needs to show significant improvement in 2024 to justify his high draft status and earn a starting role on the Ravens’ defense.
Simpson has the athleticism and instincts to be a successful linebacker in the NFL. He needs to refine his tackling technique, improve his coverage skills, and become a more consistent playmaker. If Simpson can develop into the player the Ravens envisioned, he could be a key piece of their defensive puzzle. But for now, he’s a work in progress who needs to take a big step forward in 2024.
The Ravens have a strong defense, but they need Trenton Simpson to step up and become a reliable force at the linebacker position. He has the potential to be a dominant force, but he needs to work on his tackling technique and become more consistent with his coverage responsibilities.
Emmanuel Forbes, Cornerback, Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders drafted Emmanuel Forbes with the 16th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping he would become a lockdown cornerback. However, Forbes’ rookie season was underwhelming, and he struggled to make a consistent impact. He needs to show significant improvement in 2024 to justify his high draft status and earn a starting role on the Commanders’ defense.
Forbes has the size, speed, and athleticism to be a dominant cornerback in the NFL. He needs to refine his technique, improve his ball skills, and become a more consistent playmaker. If Forbes can develop into the player the Commanders envisioned, he could be a key piece of their defensive puzzle. But for now, he’s a work in progress who needs to take a big step forward in 2024.
The Commanders have a strong defense, but they need Emmanuel Forbes to step up and become a reliable force at the cornerback position. He has the potential to be a dominant force, but he needs to work on his technique and become more consistent with his coverage responsibilities.
Other Second-Year Players to Watch
Beyond these 10 players, there are several other second-year players who could make a significant impact in 2024. These include players like:
- Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle, Carolina Panthers
- Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher, New York Giants
- Jermaine Johnson II, Edge Rusher, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Drake London, Wide Receiver, Atlanta Falcons
- Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, New York Jets
- Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints
These players all have the potential to become stars in the NFL, and their development will be closely watched in 2024. The NFL is a league where talent is constantly on display, and these second-year players have the opportunity to make a name for themselves and contribute to their teams’ success.
The 2024 NFL season promises to be an exciting one, with several second-year players looking to make a big impact. Their development will be crucial to their teams’ success, and their performance will be closely watched by fans, coaches, and scouts alike. Let’s see which of these players will step up and make a name for themselves in the NFL.
