As the NFL offseason begins to heat up, it is always fun to try and predict which players are going to have breakout years in the upcoming season. Now, it may seem like an impossible task to predict how a player is going to perform two years from now, but with careful analysis and a little bit of luck, we can make some educated guesses. For this article, we will be focusing on the NFC North division and the four players who are most likely to take a significant leap forward in the year 2023.
1. Justin Fields, QB, Chicago Bears
Justin Fields was one of the most highly touted prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft, and for good reason. He was a dynamic playmaker at Ohio State and possesses a rare combination of arm talent and athleticism. While Fields may struggle early in his career, he has all the tools to become a franchise quarterback in the NFL. By 2023, Fields should be much more comfortable in Matt Nagy’s offense and could be one of the most exciting players in the league.
2. Darnell Mooney, WR, Chicago Bears
Another player from the Bears who could take a big leap forward in 2023 is wide receiver Darnell Mooney. Mooney was a rookie in 2020, but he proved to be a valuable asset in the Bears’ offense. He has elite speed and agility, and his ability to create separation will only get better with experience. With Fields likely to take over as the starting quarterback in the coming years, Mooney could become a reliable go-to option in the passing game.
3. Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings took Rashod Bateman in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he has the potential to be a star in the league. Bateman is a polished route runner with great hands and the ability to make contested catches. He should excel in the Vikings’ offense and could become a household name in the coming years. By 2023, Bateman could be one of the best receivers in the league.
4. D’Andre Swift, RB, Detroit Lions
D’Andre Swift didn’t have the best rookie season in 2020, but there is reason to believe he could take a major step forward in the coming years. Swift is a talented runner with great vision and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. He also has excellent hands and should be a valuable asset in the passing game. With a new coaching staff in place in Detroit, Swift could be a major factor in the Lions’ offense for years to come.
In conclusion, these four players are all young and talented, and they have the potential to become stars in the NFL. Of course, predicting how they will perform in 2023 is a bit of a guessing game, but based on their skill sets and situations, they are all prime candidates to take huge leaps forward in the upcoming seasons. Keep an eye out for these players as they could play a big role in determining the success of their teams in the NFC North.
