One under-the-radar player who could be a star for each NFC team: Bears, Packers have underrated skill weapons

2024 NFL the season is quickly approaching. And the usual suspects tend to make headlines as we wait for the new campaign to begin: Patrick Mahomes, Justin Jefferson, etc. But what about the underrated emerging candidates? Remember last year’s Los Angeles Rams: no one could have predicted that young guys like Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua would end up leading Sean McVay’s team back to the playoffs.

Which forgotten players could emerge from the shadows this time? Here’s one for each NFC team. (To check out the under-the-radar AFC players who could break out in 2024, Click here.)

The energetic seventh-year senior quietly recorded six sacks and seven tackles for loss in his first year under head coach Jonathan Gannon. Now positioned behind D-line reinforcements in Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones, he could have an even clearer path to pass rush impact.

In a replenished wide receiver room, the former Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers backup may not be new quarterback Kirk Cousins’ top target, but his vast experience as a return specialist could make him invaluable under the revamped rules of NFL kick return.

Purged from the Rams by free agency, Fuller isn’t necessarily a big name, but he’s 26 years old and coming off a career year in Los Angeles, with a knack for finding the ball. As part of a young Panthers defense that still boasts talent at every level, he could be primed for a big debut in Charlotte.

Swift’s name was lost in the shuffle of even bigger moves by the Bears this offseason, including the addition of Caleb Williams at quarterback and the dual additions of Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze at cornerback. But he has always been explosive when used by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.

For a guy who received Defensive Rookie of the Year consideration in 2022, Williams is often overshadowed by Micah Parsons and Co. But after combining for eight sacks, 15 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits in two NFL seasons, he might be prepared for more with an expanded role.

Terrion Arnold was the Lions’ 2024 draft pick, surprisingly sliding to Motown late in the first round. But Rakestraw’s tenacious physicality could make him an equally perfect fit for a Dan Campbell prospect, especially depending on the availability of Carlton Davis at corner.

Insert basically any Packers here and you’ll be justified. Quarterback Jordan Love is surrounded by mostly unknown but incredibly promising young pass catchers. After averaging about 15 yards per reception as a rookie, Wicks could prove to be their biggest threat on the field.

A 2023 third-round pick who had eight sacks as a rookie, Young is certainly a nobody in Los Angeles. But with Aaron Donald retired, he has a chance to really make a name for himself on the defensive front, especially with rookie Jared Verse also plugged into the passing rotation.

As long as Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are on the field, Minnesota’s offense runs through them. But Powell is a versatile and elusive option primed for new opportunities with KJ Osborn gone and TJ Hockenson recovering from injury. He is also a proven returns expert.

Marshon Lattimore is the familiar name on the perimeter, but the young Adebo turned a corner as a regular starter in 2023, finishing with four picks and a career-high 18 pass breakups. Still largely unrecognized nationally, he could be an even bigger piece in Dennis Allen’s fourth-year defense.

After quietly recording an impressive 76.1% catch rate in his first two NFL seasons, the third-year target is primed for even more opportunities thanks to the addition of the explosive Malik Nabers. With or without Daniel Jones under center, his numbers should increase.

Philadelphia Eagles: OG Tyler Steen

Jason Kelce’s retirement is the big story on the Eagles’ vaunted offensive line, but Steen, a 2023 third-rounder out of Alabama, could help ease the internal confusion by taking over at right guard. Assistant coach Jeff Stoutland knows how to develop the trenches in Philadelphia, boosting the kid’s stock.

Chase Young was a low-risk, high-upside bet in late 2023, but Floyd as Nick Bosa’s new running mate should prove much more stable. With 39.5 sacks over the last four years between the Rams and Buffalo Bills, he’s a safe bet to celebrate as part of San Francisco’s physical front.

With former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald running the show, basically any veteran defender could make a leap this year; Dre’Mont Jones is another strong candidate. But after an injury-plagued 2023, Nwosu could be the key to the pass rush.

Todd Bowles has an enviable lineup at the back end of his secondary, with star do-it-all Antoine Winfield Jr. reunited with underrated safety partner Jordan Whitehead. The talented McCollum could benefit from his strong hand on the perimeter after a busier 2023 campaign.

The former Panthers starter made a lot of money to join Washington as a free agent, but he probably isn’t getting the attention he deserves. After an increasingly active role in Carolina, he has a chance to make a difference at the center of Dan Quinn’s defense.