We’ve reached the true offseason between mini-camp and training camp. In order to kill time, here is an article on who will be the breakout player for each NFC North 2016 team on offense.
Chicago Bears
Kevin White is the choice after missing his rookie season due to injury. The 7th overall pick from the 2015 draft has the size and speed to make defenses pay despite his lack of experience. Franchise tagged WR Alshon Jeffrey is back healthy (for now) and will get the double teamed. This allows White to have one on one matchups most of the snaps. There should be plenty of targets for White after Forte left in free agency and the Bears have some questions at the third WR spot which will give White more targets. White will be the Bears number 2 WR and get over 100 targets and have a big season.
Detroit Lions
Eric Ebron and Marvin Jones would be good choices for Detroit with plenty of targets and talent for them for 2016. I’m going to go with a less obvious choice for Detroit. Riley Reiff is in a contract year and switching to right tackle. Right tackle has been a mess for Detroit for most of the last two years. Reiff will show his run blocking skills and be better in pass protection on the right side. Reiff should have a very good year at right tackle for the much improved Detroit offensive line.
Green Bay Packers
Ty Montgomery is the Packers candidate for breakout player. He showed some flashes in his rookie year despite TJ Jones (4th/5th WR) like production. The former Stanford Cardinal has the talent and can play outside or in the slot. Montgomery will get more targets if he stays healthy and build on his production from 2015. He is still the 4th target but could surpass Davante Adams if Adams struggles again.
Minnesota Vikings
Matt Kalil is playing on the 5th year option for the Vikings. He played well his rookie year but regressed in 2013 and 2014. Kalil showed some improvement in 2015 and could get back to his rookie form. The Vikings added help around Kalil with Alex Boone at left guard and seem better at right tackle with the return of Loadholdt and addition of Andre Smith. If Kalil can be a solid left tackle, the Vikings offense can take the next step under Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson.