Media by Associated Press – Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) tumbles over a Detroit Lions defender after making a catch during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
What makes the NFL season interesting is that every year provides a different opportunity for players to establish themselves as strong players. Here’s a look at five players who could have big 2022 seasons.
Daniel Jones, QB, New York Giants
Jones has had a difficult start to his NFL career. During his tenure with the New York Giants, there has been a lot of dysfunction with the coaching staff, and Jones has suffered numerous injuries that have kept him off the field. However, Jones may be able to find New Life under coach Brian Daboll.
During Daboll’s tenure with Buffalo, he was able to find a way to get the most out of another mobile, raw quarterback in Josh Allen. If the Giants’ offensive line can show improvement, Jones could be set to have a big year. New York will also see running back Saquon Barkley return. The former 1,000-yard rusher should be able to take the pressure off Jones.
Isaiah Spiller, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers has provided Spiller with an opportunity to have his rookie season in the NFL be with the dynamic offense. Returning starter Austin Ekeler will carry a bulk of the load for the Chargers. But there will be plenty of opportunities for Spiller to fill in during the season.
There were reports of the Texas A&M product looking good in training camp before suffering a minor ankle injury. Spiller is expected to be ready to play When the first week of the season rolls around.
George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
The former Georgia Bulldog has become the story coming out of Pittsburgh Steelers training camp. In Pittsburgh’s recent history, the Steelers have made a habit of discovering wide receiver talent all over the draft. Pickens, who missed most of last season with the Bulldogs due to injuries, may be the next player to break through in a long line of Steelers star receivers.
How Pickens develops will be determined by how the quarterbacks play around him. Veteran signal caller Mitch Trubisky will start the season as Pittsburgh’s quarterback, looking for a Jim Plunkett type of Renaissance. There’s also a strong possibility that rookie Kenny Pickett will be in a quarterback as well.
If the Steelers quarterbacks can find a way to get the ball to Pickens, he may be in line for a big year.
Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Etienne survived the Urban Meyer experiment in Jacksonville. Now, after having fully recovered from a Lisfranc injury that kept him out last season, Etienne may find more opportunities with starting running back James Robinson out of the lineup.
The Clemson product was a versatile player in college and has the benefit of working with his college quarterback Trevor Lawrence. New Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson also prefers to rotate running backs and put them in the best position to be successful.
Jacoby Brissett, QB, Cleveland Browns
While the Deshaun Watson suspension wasn’t good for Cleveland, the Browns do have a capable back in Jacoby Brissett. Brissett was able to capably fill in for the Colts following the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck.
While Brissett isn’t the most dynamic playmaker, he should be able to keep Cleveland in the playoff race until Watson gets back.
Keep up with your latest NFL news coverage and betting pick previews at NJSportsbookReview.com.