Media by Associated Press – Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) is introduced before an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Pittsburgh, PA. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
The NFL always has its share of surprises every season. When it comes to making stars, a player is only one strong stretch of games from working their way into the national consciousness. There are a number of young players that flashed promise last season that will be making a big step in 2023.
Here’s a look at four players primed for stardom.
George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers, WR
The Steelers’ rookie wide receiver showed immense promise in a dysfunctional offense as a rookie. With another rookie, Kenny Pickett, under center, Pickens was able to make several spectacular catches that made highlight reels. What Pickens will need to show as he gets older is the ability to make mundane plays as well.
Pickens caught 52 passes for 801 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. He averaged 15.4 yards per catch. Pittsburgh finished the season 9-8, scraping together a strong run down the stretch to finish with a winning record. With a second year under coordinator Matt Canada, Pickens is hoping to have a strong sophomore effort.
Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers, QB
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance hasn’t had much luck with his NFL career. Over the course of his career, Lance has had his efforts to climb the 49ers’ depth chart submarined by injuries that have left him sidelined.
Seeing the success that San Francisco backup quarterback Brock Purdy had in Kyle Shanahan’s system should be a motivator for the North Dakota State product.
Lance has passed for 797 yards and five touchdowns since coming into the league in 2021.
Jaquan Brisker, Chicago Bears, S
Brisker showed during a season toiling for a bad Bears team that he had the makings of a solid defender. The first-year safety showed he can do more than just help out in coverage. Brisker was an effective blitzer, wrapping up four sacks.
Brisker was also a consistent tackler. He finished with 104 combined tackles, including 73 solo. He also was able to force a takeaway. Brisker earned Bears Rookie of the Year honors and hopes to play a larger role on a better Chicago team next season.
Breece Hall, New York Jets, RB
Hall was part of a Jets’ roster that showed a lot of promise early in the season. While the rigors of the NFL schedule slowed down their progress, New York has a lot to be excited about on offense. Hall, an Iowa State product, showed signs of becoming a quality runner during his first season.
Hall finished with a season-high 116 yards on 20 carries to help the Jets topple the Packers. He also finished with 97 yards on 18 carries against the Dolphins.
Hall finished the year with 463 yards on 80 carries and scored four times. He also caught 19 passes and turned those into 218 yards and a score.
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