Every single season there are a couple of players that seemed to be non-factor players or rookies that end up being a key part of the team. This season will be no different. These are a couple of possible breakout stars that I believe will have a major impact on this team's success.
P.S. I left out Luther Burden and Colston Loveland because I believe that last year was their big breakout year. They will for sure become even bigger stars this season but last year they already started that trajectory and became huge parts of this team.
Austin Booker (Edge)
Is it fair to say Austin Booker hasn't had his true breakout yet? I just feel like we haven't seen the powerhouse, feared edge rusher that I believe he will become. Last season he had just 35 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 10 games. I believe this year he will become a 1 man wrecking crew. With Montez Sweat on the other side, Booker is bound to get more single man looks giving him the chance to really display his pass rushing abilities. Booker has shown that he is a raw talent prospect who has always had room to grow in the technique category but one thing he has that is exceptionally hard to teach is his hot motor. This guy loves to play ball and fly. During the offseason he spent the entire time in the weight room and with pass rushing greats to try and improve his skill and speed. If he can add some refined moves and if he can stay healthy (the big IF with this team) he is geared to have a monstrous season.
Jack Sanborn (LB)
Enter Sandman! He has returned! In a defense that lacks in star power and hype, Sandman has a chance to really shine. Maybe this is just me, reminiscing on the good ol' times when he was our next star LB but I believe he has the chance to get his full redemption. After a lack luster year with Dallas where he followed that terrorist Eberflose he returns to Chicago to a new defense that is built by Dennis the Manace Allen and his love of speed and power on defense. Sanborn fits his mold perfectly. He has that blood sense like a shark. You know how sharks can sense a blood drop like a mile away or something like that? Sanborn can sense the ball before the play even begins. When he played for Chicago he always just knew where that ball was going to be and how to get there. Throw away that rough year with Dallas and remember what he can be.
Zavion Thomas (WR)
The 3rd round speedster out of LSU is going to be one of the rookies to keep an eye on this season. With a 4.28 40 yard dash we already know he's fast now its time to see how that speed translates to the field. A lot of people believe this was a huge reach in the 3rd round and that we basically spent a valuable pick that could have been an Edge or an LB on a 6th round special teamer. My belief, trust that crazy, psycho ass of a Head Coach that we have named Ben Johnson. I think he sees something in this kid. He sees some way that he will be able to utilize this man in this elite offense that will make this team better. Think Deebo Samuels position ability with Tyreek Hills speed. A fast ass Swiss army knife for this already loaded offense.
Cam Lewis (DB)
Do you see a theme? Defense, Defense, Defense. That's because this defense is lacking the typical "star power" that we have had in the past. I also think that doesn't matter and we saw it yesterday. Dennis Allen is a defense wizard just like Ben Johnson is an offensive guru. Dennis Allen has the ability to take players and get the most out of them and get them to the best that they can be. Cam Lewis is going to be one of these stories. With all the uncertainty with Kyler Gordon I believe that Cam Lewis will be a natural fill in for that position. Dennis Allen loves that spot, and we saw it when CJGJ took over that position last year. He loves to use that positions as his Swiss army knife and utilize them to either blitz or drop back into coverage. This will be the perfect role for Cam Lewis as long as he stays healthy. If he can help beef up this defense and if Dennis Allen can utilize him the way he believes he can then this defense that looks like it will be bottom of the league, could scrap together a decent season that helps the elite offense stay in the lead.