Kansas City Chiefs: Top ten players that could break out in 2017
1. Chris Jones, DL
Defensive lineman Chris Jones had a good rookie season last year. Chiefs fans already know that he is incredibly talented, but I don’t think the average NFL fan is as aware. I think that will change after 2017. While Jones looked great as a rookie, his 28 tackles and two sacks probably didn’t catch the eye of anyone outside of Kansas City. We as Chiefs fans know that Jones’ impact was bigger than those numbers. He was highly disruptive from day one.
There are two main reasons I believe Jones is the safest bet to break out in 2017. The first is that he was incredibly raw as a rookie. The success that Jones had last season was due to his freakish athletic talents. He was not a player that came out of college highly disciplined and with an advanced understanding of technique. Another year in the NFL will only improve those elements of his game. If he was effective as a rookie on talent alone any improvement in that area will only increase the success he sees on the field.
The other reason I believe that he is almost a sure bet to break out this season is opportunity. With both Dontari Poe and Jaye Howard gone the door is wide open for Chris Jones. Basically, Jones will be able to be on the field as much as he can handle. There is absolutely no question that Jones belongs both as a starting defensive end in the base defense and as one of the interior down linemen in the sub package. He proved to be skilled in both areas as a rookie.
I believe Chris Jones is going to be a Pro Bowl caliber defensive lineman. I think after a good rookie season he will take the next step this year and prove himself to be one of the better interior defensive lineman in the NFL. That’s why he is at the top of my list of break out players for the Chiefs in 2017.
So what do you think Chiefs fans? Did I leave anyone off my list that you think will break out in 2017? Is there anyone on my list that you don’t think has a chance to do so? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!!