Five second-year pros with a point to prove in 2023

The 2022 NFL Draft saw a number of talented players enter the league, and while some excelled in year one, there are plenty of guys ready to head into their sophomore seasons with a point to prove.

Here are five players will all the potential to step up in the NFL and lay down their marker with a strong 2023 season in their second year.

5. Treylon Burks, WR – Tennessee Titans

The 2022 rookie class was defined last year largely by a in part by the swift star turns of several receivers, but the draft itself saw six WRs taken within the first 20 picks.

Some of those have a point to prove, but possibly no one more than the Titans‘ Treylon Burks. Yes, it was a difficult year for Tennessee, with their offense churning out just 171.4 passing yards per game, but the 6-2, 225-pound pass catcher managed just 33 receptions and 444 receiving yards. Yet a two-game stretch in which Burks netted 181 yards on 11 receptions, and there were definitely moments where the former Arkansas wideout looked the real deal.

The DeAndre Hopkins signing may have taken some of the pressure off, but Burks needs to justify being a first-round draft pick and step up to the plate now fully fit.

4. Rachaad White, RB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Leonard Fournette now gone, Rachaad White is being thrust into the premier running back role in Tampa Bay, and with it, a big workload on a team that might need to run the ball in order to protect its quarterback.

White has mediocre competition in Chase Edmonds and Ke’Shawn Vaughn, and will build on his decent numbers in his rookie year. Being a versatile asset with his pass-catching ability, White can become a real focal point for this re-building Buccaneers’ offense.

3. Kyle Hamilton, S – Baltimore Ravens

Hamilton has a hot name heading into the 2022 season, even for the a rookie safety, given his game-changing and big moment reputation he built during college. It was a slow start to life as a Baltimore Raven, but the former Notre Dame star ended last year on a real high, and the football world caught a glimpse of Hamilton’s special talent, finishing with 62 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks.

We’re all expecting him to take the leap in year two. With Marcus Williams alongside him, the Ravens could easily have the best safety duos in the NFL in 2023.

2. Nakobe Dean, LB – Philadelphia Eagles

A highly regarded linebacker prospect heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, Nakobe Dean’s rookie season was limited on the field in Philadelphia last year, resulting in him only seeing 34 snaps on defense. 

The Eagles have lost some big name players on defense this offseason, most notably in their linebacker room. The departures of T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White has left a gapping hole for Dean to fill. He’ll need to step up after being quiet in his first year as a pro, but there is genuine talent in the former Georgia player.

If he stands out, Dean has the potential to lay a solid foundation for a prosperous long-term future with the Eagles.

1. Desmond Ridder, QB – Atlanta Falcons

If this offseason has proved anything in Atlanta, it’s that the Falcons believe in Desmond Ridder. Having thrown for two touchdowns and 708 passing yards over four starts last seasons, Ridder has been given the chance to lead the franchise that has built an arsenal of weapons that any team would be envious of.

College sensation Bijan Robinson joins the emerging talent likes of Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Tyler Allgeier on the roster, and with a top-tier offensive line and an improving defense, the Falcons are just a QB away from being a force again in the NFC.

Ridder has to capitalise on this opportunity to lead a young, exciting core into the future and if he does play well in 2023, it’ll be difficult for the Falcons’ to find a suitable long-term replacement quarterback.