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Every year the NFL features new breakout stars. The 2021 NFL season is no different. Several players have burst onto the scene while far exceeding their general expectations prior to the start of the season. Some players have even reached legitimate superstar status, owing to what they have accomplished on the field this year. Here are five NFL players who have broken out the most in 2021.
NFL's biggest breakout players in 2021
#5 - CB Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys
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After a decent rookie season where he recorded two interceptions in 12 games for the Dallas Cowboys, Trevon Diggs has broken out in a big way in year two. He has catapulted himself to becoming one of the best defensive backs in the entire NFL this year. He leads the league with 11 interceptions entering Week 17 and is tied for first with 21 passes defended as well as defensive touchdowns with 2.
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#4 - WR/RB Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons
Cordarrelle Patterson was one of the more surprising breakout players of the 2021 NFL season. After having a somewhat mediocre career for eight years with four different teams, he has seemingly found his place with his fifth team in year nine, the Atlanta Falcons. Patterson has 1,102 offensive yards and 11 touchdowns this season. That is more than he had over the previous three seasons combined.
Biggest break out players of the 2021 NFL season
Here are the new NFL superstars that emerged from the 2021 season.
#3 - WR Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
Deebo Samuel was productive in his first two seasons in the NFL, but raised his game to a whole new a level in 2021. He has accounted for 1,548 total yards and 12 touchdowns in 14 games this year. Across 22 games in his first two years, he totaled 1,378 yards and seven touchdowns. He leads the entire NFL this season with 17.8 yards per reception.
#2 - RB Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor had a strong rookie season in 2020, rushing for 1,169 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has not only improved in 2021, but has elevated himself to becoming the top running back in the NFL this season. With two games remaining, he leads the entire NFL with 1,626 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. He is one of the favorites to win the Offensive Player of the Year award.
#1 - WR Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
Cooper Kupp established himself as a highly useful slot receiver across his first four seasons in the NFL. Across his previous two seasons prior to 2021, he yielded a solid output, including 93 receptions and over 1,000 yards receiving. The Rams upgrading their quarterback from Jared Goff to Matthew Stafford was expected to help Kupp with his overall production, but it's unlikely anyone anticipated he would have such a historic season.
Cooper Kupp is having one of the best seasons by a wide receiver in NFL history. He leads the entire league with 132 receptions, 14 touchdowns and 1,734 receiving yards. With two games remaining, Kupp is currently on pace to set a new NFL record in receiving yards. He also has a chance to become the first player ever to exceed 2,000 receiving yards in a single season.
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