2020 POTENTIAL BREAKOUT STARS: NFC NORTH PART 1

BY ADAM GREENE

As we start our look at potential breakout stars in the NFC North, we’re turning to a rookie and a third-year player that are ready to make their presence known league-wide.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Cornerback Jaire Alexander

(2019: 58 tackles, two for a loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 17 passes defended, two interceptions)

Alexander took over a starting role for the Packers in his first season, making 11 starts and recording a stellar rookie season of 66 tackles, three for a loss, two fumble recoveries, 11 passes defended and a pick. It was completely lost in a Green Bay collapse that sent Mike McCarthy to the unemployment line and had the team upgrade its coaching staff.

And upgrade they did, bringing in Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur to guide the offense and the team. But LaFleur didn’t mess with the defense, keeping coordinator Mike Pettine and that relationship helped Alexander step up his play in 2019 as the Pack finished 13-3 and the second-year defensive back improved in every statistical way, landing a 72.3 grade from Pro Football Focus.

While Alexander might not be well known by fandom at large, trust that NFL offensive coaches took notice. That PFF grade is no accident and Alexander is a player that must be accounted for now by opposing offenses. He’s primed for a star turn this season if Green Bay continues winning games and playing on bigger stages.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson

(Rookie)

In spite of his lofty draft position and resume, Jefferson would likely win the breakout nomination for the Vikings by default. In trading Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills this offseason, Minnesota cleared the way for whatever rookie they decided to pick in the 2020 draft. Jefferson got the nod and now the spotlight rests on his shoulders.

He’ll probably be OK. Last season, in LSU’s historic national championship run, Jefferson caught a ridiculous 111 passes for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. In his pre draft work, he laid down all the exercising stats any pro scout would need to see if they completely ignore game film and Minnesota turned in his draft card at No. 22 overall in April.

Pencilled in as a starter before camp opened, all Jefferson has to do is play as well as he did last season, facing NFL defensive talent nearly every Saturday in the SEC and College Football playoff. Vikings offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak is already a fan.

“It’s very encouraging. He (Jefferson) is exactly what we drafted,” Kubiak said via the Vikings’ website. “We knew he’s a very talented young man that had a comfort zone in the slot because he did that a lot. I play him a little bit of everywhere, teaching him my offense, understanding schemes and what we’re doing.”

To be continued in Part 2

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