Even though the NFL season in 2023. As we move into the playoffs, a number of stars have become better known.
Not everyone on this list will make it into the playoffs, but because they get better at generating plays, their bodies will likely help their teams win more often at the years to come.
Bucky Brooks loves football and used to play and watch for the NFL. He writes down all the things he knows about the game in a notebook.
He talks about a dozen guys who have had a GREAT SECOND today. The regular season for 2023 is coming to an end, and a group of young players are nearly done with their big second years.
On 2022, those “super second-years” got off to a rough start in the NFL. Now, they’re stars. What could be going on is that somebody who plans to start the second competitive season could be working hard over the summer to get better.
This is because they invested a lot of time getting ready for the NFL draft during the summer before.
The best way for players to get better at their footwork and methods is to work on them more and do more reps until they learn the whole plan.
When Year 2 commences, there are usually more players in uniform and ready to go, even if they prepare with other coaches or team assistants whose job is only to help young players grow.
Before we go any further, here are 10 second-year stars who extremely established their own in 2023. You can sort the names by letter.
Bland had a great first year, that much is clear. As an opening defender, he picked off five passes and stopped seven others.
But he took his game to an entirely different plateau in Year 2, which made history and put him on the same level as the best players in his position. Trevon Diggs’ season ended in September when he got hurt.
Since then, the second-year vet has completely settled into his role as an outdoors corner. Through this 2022 second-round pick, the Cowboys have found a real star on the island.
A big part of the Buffalo Bills’ offensive comeback has been Cook’s rise to become the team’s main playmaker.
They utilize the 5-foot-11, 190-pounder as a defensive runner and a receiver, which has given the offense much-needed balance after Josh Allen used to be the only QB.
Cook had only 687 rushing yards last year, which put him third on the team to runs (89) or sixth in targets.
It’s become Dak Prescott’s favorite drop-off player when the umbrella defensive is in play. Ferguson has 61 catches, which makes him the second-best receiver for the Cowboys.
He has caught 35 passes for first downs along with eight “big plays,” that include grabs about 20 yards or more, in 15 games.
The offensive line doesn’t get enough credit for their ability to they play in the middle, which has helped the Buccaneers rise from last place in the National Football Conference the south to the top of the division.
Goedeke has a big part of O-line’s success because he is strong and always in a bad mood. In Mike Macdonald’s mixed plan, the big safety has done really well.
He recently received awards as the AFC Defensive Player or Player of the the week for the way he played in Baltimore’s win over San Francisco.
He had five stops and two interceptions. As a slot defender, the 6-4, 220 pound stone stops open-side runs. He is also quick, skilled, and aware enough to go upon ball players on the other side.
The edge rusher, who is very fast, has really grown through his role in a threat on Seattle’s defense. Mafe’s speed, strength, and power make it rare to block him in when he gets a clear pass.
There are a lot of young players on the Chiefs’ defensive line, so they are getting used to the big game quickly.
In his first season, McDuffie made some great plays that helped his team win the Super Bowl. Since then, he has grown into a useful, adaptable safety whose can make plays.
He has really stepped up in every way this year. He is now Houston’s best defender and an expert at taking the ball away.
He does this by using his quick reactions, knowledge, and planning to swipe passes in his area.
It may have taken Thibodeaux a whole season to get comfortable as a professional pass rusher. Now, the Giants’ best defense is a real force behind the line of scrimmage.
Because Williams is fast and has good balance as an inside/outside runner, Sean McVay has structured the Rams’ game plan around him.