After having the youngest 53-man roster in the NFL in 2022, the Lions have a plethora of young players ready to break out in their second NFL season.

Each of these players showed signs of stardom as a rookie. Naturally, progression is expected. However, an accelerated development from any of these players can help transform the Lions into a not-to-be-messed-with team in the NFC. 

All eight players from the Lions’ 2022 rookie class, for the time being, comfortably have spots on the final roster, which won’t be finalized until the last week of preseason. Four of those eight players are first-stringers, and to me, two of them have Pro Bowl potential this season.

Honorable Mention: James Houston

Detroit Lions' James Houston could break out once again

Lions OLB James Houston (59) – Paul Sancya/AP Photo

Is it possible to have back-to-back break out seasons? 

As a rookie, Houston tallied eight sacks in seven games. If Houston kept his 1.14 sacks per game rate throughout a full season, he’d finish with over 19 sacks after 17 games, which has only happened six times in the last decade. That rate is nearly impossible to sustain, leading to a reasonable belief Houston will have some statistical regression in 2023. 

Houston will have more opportunity throughout a full season to display his skills as both a pass rusher and run defender in 2023. The question around Houston is whether he can be a dominant three-down edge player with his limited six-foot-one-inch and 225-pound frame. The size has diminished his impact in the run game through this point in his career. 

It’s in the realm of possibilities Houston continues to dominate every challenge thrown his way. He’s been a sack machine since his time at Jackson State University when he tallied 16.5 sacks in 13 outings his senior season. But for the sake of this article, he’s not exactly what we’re looking for. 

Break Out Candidate 1: Kerby Joseph

No rookie in the NFL caused more turnovers last season than Kerby Joseph. The third-round pick out of Illinois brought in four INTs in addition to two forced fumbles in 2022, and a fumble recovery for good measure. 

Joseph was hardly supposed to have a big role within the defense in year one. It wasn’t until Tracy Walker went down with a torn Achilles in Week 3 against Minnesota that Joseph was given the chance to shine. And boy, did he ever. 

Joseph is the ultimate ball-hawk with an act for making big plays. Like the goal-line interception he made against Green Bay.

Or when he flipped Cowboys’ WR Noah Brown upside down, forcing a red zone turnover. 

Joseph can single-handedly change the outcome of games with his ability to create turnovers and give the Lions’ offense extra possessions. Not to mention the swagger and excitement he brings to the field.

Now playing in a secondary that features Cam Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley, a healthy Tracy Walker, and CJ Gardner Johnson, who had six interceptions of his own in 2022, Joseph is surrounded by more talent than at any other point in his football career. 

“He doesn’t realize how good he is, truthfully,” Gardner-Johnson said about Joseph. “(He’s) one of the best young safeties in the game. He already has, but when he understands that you ain’t out here by yourself anymore, you’ve got help, you’ve got veterans around you, you can learn the game a little bit more, you’re going to see a whole different Kerby Joseph.”

His instinctual play can help transform this Lions secondary into a strength of the team, an unfathomable idea nine months ago. 

Break Out Candidate 2: Aidan Hutchinson

Aidan Hutchinson was drafted second overall for one main reason; he has the upside to become one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. 

Hutchinson led all rookies with 9.5 sacks, all while being doubled teamed more than any other player in the NFL. 

 

Impressive numbers. And with more help from James Houston this season, increasing the win rate percentage becomes key for a massive break out year. 

Rookie Year Sacks

  • Aidan Hutchinson 9.5
  • Nick Bosa 9
  • Lawrence Taylor 9.5
  • Von Miller 11.5
  • Julius Peppers 12

Second Year Sacks

  • Aidan Hutchinson X
  • Nick Bosa 0 *Injured (15.5 in third season)
  • Lawrence Taylor 7.5
  • Von Miller 18.5
  • Julius Peppers 7

The Lions’ defense added a handful of new and exciting pieces. But don’t be mistaken; Hutchinson is the anchor of Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenns’ squad. The defense will go as far as the Michigan native takes it. If Hutchinson can establish himself as one of the ten best pass rushers in the NFL at just 22 years old, there’s reason to believe this can be a top 10 defense. On the flip side of things, a stretch of games without Hutchinson could prove to be a nasty low blow to the Lions. 

Break Out Candidate 3: Jameson Williams

Lions WR Jameson Williams could break out after his suspension.

Lions WR Jameson Williams (9) – Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

To not include Jameson Williams in a break out candidates list would be a crime. 

Jameson Williams will miss a third of the season due to a suspension, dismantling any chance to win any sort of accolade this season. The former Alabama WR has struggled to make anything but a temporary connection with Jared Goff at mini-camp. Meaning, you’ve got a fan base ready to talk about anyone else as a potential break out star. 

Not me. 

Jameson Williams (4.39 seconds) are Jahmyr Gibbs (4.36 seconds) are the second-fastest offensive duo in the NFL, only behind Miami’s Tyreek Hill (4.29) and Jaylen Waddle (4.37). Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson probably (definitely) dreams in his sleep about Gibbs and Williams.

Don’t forget, the Lions drafted Williams to be Wide Receiver 1, unknowing having a future Pro Bowler on their active roster in Amon Ra St. Brown. And while St. Brown holds a tight grip on WR1 belt, the Lions certainly aren’t ready to give up on Williams.