NFC North: 2015 NFL Divisional Preview

Aug 9, 2015; Canton, OH, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end MyCole Pruitt (83) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Do you have any under-the-radar breakout players to watch?

Carlson, Vikings: Watch out for tight end MyCole Pruitt. This is a guy that can get it all done from the tight end position. He’s a solid blocker, but he can also run great routes and has soft hands to catch the ball. In my opinion, he should be the #2 tight end already, and should see some significant playing time this year.

Payton, Lions: Nobody is looking at defensive end Devin Taylor. Coming into his third year in the league, Taylor has looked exceptional in camp and showed his pass rushing ability in the preseason match-ups. Taylor also came into camp in the best shape of his career which has helped him improve upon his speed and fluidity. The Lions are expected to start Jason Jones opposite Ziggy Ansah in 2015, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Taylor steal that role away as we move along in the regular season.

Roethlisberger, Packers: Richard Rodgers. The second-year tight end out of California has the potential to be a huge breakout candidate not only for the Green Bay Packers this season, but the entire NFL. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, has had tremendous praise for the young player and looks to be using him quite a bit in the red zone throughout the preseason.

Schmelzer, Bears: Marquess Wilson, McMannis and Amos are others who I feel should be mentioned, but if I have to pick one, I think outside linebacker David Bass is the breakout player for the Bears this season. Bass is a quick and athletic player whose skill-set seems best suited for the Bears’ 3-4 defense. There is a lot of competition at OLB, but Bass is a talented player who deserves a chance to prove himself.

Next: Regular Season Record Predictions