It is often said that the offseason between an NFL player's rookie and second campaigns can provide the most room for growth. Players have a full offseason to work through, an understanding of the playbook and their surroundings, plus some NFL experience to size up how to approach their time away from game action and improve.
We saw Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell ascend from productive rookie to sophomore megastar, some of which can be attributed to his offseason before the start of 2014 during which he maintained a weight in the 220s, some 20 pounds lighter than when he was drafted.
With development in mind, below is a look at eight sophomores who profile as breakout candidates for the 2015 season.
1. Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater
"He's very poised and never gets rattled," said one NFL coach of Bridgewater. "He has enough mobility to avoid pressure in the pocket." The Vikings put on a clinic insofar as how to groom and develop a quarterback in his rookie season. Matt Cassel began the season as the starter, providing Bridgewater time to grow and alleviating any pressure on meeting expectations immediately. After Cassel injured his foot, Bridgewater stepped into a starting role and showed strides throughout the season.