2014 Sophomore Breakout Candidates

With one season under their belt, second year players are expected to show much improvement from their rookie year. Those who don't, have what's known as a "sophomore slump." Below I have listed the second year players I expect to breakout in 2014.

Giovani Bernard- With Hue Jackson being promoted from running backs coach to offensive coordinator, I expect him to do a better job than his predecessor at getting the ball in Bernard's hands. Bernard is a fast and agile back who can be just as effective catching the ball as he is running it. Look for him to take touches away from Benjarvus Green-Ellis this season.
Kenny Vaccaro- The Saints' first round pick a year ago had an impressive rookie season, but pairing Jairus Byrd alongside Vaccaro is going to give him more freedom to make impact plays.
Andre Ellington- The Cardinals drafted Ellington in the sixth round and he was their second running back selected last year but he proved to be their best runner. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry and caught 39 passes as a rookie and with Rashad Mendenhall retired, it looks like Ellington is set to be the feature back.
Cordarrelle Patterson- Patterson was a Pro Bowl kick returner for the Vikings last year, and he was fairly productive on offense (45 receptions/469 yards/4 TDs). But I think with another offseason of learning the offense and a better quarterback under center (assuming the Vikings draft a QB), the opportunity is there for Patterson to be a lethal force on offense.
Barkevious Mingo- The Browns selected Mingo with the sixth overall pick even after they signed Paul Kruger to a 5 year/$40 million dollar deal during free agency one month prior. Mingo played in 13 games and made 3 starts, and put up better numbers than Kruger who played and started all 16 games. I expect Mingo to beat out either Kruger or Jabaal Sheard for one of the two starting outside linebacker jobs.
Terrance Williams- Williams was productive as a rookie but with Miles Austin no longer in the picture, I think Williams will put up big numbers for the Cowboys starting opposite Dez Bryant and take full advantage of the one-on-one matchups he'll see due to the double teams Bryant receives.
Kenny Stills- As he proved last season, Stills is the only true deep threat on the Saints' offense. And following the departure of Lance Moore and Darren Sproles, I expect Stills to see many more passes thrown his way this year.
Ezekiel Ansah- Ansah is still a very raw player as he's still learning how to play football (he started playing in 2010). Nevertheless, he recorded 8 sacks in his rookie season. I think Ansah will continue to improve and take advantage of the one-on-one matchups he'll receive playing along side Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley.
Micah Hyde- The Packers found a gem when they drafted Hyde in the fifth round. Magnificent against the run, Hyde had some trouble in coverage early on but turned into a great corner as the season went on. He plays on special teams as well, returning a punt for a touchdown last season. A move to safety could be in Hyde's future, but regardless of what position he plays I expect him to be an impact player.
Montee Ball- When the Broncos' front office chose not to re-sign Knowshon Moreno they made it clear that they were comfortable moving forward with their stable of running backs, led by Montee Ball. He needs to do a better job securing the ball, but he's definitely a workhorse back.
Jamie Collins- Collins didn't come on until late in the season when he showed everyone why Bill Belichick drafted him in the second round. He's the type of linebacker the Patriots have lacked for so many years, he's big, fast, athletic, and he's terrific in pass coverage. I think Collins will make a big leap in his second season.

*stats courtesy of www.pro-football-reference.com