3 NFL Players Who Could Bounce Back Next Year

1). Odell Beckham

The Cleveland Browns' signing of Odell Beckham Jr. sparked a frenzy of buzz ahead of the 2019 season. Disappointingly, the wideout and many of his teammates floundered through a year of ups and downs. OBJ reeled in 1,035 yards and just four touchdowns, but he was slowed by inconsistency and misuse in offensive schemes. While the WR didn’t necessarily have a bad season in 2019, he certainly did not meet his expectations which explains his inclusion on this list. With former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski now the head coach in Cleveland, the team should begin to fulfill its potential. Beckham could see his production return closer to his New York Giants days. Some of that will hinge on quarterback Baker Mayfield’s improvement, but with Stefanski in charge, the entire Browns receiver should enjoy a bounce-back season in 2020.

2019 STATS: 1,035 receiving yards, 4 TD

2). Ben Roethlisberger

Speaking of Steelers injuries, Ben Roethlisberger played just two games in 2019 after an MRI determined he needed season-ending elbow surgery. He's getting up there in age (he turned 38 on March 2), but that didn’t hold him back in 2018. That year Big Ben led the league in passing yards with 5,129. That number also set a franchise record, as did his 34 touchdown passes. The age factor might come more into play in 2020, but Roethlisberger rested his body for almost an entire season, so he could come back even more energized. If the Steelers can add another weapon in the passing game alongside JuJu Smith-Schuster, Roethlisberger could be able to lead his Steelers to the playoffs once again.

2019 STATS: 351 passing yards, 0 TD

3). James Conner

In his second NFL season, James Conner received his first Pro Bowl selection. He tallied an outstanding 1,470 all-purpose yards and 13 total touchdowns through 13 games. The following year Conner became one of the many Pittsburgh Steelers to succumb to injuries. He missed six games and played limited snaps in several others. He injured his knee in Week 2, then in Week 8 exited a game with a shoulder injury. With an offseason to nurse his body back to full strength, and having Big Ben back at the quarterback position, expect Conner to come out stronger than ever in the final year of his rookie contract.

2019 STATS: 464 rushing yards, 4 TD