Since we are in the NFL offseason and training camp is almost underway, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at athletes who are flying under the radar and exceeding expectations this offseason. Some of the players are bound to have a breakout season, but the average fan may not know their name quite yet.

This segment will feature third-year Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride and how he emerged from a relatively quiet pre-draft process to become one of the most hyped and exciting athletes this upcoming season.

McBride was selected in the 2022 NFL Draft in the second round (pick 55) and went to Colorado State University from 2018-2021. Growing up in Colorado and attending Fort Morgan High School, McBride was a multi-sport talent playing basketball, baseball, and football. This past NFL season he seemed to come out of no where and was a dominant force for the Cardinals and their young football team.

I found out about McBride and what he was about when the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Cardinals in week 13. McBride was nearly unstoppable in the game as he caught eight receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown. He was a force in the red zone and many defenders on Pittsburgh could not stop his big body frame and strong contested pass catching ability.

As we head into 2024, McBride will benefit the most on the 2024 Cardinals offense. Second year offensive coordinator Drew Petzing has his work cut out for him due to the amount of athletes that are now on the offense. The recent addition of Marvin Harrison Jr. will open up opportunities for other players to make plays.

In my opinion, Harrison Jr’s arrival will benefit McBride the most as he looks to secure his first 1,000 yard NFL season.

CAREER NUMBERS AND MY PREDICTION FOR 2024: 

2022:  29 Receptions, 265 Yards, 9.1 Average, 1 TD

2023:  81 Receptions, 825 Yards, 10.2 Average, 3 TDs

My Prediction: 

2024: 77 Receptions for 1,028 Yards, 13.3 Average, 6 Touchdowns.

If I had not watched the Steelers struggle and ultimately lose to the Cardinals last season, I would have never witnessed McBride and what he has to offer. He is certainly going to be a top tier NFL tight end who is only in his third season, and is a youthful 25 years of age.

The future is bright and while other playmakers are getting attention at the wide receiver position, McBride will continue to block his butt off and catch passes like he already knows how to.

In the comment section below, feel free to give your prediction and the reason behind it. Do you think that McBride will benefit from the new addition of Marvin Harrison Jr.? Why or why not.