On offense the breakout player has to be Amendola. If it isn’t, the Pats could be in trouble, because a receiver HAS to break out this season. Amendola should get plenty of passes thrown his way, and if he stays healthy he should be fine.
On defense, I’m going with Dont’a Hightower. I just think he’s in position to make a big jump, and really be a force on the edge of the defense.
As for underachievers let’s go with Aaron Dobson. I think his development will be slower than most would like, and won’t be surprised to see him make a minimal impact this year. But I do think there will be a rookie receiver who makes an impact, with Josh Boyce, Kenbrell Thompkins, and Mark Harrison being the other candidates.
On defense, it kills me to write this, but it could very well be Chandler Jones. He could go either way in my book, and I’m not sure why I’m feeling down on him, but I’m glad the Pats have good defensive end depth in back of him.