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Gary Horton of Scouts Inc. considers Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb his top candidate in the NFC to have a breakout season in 2012.

"He was a dynamic return specialist as a rookie and showed a lot of explosiveness in the open field," Horton posts at ESPN Insider, referring to Cobb (left). "He caught 25 passes in 2011, and his quickness and yards-after-catch ability are off the charts. But more importantly for a young player, he had few drops. With so many weapons in this spread passing game, it will be tough to give Cobb any more than single coverage from the opposition's third- or fourth-best corner."

Horton puts Bears tackle Gabe Carimi, the former Wisconsin star, sixth on his list.

"He is the best player of this much-maligned unit, but he gives this O-line hope for the future," Horton said. "His 2011 season was cut short by knee problems, but he should be fine in 2012. He has good feet and athletic ability, and his long arms give him good separation from the defender. He is also mentally and physically tough. While he seems to be most comfortable at right tackle, there is talk he could move to left tackle to protect QB Jay Cutler's blind side. Carimi and this entire unit will benefit from a shorter passing game in which the ball comes out quicker."

Horton’s top 10 breakout candidates in the NFC:

1. Cobb

2. Sean Lee, linebacker, Cowboys

3. Jason Kelce, center, Eagles

4. Kyle Rudolph, tight end, Vikings

5. Carimi

6. Rob Housler, tight end, Cardinals

7. Titus Young, wide receiver, Lions

8. Cameron Jordan, defensive end, Saints

9. K.J. Wright, linebacker, Seahawks

10. Robert Quinn, defensive end, Rams