15 breakout stars at midpoint of the 2016 NFL season

Raiders QB Derek Carr: Oakland's emerging star was a Pro Bowl selection last year, but he's taken his game to a new level in 2016. He has 17 touchdowns and three interceptions in leading the Raiders to a 6-2 mark.

Cardinals RB David Johnson: The second-year back has emerged as one of the NFL's most dynamic threats, even as Arizona's offense has stagnated. After eight weeks, Johnson is third in the NFL with 705 rushing yards and leads all running backs with 407 receiving yards.

Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott: What more is there to say about the runaway favorite for offensive rookie of the year? The No. 4 overall pick in April's draft has run for an NFL-best 799 yards in seven games and is looking to top Eric Dickerson's rookie rushing record of 1,808 yards.

Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi: After being left at home as a healthy scratch for the season opener, Ajayi has turned his year around with the Dolphins. He joined O.J. Simpson, Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams as the only players ever to rush for 200 yards in consecutive games.

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon: After being held without a touchdown in his rookie year, Gordon already has 10 scores so far this season.

Browns WR Terrelle Pryor: The former quarterback has latched on as a big-play threat for Cleveland. He's been one of the lone bright spots on an offense that has had six players, including Pryor, take a snap at quarterback

Vikings WR Stefon Diggs: The second-year wideout has quickly become Sam Bradford's most trusted target. His 77.7 receiving yards per game rank 12th among all players in the NFL.

Eagles DE Brandon Graham: Fletcher Cox grabs the headlines in Philadelphia, but Graham is there with him as the defense's top performer. A switch to the 4-3 and his natural defensive end role has brought out the best of Graham in his seventh season.

Texans DE Jadeveon Clowney: Health issues limited the former No. 1 overall pick in his first two years. But with J.J. Watt sidelined, Clowney has stepped up and been a terror for opposing offensive lines.

Bill LB Lorenzo Alexander: A 33-year-old journeyman, Alexander never had more than 2.5 sacks in a season prior to this year. He already has an NFL-best nine sacks at midseason.

Bills LB Zach Brown: The former second-round pick has revived his career in Buffalo after a disappointing run in Tennessee. Brown has an NFL-high 87 tackles with an additional three sacks and two forced fumbles.

Packers LB Nick Perry: Perry is living up to his pass-rushing potential after a slow start to his career with Green Bay. The former first-round pack has 5.5 sacks and been a disruptive playmaker.

Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes: Minnesota tasks Rhodes with shutting down the opponent's top receiver, and he's been up to the task this season. He held Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. to a career-low 23 yards earlier this season.