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Every NFL Team's Breakout Candidate for the 2025 NFL Season. Read Every NFL Team's Breakout Candidate for the 2025 NFL Season
Every NFL Team's Breakout Candidate for the 2025 NFL Season
With the 2025 NFL season right around the corner, let’s take a look at a breakout candidate from each team. Which players are poised to take the next step in the upcoming campaign? Let’s dive in!
Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR
The former fourth overall pick from Ohio State did not have the most impressive rookie campaign, but he has already begun to make waves during training camp. As a rookie, Harrison flashed immense upside at times but struggled to find consistency. He enjoyed a breakout game in Week 2 against the Rams, where he caught 130 yards and two scores, but would only surpass the century mark once more. Entering his second year, expect the former top prospect to take a significant leap forward.
Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr., QB
The 25-year-old rode the bench through most of his rookie season but was called upon during the stretch run in hopes of saving Atlanta’s playoff hopes. While he was unsuccessful from that perspective, he showed strong promise and carried some momentum into his sophomore season. During his final game of the season (third NFL start), Penix threw for an impressive 312 yards with two scores. Penix is in a great position to succeed, playing alongside Bijan Robinson and Drake London.
Baltimore Ravens
Isaiah Likely, TE
Even though the tight end is currently dealing with a foot injury and could be in danger of missing the opening week of the regular season, he is still in a prime position to breakout. He appeared to be on the breakout path last season as he caught an impressive nine passes for 111 yards and a score in the season opener. However, he would eventually lose targets to veteran Mark Andrews. However, Andrews did not boast the most impressive underlying metrics last season, which could open the door for the more athletic, Likely to take over the lead role finally.
Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman, WR
While Harrison had much higher expectations, Bills Mafia also expected the Florida State product to emerge as a reliable option in the passing attack as a rookie. However, Coleman was only able to bring in 29 passes for 556 yards. While his stat line did not look overly impressive, Josh Allen consistently looked for Coleman deep downfield, evident in his 15.2 aDOT and 1.74 average yards per route run. If Allen and Coleman can continue to build chemistry, they will form one of the best big-play threats in the AFC.
Carolina Panthers
Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE
The Texas product had a minimal role in the Carolina offense in his rookie season, but was building momentum before his season was cut short by a neck injury. During his final five games before suffering the injury, Sanders tallied at least 45 yards in three games and saw five or more targets in two games. When Sanders returned from his injury late in the season, he did not appear to be the same. However, he has received positive press during training camp and is poised to serve as the clear TE1 in the offense.
Chicago Bears
Rome Odunze, WR
Given the disappointment of the 2024 Chicago Bears offense, many players could hold this spot, including former first overall pick Caleb Williams. However, fellow first-rounder Rome Odunze will hold the honors. Odunze had a very inconsistent debut campaign as the Washington product only surpassed the 100-yard mark in two games. However, he entered the draft as a top prospect and is in a great position to take a significant leap forward playing in Ben Johnson’s offense.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joseph Ossai
The former 69th overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft missed his entire rookie season while recovering from a meniscus surgery. It has taken him time to find his footing, but he was able to log a career-high five sacks in 2024 and is in a great spot to take the next step in 2025. With Trey Hendrickson amid a holdout, Ossai could open the season in a clear role on the defensive line. He did most of his damage over the final six games of 2024 as he logged four sacks with 16 solo tackles.
Cleveland Browns
Cedric Tillman, WR
During his first two NFL seasons, the Texas product has enjoyed many prominent highs and lows. While he has only tallied 671 total receiving yards through his first two seasons, much of his production has come in short stints. In 2024, Tillman tallied 330 yards in just five games (out of 339 total yards). Now slated to serve as the No. 2 option to Jerry Jeudy, Tillman could be poised to enjoy his first full NFL season.
Dallas Cowboys
Marist Liufau, LB
The former 87th overall pick in last year’s NFL Draft has received high praise during training camp and could be a leader of the Dallas defense in the upcoming season. According to reports, the Notre Dame product is looking “faster” in team drills. As a rookie, Liufau saw his role gradually grow over the final weeks of the season. Over the final three weeks, he logged 70, 58, and 54 total snaps respectively (highest marks of the season) and tallied 19 total tackles with 10 solo.
Denver Broncos
Marvin Mims Jr., WR
There may not be a player on this list who possesses a higher single-play upside than Marvin Mims. The second-year wideout has not been overly productive throughout his NFL career, but on a play-by-play basis, he has flashed immense upside. Due to his elite speed, Mims can turn any rush/reception into a 90+ yard touchdown. He began to find some consistency over his final five games in 2024, averaging just under 70 yards per game on just 4.6 catches per game.
Detroit Lions
Jack Campbell, LB
While the third-year linebacker is coming off a 131-tackle season, there could be even more room to grow in 2025. In 2024, Campbell was able to take a significant step forward after a somewhat mediocre rookie season. After averaging just over 50 snaps per game from Weeks 1 through 11 last season, Campbell became a leader of the defense over the final stretch, averaging 57.4 snaps per game from Week 11 through 18. With Aaron Glenn now in New York, expect Campbell to continue to develop and become the leader of the Detroit defense.
Green Bay Packers
Tucker Kraft, TE
Is there a player gaining as much positive press as Tucker Kraft? The former 78th overall pick has been the talk of Green Bay training camp and will be a popular breakout pick by many with a now healthy Jordan Love under center. While he opened the 2024 season serving as the No. 2 option behind Luke Musgrave, it did not take Kraft long to overstep him on the depth chart. Now serving as the clear TE1, expect Kraft to push for a 1,000-yard season.
Houston Texans
Cade Stover, TE
We will follow up with Kraft on another TE, this time with a bit of a deeper pull. While Dalton Schultz is slated to open the season as the TE1 in Houston, do not be surprised if the former Ohio State Buckeye makes a strong push for this job. Stover had an intimate role as a rookie but began to see his role increase as the season went on, especially during their Wild Card game against the Chargers. In addition, Stover has received nothing but praise during camp and was even described as the biggest “winner” on the entire team of the offseason by his general manager.
Indianapolis Colts
Josh Downs, WR
Several Indianapolis wide receivers could make a case to hold the spot on the list, including Alec Pierce and former top pick Adonai Mitchell. However, when looking at pure upside, Josh Downs stands alone. The former 79th overall pick from the 2023 NFL Draft has flashed immense upside at times, despite subpar QB play. If Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones can lead a capable offense, Downs could finish the season as a top-15 WR.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tank Bigsby, RB
While Travis Etienne Jr. once looked like the RB1 of the future in Duval County, Tank Bigsby flashed much higher upside last season and has already begun to win the favor of the new coaching staff led by Liam Coen. The Auburbn product has seen first-team reps during training camp and could be in a great position to be the focal point of the rushing attack. Last season, he posted an impressive 4.6 YPC.
Kansas City Chiefs
George Karlaftis, LB
The 24-year-old linebacker inked a four-year extension with the Chiefs in the offseason but has even more room to grow. In 2024, the former first-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft logged eight sacks with 35 tackles. This came after a 2023 season where he posted a career-high 10.5 sacks with 47 tackles. Playing alongside Chris Jones, Karlaftis should continue to operate as the lead edge rusher in the Kansas City defense.
Las Vegas Raiders
Tre Tucker, WR
While the Las Vegas Raiders added to their WR room by drafting Jack Bech and Donte’ Thornton, do not sleep on Tre Tucker. Despite having some of the worst QB play in the sport, Tucker enjoyed a productive second season in the league, tallying 539 yards on 47 receptions. Tucker posted a strong 12.5 aDOT and could finally hit on these deeper looks with Geno Smith serving as the QB1.
Los Angeles Chargers
Quentin Johnston, WR
Even though the Chargers will be reuniting with long-time WR Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston is in a great position to secure the No. 2 WR role behind breakout rookie Ladd McConkey. Last season, Johnston was able to find his footing following a disastrous rookie season, as he brought in 711 yards and eight scores. While he has trouble catching the ball at times, Johnston should be in line to serve as Justin Herbert’s go-to deep target.
Los Angeles Rams
Jordan Whittington, WR
Even though the 24-year-old is slated to open as the clear No. 3 WR to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, Whittington could be in store for a breakout season. The former sixth-round pick from last year’s NFL Draft had a limited role in his debut season but flashed upside at times. He was targeted 23.5% of his routes run and has a clear path to operate as a strong counterpart to the two superstars leading the offense.
Miami Dolphins
Jaylen Wright, RB
The former fourth-round pick from last year’s NFL Draft had a limited role in the Miami rushing attack as De’Von Achane did most of the heavy lifting. However, reports out of Dolphins camp suggest the Tennessee product is poised to take a big leap in his sophomore season. When Wright did earn carries last season, he was productive, posting a 3.7 YPC. The Dolphins have sustained two RBs in the past, and Wright could take over the former Raheem Mostert role in 2025.
Minnesota Vikings
Jordan Mason, RB
This was another very easy call to make. In fact, do not be surprised if Jordan Mason even takes over the RB1 job before the start of the regular season. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell described Mason as a “massive” part of their offseason plan and is already viewing the former 49er as the Co-RB1 with Aaron Jones. Mason shone when replacing Christian McCaffrey late in the season and will now join one of the top offensive units in the sport.
New England Patriots
DeMario Douglas, WR
Even though the New England Patriots signed Stefon Diggs in free agency and drafted Kyle Williams in the NFL Draft, DeMario Douglas could end the season as Drake Maye’s top target. Over the final nine games last season, Douglas established himself as Maye’s go-to option as he caught over four passes per game and just under six targets per game. He flashed decent big-play ability as well, averaging 5.6 yards after the catch.
New Orleans Saints
Kool-Aid McKinstry, DB
The 41st overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft quickly found a role in the New Orleans secondary as Marshon Lattimore missed time with an injury and was eventually traded to Washington. While the 22-year-old did experience some growing pains, he is currently penciled to open the season as one of the lead defensive backs in New Orleans. As a rookie, McKinstry logged 42 total tackles and posted a solid 85.4 QB rating.
New York Giants
Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB
While one may argue the 25-year-old running back already broke out in his debut season, expect Tyone Tracy to take an even further step forward in Year 2. The Giants added some competition to the backfield by drafting Cam Skattebo in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. However, the rookie is already dealing with hamstring injuries and appears to be in danger of missing the start of the season. Despite playing on a weak offense, Tracy was effective, posting a strong 4.4 YPC with 839 total rushing yards.
New York Jets
Braelon Allen, RB
The 21-year-old was given opportunities during his rookie season, but was unable to find much sustained success given his lower efficiency. The former fourth-round pick posted a low 3.6 YPC during his debut season. However, reports out of the Jets camp suggest Allen is now viewed as a starter alongside Breece Hall. While Hall should still lead their backfield, this could be a committee that should provide Allen ample opportunities to bounce back following an inconsistent first season.
Philadelphia Eagles
Nakobe Dean, LB
After spinning his first two NFL seasons primarily in a rotational role, Nakobe Dean logged a career-high 128 tackles with three sacks during the 2024 season. Dean logged the second-most total snaps in the linebacker room behind only Zack Baun. However, with a full year under the belt, do not be surprised if Dean emerges as a true edge threat on this defense. Playing alongside Jalen Carter, Josh Sweat, and now Jihaad Campbell, Dean could push for double-digit sacks.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Roman Wilson, WR
The former third-round pick and National Champion with Michigan had just as quiet a rookie season as someone could have. Wilson dealt with numerous injuries and did not even catch a pass. He only logged five total offensive snaps. However, with Aaron Rodgers in town and George Pickens in Dallas, Wilson can compete for a starting role in the offense. At Michigan, he was a proven reliable option for J.J. McCarthy, and he could finally show his talent after a rough debut season.
San Francisco 49ers
Ricky Pearsall, WR
The 24-year-old missed time at the start of the season recovering from a gunshot wound, but quickly made an impact once he settled in. In Week 19, he caught four passes for 73 yards and a score and was able to finish the season on a high note, tallying 141 yards and a score on eight catches against the Lions. With Deebo Samuel now in D.C. and Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings both dealing with injuries, Pearsoall could open as the clear No. 2 option in this offense behind tight end George Kittle.
Seattle Seahawks
Zach Charbonnet, RB
The UCLA product has had a minimal role during his first two NFL seasons, serving as the backup to Kenenth Walker. However, given Walker’s injury history, Charbonnet has been given occasional spot-starts. Whe nhe does seee the field, he has been uber productiv,e averaging 4.2 YPC. Last season he totaled 568 yards and eight scores on just 135 attempts. With Walker already dealing with another injury, Charbonnet could take this backfield in 2025.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Emeka Egbuka, WR
While I wanted to avoid mentioning rookies on this list since they are the most obvious “breakout” picks, Emeka Egbuka could take the league by storm in 2025. While we were scratching our heads on draft day when the Buccaneers added another WR to their offense, reports out of camp suggest he is playing as their WR1. With Chris Godwin’s lengthy injury history, Egbuka could become Baker Mayfield’s go-to option in the slot. Egbuka was a top WR prospect coming out of Ohio State and could finish the season as a consensus top-15 WR.
Tennessee Titans
Tyjae Spears, RB
The 24-year-old took the backseat to veteran Tony Pollard last season, but do not expect that to happen again in 2025. When Pollard wore down late in the season, Spears took over the starting job and flashed much higher upside. Over his final three games, Spears averaged just under 90 total yards per game and scored four total touchdowns. While Pollard should open the season as the RB1, another injury could push Spears to the top.
Washington Commanders
Ben Sinnott, TE
We will wrap things up with a somewhat bold prediction. The former second-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft had a minimal role in Washington’s offense last season. He was deployed as the clear TE2 behind veteran Zach Ertz. Even though Ertz resigned with Washington on a one-year deal, the Kansas City route could finally be given a larger share this season. He entered the draft portal as a top tight end prospect and could finally break out with superstar Jayden Daniels under center.
