Every new NFL season brings with it breakout performances, with players hoping to take their team to the next level. These are the top breakout candidates for each team entering the 2025 season.
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Harrison didn't quite live up to expectations in his rookie season, as a former college star and son of a Hall of Famer. Arizona has high hopes for his second season, as he finds more comfort with Kyler Murray.
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It was expected that Penix would effectively take a redshirt year behind Kirk Cousins last season, but he was thrust into action late in the year. He showed flashes but will now get the keys to the kingdom as Atlanta's starting quarterback.
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Wiggins had a strong rookie campaign, but the first-round pick was worked in somewhat slowly, seeing only 68% of defensive snaps. He should take on a bigger role in his second season.
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Coleman was drafted in the second round last year to help fill the void after the Bills lost Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. He was a major deep threat and has the potential to be Buffalo's No. 1 wideout this season.
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After an early-season benching, Young started to find his footing in Dave Canales' offense last season. There's further progress to make, and the team has helped him by adding Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of the draft.
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Williams looked like a deer in the headlights at times during his rookie season. Chicago has added support for him in the offseason, hiring offensive mastermind Ben Johnson and fixing their offensive line issues. Perhaps no player in the NFL has higher expectations of a breakout than Williams in 2025.
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Ossai has been used as a situational pass rusher in his first three seasons, recording 9.5 sacks. He's set to be used more following the retirement of Sam Hubbard, and the Bengals are counting on him, along with rookie Shemar Stewart.
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Cleveland retained franchise player Myles Garrett despite his trade demands in the offseason, and that should certainly benefit the rest of the defensive line. Graham as high hopes as a first-round pick, and should get opportunities to pressure the quarterback while Garrett draws most of the attention.
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Pickens always flashed star potential in Pittsburgh, but capped out at 63 catches as his max in a season. With CeeDee Lamb drawing more attention, Pickens has a chance to post a monster season for his new team as he heads toward free agency.
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Denver showed off an elite offensive line last season, and has leaned in on the running game by adding Harvey in the second round. He should be at the head of the running back committee along with Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin, garnering most of the opportunities.
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Williams emerged as Detroit's No. 2 wideout last season with more than 1,000 yards receiving in 15 games. That play might have only scratched the surface for the speedster, and the Lions should manufacture more ways to get the ball in his hands.
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Van Ness has wreaked havoc at times since being drafted in 2023, but it hasn't always shown up on the stats sheet. Green Bay expects bigger things this year as he earns more snaps.
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Stroud won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, but took a significant step back last season in large part due to the team's poor offensive line play. Houston made a change at offensive coordinator, addressed their offensive line, and also drafted multiple wide receivers. The moves should help Stroud get back on track as one of the top quarterbacks in football.
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The Colts still have issues at quarterback with a battle between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, but the weapons are improved with the addition of Warren. The former Penn State star should be a great outlet receiver for whoever is under center.
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The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Hunter is expected to see most of his rookie work at wideout. Joining second-year wide receiver Brian Thomas, Hunter could be set for a huge rookie season in Trevor Lawrence's return from injury.
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While Worthy showed flashes in his rookie season, his play was inconsistent. The team expects him to be a bigger deep threat with Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown back from injury.
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Jeanty was a star at Boise State, and should be able to make an instant impact on a Raiders team that looks more capable of moving the ball this season with Geno Smith under center. He should emerge as the bell cow back immediately.
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The Chargers showed run-first tendencies last season under head coach Jim Harbaugh, and their focus on the run shows with the addition of Hampton in the first round. The bruising back is expected to get his fair share of work in his rookie season.
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Verse won Defensive Rookie of the Year as part of a dynamic front seven, but he has more room for growth. He had 66 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season, and has a chance to become a star in LA soon.
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With better health last season, Achane finished just short of 1,500 yards from scrimmage. The speedster did see his rushing yardage decline, however, and has a chance to be a bigger part of the team's offense as Tyreek Hill ages.
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With McCarthy sidelined for his entire rookie season, the Vikings found gold in Sam Darnold. McCarthy returns to a great infrastructure in Minnesota, including star wideout Justin Jefferson.
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The Patriots liked what they saw in Maye's rookie season, but he lacked support around him. The hiring of coordinator Josh McDaniels and the addition of Stefon Diggs give him a better chance to succeed.
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The Saints saw flashes of McKinstry's ability in nine starts last season, but there's more upside. He should see a bigger role in his second season, and has the support of a veteran safety pairing with Tyrann Mathieu and Justin Reid.
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New York's starting quarterback is unclear this season, but Tracy should see most of the work at running back. The dynamic second-year player had over 1,100 yards from scrimmage last season and has more ability.
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Fields has struggled as a starter in Chicago and Pittsburgh, but the Jets clearly believe in him. It's not an easy situation, but the team is set to see him sink or swim with capable weapons around him.
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Smith already took a big step forward last season, recording 6.5 sacks. The former first-round pick should see even more snaps and opportunities for a breakout in 2025.
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The Steelers have moved on from Najee Harris, but Johnson is a similar back. The rookie is expected to step in as the lead back and see plenty of work.
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Pearsall had a whirlwind rookie season, surviving a robbery attempt and eventually producing in 11 games. He will be a key part of the team's offense this season as the 49ers traded Deebo Samuel and have Brandon Aiyuk returning from injury.
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Murphy has a key role at the center of Seattle's defense, and that role will only grow this season. He saw only 49% of defensive snaps last season but will be tasked with plugging up the middle more often.
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Kancey took a big step forward last season with 7.5 sacks in only 12 games. With a full season of health, the Bucs have much larger expectations in what's become one of the top defensive lines in football.
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The first overall pick in the draft, Ward adds hope for a Titans team that has floundered over the last two years. There will likely be hiccups, but the dynamic quarterback brings big upside.
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Sainristil helped revive Washington's defense in his rookie season, and could emerge as a top cornerback this year. With additional comfort in Dan Quinn's defense, Sainristil should continue his progress.