2024 NFL breakout players who could be even better in 2025

What can 2024 NFL breakout talents do for an encore?

Last year, several players emerged after quiet starts to their professional careers, and below are five who could be even better in 2025.

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto

Last season, Bonitto was a breakout star on the ascending Broncos defense, finishing third in the league sacks (13.5) after entering 2024 with 9.5 in his first two seasons.

The second-round pick (No. 64 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft also scored two touchdowns, a 71-yard interception return and another on a 50-yard fumble recovery, for a Broncos defense that finished third in the league in scoring (18.3 points allowed per game) and seventh in yards allowed (317.1 per game).

During a recent conversation with Jim Rome, Bonitto revealed, "Honestly, I feel like it's made me hungrier.

"Now that I've got a taste ... I feel like I've attacked this offseason the hungriest I have." (h/t NFL.com)

It's hard to believe Bonitto could do much better than his fantastic 2024, but he's willing to try.

Los Angeles Chargers Daiyan Henley

Per Pro Football Talk, Henley suffered a torn labrum early last season but waited until the offseason to undergo surgery, which he has fully recovered from. 

He didn't appear limited by his injury in 2024, starting all 18 games (including playoffs) and tallying a team-high 147 tackles during the regular season.

According to NFL Pro data, Henley was among the league's best coverage linebackers, ranking fourth among qualifying players in coverage expected points added (-10.9) as the nearest defender.

Henley brushed off his accomplishments in a June interview with Chargers.com, telling the site, "Last year was last year, it is what it is. I can improve. There's so much more for me out there."

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard

The Panthers rewarded Hubbard for his breakthrough 2024 season with a four-year, $33.2 million extension last November.

The former Oklahoma State back, in his fourth NFL season, established career-highs in carries (250), rushing yards (1,195) and touchdowns (10) last year. Per Pro Football Reference data, Hubbard ranked seventh among qualifying running backs in success rate, defined as gaining at least 40 percent of available yards on first down, 60 percent of available yards on second down and 100 percent on third and fourth down attempts.

Hubbard's breakout campaign occurred despite Carolina's lackluster pass offense, which could be much improved in 2025 with quarterback Bryce Young's continued growth and the addition of rookie first-round wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh

The 2021 first-round pick (No. 31 overall) had a career-high 10 sacks in 2024 and gained 20 pounds of muscle this offseason to make himself an even more imposing pass-rushing threat during a crucial 2025, the final year of his rookie contract.

With edge-rusher prices skyrocketing, Oweh should be highly motivated to build on last season with an even stronger follow-up.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Seahawks parted with veteran receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf this offseason, making Smith-Njigba the undisputed lead option in Seattle's passing attack under first-year coordinator Klint Kubiak.

Last year, Smith-Njigba, in his second season, tied the Seahawks' single-season franchise record with 100 receptions (Lockett, 2018), gaining 1,130 yards and scoring six touchdowns.

Seattle added Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency, and they should free Smith-Njigba up for potentially advantageous one-on-one perimeter matchups.

The biggest question is whether quarterback Sam Darnold can replicate his 2024 success with the Minnesota Vikings, but there's little doubt that he has the weaponry to do so.