Every NFL season brings a fresh wave of optimism, with breakout stars emerging and making a name for themselves. Across the league, young talents are poised to seize larger roles, and recent draft picks are ready to translate potential into production.
From high-profile quarterbacks entering their second seasons to under-the-radar defenders and dynamic playmakers in revamped offenses, this year’s breakout candidates reflect the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming campaign, let’s look at one potential breakout player for every NFL team in 2025.
Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
Marvin Harrison Jr. arrived in Arizona with sky-high expectations and, by all accounts, delivered a solid rookie campaign. He recorded 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference. Those are numbers any young receiver would welcome.
Yet, for a player of his pedigree, it felt like food was left on the table.
Harrison’s debut season was a tale of flashes and frustrations, featuring a quiet start in his NFL debut, nine games below 50 receiving yards, and a target share that ranked near the bottom of the league. While he tied for the second-most rookie receiving touchdowns, his connection with Kyler Murray never quite clicked as anticipated.
Now, with a full offseason to build chemistry, Harrison is poised to take the next step. The Cardinals’ offense, a top-5 unit in our Offense+ metric, is counting on him to become the true No. 1 option. If Harrison can translate his elite talent into a more consistent impact, he has all the ingredients for a true breakout season in 2025.
Atlanta Falcons: QB Michael Penix Jr.
The Atlanta Falcons’ decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall in last year’s draft raised eyebrows just months after signing Kirk Cousins to a major deal. But it’s clear the Falcons are betting on the young quarterback’s future.
Penix’s first NFL action came late in 2024. He started the final three games and showed poise in limited opportunities. Over those starts, he threw for 737 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions, with a 58% completion rate and a 78.6 passer rating.
As Penix steps into a full-time starting role, the Falcons have surrounded him with the weapons and support to thrive. His performance in a small sample size, combined with an arsenal of offensive playmakers that includes Bijan Robinson and Drake London, positions Penix as a prime breakout candidate for the upcoming season.
Baltimore Ravens: CB Nate Wiggins
Nate Wiggins enjoyed a promising rookie season in Baltimore, flashing a skill set that suggests even greater things ahead. Selected 30th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Wiggins quickly earned a significant role in the Ravens’ secondary, logging 679 defensive snaps. He finished the season with 33 total tackles (25 solo) and added one interception and a forced fumble.
Here’s something we can all agree on: Nate Wiggins is going to be a problem for the league in his second year!
Nate Dogg will regulate! pic.twitter.com/k1SqvbnimE
— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) March 30, 2025
Wiggins’ 13 pass breakups finished inside the top-20 in the league, a remarkable feat for a first-year player adjusting to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses. He was targeted 62 times, allowing a 50% completion rate, 66.7 passer rating, and zero touchdowns on the year.
With a year of experience, a full offseason in the scheme, and plenty of talent around him, Wiggins is primed to make a leap in 2025. His length, speed, and instincts fit perfectly with the Ravens’ aggressive, playmaking philosophy. Wiggins could emerge as one of the league’s top young corners on a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Buffalo Bills: TE Dalton Kincaid
Dalton Kincaid burst onto the scene as a rookie, catching 73 passes for 673 yards and two touchdowns while finishing second on the Buffalo Bills in targets.
His sophomore year, however, was hampered by injuries and inconsistency, resulting in a dip in production and what seemed like a drop in chemistry with MVP Josh Allen.
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Kincaid ran fewer routes, saw fewer targets, and posted the lowest catch rate among qualified tight ends in 2024. The season ended on a sour note, as the young tight end had a crucial drop in the AFC Championship Game loss to the Chiefs.
Still, Kincaid’s potential remains undeniable. With the Bills not adding significant target competition this offseason, Kincaid is poised to reclaim his role as a focal point of the passing attack. His efficiency metrics improved in Year 2, and if he can regain chemistry with Allen, Kincaid could be due for a bounce-back campaign.
Carolina Panthers: LB Trevin Wallace
The Carolina Panthers’ defense endured a brutal 2024 season, ranking last in nearly every major category. Yet amid the struggles, linebacker Trevin Wallace emerged as a bright spot and a building block for the future.
The third-round pick from Kentucky was thrust into a much larger role than expected after injuries sidelined Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell, starting eight games and logging 63 total tackles, two for loss, two forced fumbles, and a sack. Wallace’s standout moment came in Week 5, when he racked up a career-high 15 tackles against the Bears, flashing the athleticism and motor that made him a top Combine performer.
While he faced challenges in pass coverage, allowing a passer rating of 133.7 over 235 coverage snaps, he showed enough promise as a run defender. With Carolina not pursuing a clear replacement this offseason, Wallace is poised to build on his early experience and take another step forward as a key starter in 2025.
Chicago Bears: QB Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams entered the NFL as one of the most hyped quarterback prospects in recent memory, but his rookie season with the Chicago Bears was far from smooth. He finished 33rd in PFSN’s QB+ metric, struggled under pressure, and endured a league-high 68 sacks.
While Williams had his fair share of struggles in Year 1, he did post a 3.3 TD/INT ratio, showing flashes of the immense talent that made him the first overall pick in last year’s draft.
Despite the rough start, there’s plenty of reason for optimism in Chicago. The Bears have overhauled their offense, hiring Ben Johnson as head coach, reinforcing the offensive line, and adding two dynamic receiving weapons in Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III with their first two draft picks.
Williams’ advanced metrics from a clean pocket (0.18 EPA per dropback, 24th) suggest he can thrive with better protection and more help around him. Williams may be well-positioned to deliver on his immense potential with everything in place for a true breakout.
Cincinnati Bengals: S Jordan Battle
Jordan Battle’s brief tenure with the Bengals hasn’t been smooth sailing since the team picked him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He put together a promising rookie season, recording 69 tackles, four tackles for loss, and an interception. He thrived when asked to get after the quarterback, notching two sacks and seven pressures.
Battle was relegated to a backup role in 2024 as Cincinnati turned to veterans Vonn Bell and Geno Stone. But as the season wore on and the defense struggled, Battle’s snap count increased, and he reclaimed a starting job for the final six games.
With a new defensive coordinator in Al Golden, who spent the last three seasons at Notre Dame, and the coaching staff’s confidence, Battle is in line to open the 2025 season as a full-time starter.
Cleveland Browns: DT Mike Hall Jr.
Mike Hall Jr.’s rookie campaign was a rollercoaster, marked by promise and adversity. Limited to just eight games due to a league suspension and a knee injury, the former Ohio State standout still managed to make his presence felt, tallying 13 tackles, three tackles for loss, 16 pressures, and a sack.
Hall consistently flashed as a run defender and showed glimpses of disruptive pass-rushing ability, even in a smaller sample size than the Cleveland Browns had hoped for. Heading into 2025, Hall is only 22 years old and will benefit from playing alongside seasoned veterans Shelby Harris and Maliek Collins and first-round pick Mason Graham on the interior of the Browns’ defensive front.
With a full offseason to develop and a clean slate, Hall could turn his flashes of potential into consistent production. If he can stay on the field, he could become a key difference-maker for Cleveland this season.
Dallas Cowboys: LB Marist Liufau
Marist Liufau turned heads in Dallas as a rookie, quickly moving from a third-round pick out of Notre Dame to a key contributor on defense. After starting the year with limited snaps, Liufau’s role expanded following injuries in the linebacker corps, and he capitalized.
Liufau started nine games and finished with 46 tackles, four for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. His late-season surge was particularly impressive, racking up 24 tackles in the final four games.
Liufau’s relentless energy and aggressive style have made him a standout in an unsettled linebacker group. While his approach can sometimes lead to over-pursuit, his upside is clear. With a strong finish to his rookie season and a likely starting spot in 2025, Liufau is well-positioned to take another leap and become a mainstay in the Cowboys’ defense.
Denver Broncos: EDGE Dondrea Tillman
Dondrea Tillman’s journey from Division II to the NFL has been nothing short of remarkable, and his first season with the Denver Broncos proved he belongs at the highest level. After stints in the USFL and the UFL, Tillman signed with Denver and became a disruptive force on the league’s top-ranked defense.
In 12 games, Tillman recorded 22 tackles, five tackles for loss, five sacks, 21 pressures, and eight quarterback hits, with a 14.7% pressure rate that ranked 22nd among all players with at least 100 pass rush snaps.
Now playing under a one-year ERFA tender, Tillman enters 2025 ready to take his game to another level.
At 27, he’s just entering his prime and will be unleashed in a talented Broncos front seven. If his trajectory continues, Tillman could emerge as one of the league’s most productive pass rushers and an integral piece in one of the league’s best defenses.
Detroit Lions: G Christian Mahogany
Christian Mahogany enters 2025 as one of the most talked-about young players on the Detroit Lions’ offensive line. Detroit’s front is a unit in transition after the departures of key veterans. Despite being a sixth-round pick, Mahogany made a strong impression in limited snaps at both guard spots last season.
Mahogany stepped in for the injured Graham Glasgow in Week 16, and he started at right guard for Kevin Zeitler in the playoff loss to the Commanders. The Boston College product played 143 snaps and allowed one sack and four pressures.
With Frank Ragnow retiring and Zeitler leaving in free agency, the Lions will look to Mahogany to help anchor the interior. His ability to step in and perform at a high level, especially in a playoff start, suggests he could fill some big shoes in Year 2. Mahogany now has the opportunity to become a foundational piece for Detroit up front.
Green Bay Packers: LB Edgerrin Cooper
Edgerrin Cooper wasted little time making his presence felt in Green Bay, flashing big-time playmaking ability and versatility as a rookie. Despite missing time with a hamstring injury and playing just 55.3% of defensive snaps, Cooper racked up 77 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
I’ve never seen a #Packers LB hunt the ball carrier like Edgerrin Cooper
pic.twitter.com/6xvh3Tuudd— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) May 27, 2025
Cooper was also outstanding in coverage, allowing only 14 receptions on 25 targets with a stingy 57.1 passer rating and a -20.5% catch rate over expected. The second-round pick out of Texas A&M was impactful, and he didn’t see a full-time role until late in the season, culminating in a strong playoff performance.
Cooper is set to take on an even larger role this season, and given his production in limited reps, he could go nuclear. His blend of speed, instincts, and coverage ability makes him a prime candidate to emerge as one of the best young linebackers in the game.
Houston Texans: S Calen Bullock
Calen Bullock made an immediate impact in the Houston Texans’ young secondary, showing off the range and ball skills that made him a coveted draft pick. The third-rounder from USC finished his rookie year with 51 tackles, five interceptions (tied with Derek Stingley Jr. for the team lead), and 11 pass breakups.
In coverage, Bullock was targeted 28 times and allowed just 11 completions, yielding a league-best 39.3% completion rate among safeties with at least 25 targets.
The Texans’ acquisition of veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson won’t diminish Bullock’s role. He’s still projected to start at free safety after logging 15 starts as a rookie. With a full season of experience and a knack for creating turnovers, Bullock is poised to take another big step in 2025.
Indianapolis Colts: OL Tanor Bortolini
With the departures of Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency, the Indianapolis Colts are counting on Tanor Bortolini to step up as their starting center in 2025.
The 2024 fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin impressed in limited action as a rookie, starting five games and allowing zero sacks with just seven pressures over 211 pass-blocking snaps. His 3.6% pressure rate tied for third-best among rookie offensive linemen last season.
Though he didn’t have a full workload, Bortolini showed promise in pass protection and as a run blocker. His athleticism and versatility stood out in college and translated well in his first NFL action, giving the Colts confidence to let two veteran starters walk.
While he’ll face the pressure of protecting Anthony Richardson and anchoring a line in transition, Bortolini’s strong debut and rapid improvement suggest he’s ready for the challenge.
Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Brenton Strange
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense underwent a significant facelift this offseason, parting ways with key pass-catchers, including wide receiver Christian Kirk and tight end Evan Engram. With Engram gone, the door is wide open for Brenton Strange, a 2023 second-round pick, to step into the starting role.
Strange made significant strides in his second season, catching 40 passes for 411 yards and two touchdowns on 53 targets, and finishing with a catch rate over expected of +5.1. His increased involvement late last year, especially after Engram’s injury, showcased his reliability and playmaking potential.
With a youth movement underway at the skill positions in Jacksonville, led by Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter, Strange is poised to become a central figure in the passing attack. His development and chemistry with Trevor Lawrence could lead to a significant leap.
Kansas City Chiefs: S Jaden Hicks
With veteran safety Justin Reid departing for New Orleans, the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to Jaden Hicks to fill a crucial role in their secondary. Drafted in the fourth round out of Washington State, Hicks exceeded expectations as a rookie, appearing in 20 games (including playoffs) and recording 42 tackles, three interceptions, and five pass breakups.
In coverage, Hicks allowed a passer rating of just 79.5 when targeted (14 targets). His steady improvement and ability to step up in big moments have earned him the trust of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
With Reid gone and no significant additions to the safety room, Hicks is in line for a much larger role in 2025. If he can build on the momentum from his rookie campaign, he could be one of the league’s most impactful young safeties this season.
Las Vegas Raiders: CB Jakorian Bennett
Despite the Las Vegas Raiders’ struggles in pass defense last season, Jakorian Bennett emerged as a bright spot in the secondary. The second-year corner appeared in 10 games (seven starts), tallying 26 tackles and eight pass breakups.
According to Next Gen Stats, Bennett was targeted 45 times as the nearest defender and allowed a -10.2% catch rate over expected with an 86.9 passer rating.
Bennett’s sophomore season was cut short by a shoulder injury, but his production and physical profile point to a player ready for a breakout. If he stays healthy and tightens his coverage skills, Bennett could become a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense and a much-needed playmaker in the secondary in 2025.
Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu
Tuli Tuipulotu’s role is expected to increase in 2025, after the Los Angeles Chargers parted ways with five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Joey Bosa this offseason. Tuipulotu took a significant leap in 2024, finishing with 8.5 sacks, 42 total tackles (26 solo), 11 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble while playing all 17 games.
According to TruMedia, Tuipulotu posted a solid 10.8% pressure rate and generated 40 total pressures and 17 quarterback hits on 372 pass-rush snaps. He played 732 defensive snaps and was on the field for over 66% of the Chargers’ defensive plays.
While Tuipuloto is known for his pass-rushing ability, he has shown tremendous growth as a run stopper, making him a more complete edge defender heading into Year 3. With an expanded role, a well-respected defensive scheme, and Khalil Mack on the other side, Tuipulotu can reach new heights this season.
Los Angeles Rams: LB Omar Speights
Omar Speights emerged as one of the Los Angeles Rams’ most promising young defenders last season, going from undrafted free agent to a key contributor in the middle of Chris Shula’s defense. Speights played all 17 games, starting 10, and posted 67 tackles, six tackles for loss, four pressures, and two pass breakups.
Speights was particularly impactful in the postseason, tallying 11 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in two playoff starts. His advanced metrics back up the eye test, as his 5.1% missed tackle rate was the third-lowest at his position.
With the Rams seeking stability at inside linebacker, Speights’ instincts, tackling efficiency, and ability to diagnose plays make him a strong candidate to seize a full-time starting role in 2025. As he enters his second season, Speights is poised to build on his breakout rookie campaign and could become a cornerstone for a young, ascending Rams defense.
Miami Dolphins: WR Malik Washington
Malik Washington flashed intriguing potential during his rookie season with the Miami Dolphins, and 2025 could be his time to shine. After getting drafted in the sixth round, Washington worked his way up from special-teams standout to a contributor on offense, catching 26 passes for 223 yards on 36 targets.
With Odell Beckham Jr. and Braxton Berrios no longer in the picture, Washington’s path to a bigger role is clear, and he’ll likely be the team’s starting slot receiver. Even the departure of tight end Jonnu Smith could open up more touches.
Washington’s sure hands and quickness in the slot give Miami another dynamic option alongside Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. With more opportunities on offense and a proven knack for making the most of his chances, Washington is well-positioned to make an impact for the Dolphins’ offense this season.
Minnesota Vikings: QB J.J. McCarthy
J.J. McCarthy enters the 2025 season as one of the NFL’s biggest wild cards. The 10th overall pick in 2024 missed his entire rookie year with a torn meniscus, but he’s now on track to start for the Minnesota Vikings.
McCarthy’s college résume, which includes 49 touchdown passes to just 11 interceptions and a 27-1 record as a starter, speaks to his poise and winning pedigree. His preseason flashes showed his potential as both a passer and a runner.
Minnesota has set McCarthy up for success, revamping the offensive line and surrounding him with top-tier weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.
With Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback-friendly system and a strong supporting cast, McCarthy has the foundation to make an immediate impact and establish himself as the Vikings’ long-term answer at quarterback.
New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye showed flashes of franchise-quarterback potential in a challenging rookie season for the New England Patriots. Despite a 3-9 record as a starter, Maye threw for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, adding 421 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.
Maye finished inside the top 20 in PFSN’s QB+ metric, and his EPA per dropback (0.01) and passer rating (88.1) were impressive considering New England’s league-worst offensive line and lack of playmakers.
The Patriots responded by overhauling the offense, bringing in Stefon Diggs, drafting Kyle Williams, and bolstering the offensive line with veteran tackle Morgan Moses and LSU’s Will Campbell. With a stronger supporting cast and new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels set to open up the passing game, Maye is positioned for a substantial leap in Year 2.
New Orleans Saints: DT Bryan Bresee
Bryan Bresee flashed his first-round pedigree in 2024, delivering a strong sophomore campaign for the New Orleans Saints. In 11 starts, the 23-year-old defensive tackle racked up 25 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks, while also generating 38 pressures and 15 quarterback hits.
Bresee’s disruptive presence as a pass rusher was a bright spot for a Saints defense that otherwise struggled to stop the run, ranking near the bottom of the league in yards per rush and rush success rate.
He’s mostly been a productive rotational piece in his first two seasons, showing the ability to make splash plays but still searching for consistency.
With the addition of veteran Davon Godchaux this offseason, Bresee will have a valuable mentor alongside him in the trenches. If he can round out his game and become a more complete defender, Year 3 could be the season he puts it all together.
New York Giants: S Tyler Nubin
Tyler Nubin made an immediate impact in the New York Giants’ secondary, quickly establishing himself as a reliable presence on the back end. The second-round pick out of Minnesota started 13 games as a rookie before an ankle injury cut his season short, finishing with 98 tackles and four tackles for loss.
Nubin’s instincts and tackling ability helped stabilize a defense among the league’s better units for much of the year before fading down the stretch. With the departure of Xavier McKinney, who earned All-Pro honors in Green Bay, the Giants are looking to Nubin to step into a leadership role in his second season.
Nubin showed flashes of high-level play as a rookie and now has the opportunity to build on that foundation. If he continues to develop, he could become the next cornerstone of the Giants’ defense and a key figure in their secondary for years to come.
New York Jets: OT Olu Fashanu
Olu Fashanu’s rookie season with the New York Jets was a trial by fire, as he was thrust into a struggling offensive line that ranked near the bottom of the league in run blocking. The 11th overall pick started nine games and logged 555 offensive snaps, allowing just one sack but surrendering 25 pressures and four quarterback hits.
Fashanu’s 6.6% pressure rate placed him 14th among 17 rookie linemen with at least 300 pass-block snaps, highlighting his potential and the areas where he needs to improve. A late-season plantar fascia injury ended Fashanu’s year, but the fact that he avoided surgery bodes well for his 2025 outlook.
With a full offseason to recover and build on his rookie experience, Fashanu is in line to take a significant step forward. If he can refine his technique and become a more consistent force in both pass protection and the run game, he could be a pivotal piece in the Jets’ efforts to revitalize their offensive line.
Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE Jalyx Hunt
Jalyx Hunt stands out as a prime breakout candidate for 2025 as the Philadelphia Eagles undergo a youth movement on defense. Selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Hunt played in all 22 games last season (including the playoffs) and logged 370 defensive snaps.
Despite being part of a deep rotation, Hunt made the most of his opportunities, finishing with 32 tackles, three sacks, 21 pressures, and six quarterback hits.
Jalyx Hunt said that he can be a lot more technical in year two because he simply knows a lot more after his rookie season.
“I’m way more comfortable,” Hunt said. pic.twitter.com/q9X4iNBysj
— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) May 28, 2025
Hunt’s 10.2% pressure rate on 205 pass rush snaps ranked eighth on the team, a strong indicator of his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Injuries to veterans like Brandon Graham and Bryce Huff opened the door for more playing time, and Hunt responded with steady production, including 1.5 sacks and 10 tackles in the postseason.
With Graham retiring and Huff and Josh Sweat departing this offseason, Hunt is poised to take on a much larger role. His blend of athleticism, motor, and knack for making plays in big moments suggests he could be a difference-maker for the Eagles’ front seven as they look to defend their Super Bowl title.
Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Payton Wilson
Payton Wilson exceeded expectations as a rookie in Pittsburgh, quickly establishing himself as a versatile playmaker on the Steelers’ defense. Appearing in all 17 games with four starts, Wilson racked up 72 tackles, three tackles for loss, an interception, and a forced fumble.
Wilson’s athleticism allowed him to make plays sideline-to-sideline, and he was targeted 37 times in coverage, giving up just 212 yards and a 79.3 passer rating. Those are solid numbers for a first-year linebacker.
Wilson played under 45% of the team’s defensive snaps in 2024, but his flashes of impact suggest he’s ready for a bigger role this season. With more experience and a greater workload, Wilson’s ability to contribute in all phases could make him a breakout star for the Steelers’ defense in 2025.
San Francisco 49ers: WR Ricky Pearsall
With Deebo Samuel gone, the San Francisco 49ers are turning to Ricky Pearsall to help fill the void in their receiving corps. Pearsall overcame early-season adversity, including injuries and a scary off-field incident, catching 31 passes for 400 yards and three touchdowns on 46 targets.
Pearsall’s breakout came in Week 17 against Detroit, where he set career highs with eight receptions and 141 yards, including 122 yards on downfield targets.
Pearsall’s skill set differs from Samuel’s, but his production in limited opportunities and his ability to stretch the field make him an intriguing breakout candidate. With a larger role on tap and a proven work ethic, Pearsall is positioned to become a key weapon for Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ offense this season.
Seattle Seahawks: LB Tyrice Knight
Tyrice Knight made a significant impact as a rookie in Seattle, stepping into a larger role in the middle of a much-improved Seahawks defense under Mike Macdonald.
The fourth-round pick out of UTEP started nine games and finished third among all rookies in tackles, racking up 88 stops, including three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
Knight also contributed 10 pressures and two pass breakups, showing promise against the run and in coverage. With Seattle lacking depth at linebacker heading into 2025, Knight is poised to lock down a starting spot and become a core piece of Macdonald’s scheme.
Knight’s rookie-year production and versatility suggest he’s ready to take his game to the next level, and the Seahawks will be counting on him to help anchor their defense as they look to build on last season’s top-six finish in PFSN’s Defense+ metric.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT Calijah Kancey
Calijah Kancey took a big step forward as a pass rusher in his second NFL season, leading the Buccaneers with 7.5 sacks, 39 pressures, and 18 quarterback hits in just 12 games. His pressure rate jumped to 11% in 2024, up from 9.4% as a rookie, making him one of the more disruptive interior defenders in the league.
While Tampa Bay’s defense finished middle of the pack in PFSN’s Defense+ metric and struggled against the pass, Kancey’s ability to generate consistent pressure was a bright spot.
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With the addition of Haason Reddick to the defensive front, Kancey could see more favorable matchups and opportunities and reach double-digit sacks in 2025.
Health has been a challenge early in his career, but if Kancey can stay on the field, he’s poised to become a foundational piece of the Bucs’ defense and one of the NFL’s premier young interior pass rushers.
Tennessee Titans: DT T’Vondre Sweat
T’Vondre Sweat showed why the Titans made him a second-round pick, starting 16 games and making an immediate impact as a run defender. The 6’4″ 366-pound rookie finished with 51 tackles, four for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble.
Sweat anchored the middle of Tennessee’s defensive line, helping the Titans allow just 4.2 yards per carry with him on the field through Week 17, seventh-best in the league during that stretch, according to Next Gen Stats.
Sweat also chipped in as a pass rusher with 23 pressures and three quarterback hits, flashing potential to become a more well-rounded interior lineman. Surrounded by veterans like Jeffery Simmons and Sebastian Joseph-Day, Sweat is in a great position to elevate his game in Year 2.
Washington Commanders: CB Mike Sainristil
Mike Sainristil quickly became a key contributor for the Commanders after being selected in the second round of the 2024 draft. The former Michigan standout started 19 games (including playoffs), finishing with 90 regular-season tackles, fourth-most on the team, and making his presence felt in big moments.
Sainristil notched 14 pass breakups and two interceptions in the regular season, then added four more breakups and two picks during Washington’s playoff run. Initially deployed as a slot corner, Sainristil shifted outside due to injuries and excelled despite concerns about his size.
Sainristil’s championship pedigree and playmaking instincts have made him a coaching staff favorite. Heading into his second season, Sainristil is expected to take on a larger leadership role. He should be a cornerstone in Dan Quinn’s revamped defense as the Commanders continue to build around their promising young core.
