As the 2026-27 NFL regular season draws near, fans of every team are looking forward to seeing how their favorite squad will perform in the new year. A big part of those optimistic expectations are the breakout performers: the players who take a big leap compared to the year prior.
Every team has at least one player with the potential to make significant improvements from 2025 going into 2026. These are the top breakout candidates on every NFL team heading into the new season.
Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT
Walter Nolen’s sample size at the NFL level is very small, as he only played in six games as a rookie due to injury. However, in those two games, he was able to put up two sacks, five tackles for a loss, and 11 total tackles.
Nolen’s disruptive playing style was on display for the Arizona Cardinals last year, even if it was only for a portion of the season. His athleticism and ferocity in the trenches could make him a prime breakout candidate if he can stay healthy.
Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr., QB
Admittedly, including Michael Penix Jr. on this list is a risk, considering the fact that he might not even win the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback job. If he does, though, he’ll be in position to take a nice leap in 2026.
The biggest benefit he’ll have is the addition of Kevin Stefanski as his new head coach. Stefanski is an intelligent offensive mind who has succeeded in the NFL as a head coach, and one could argue Penix would be the best quarterback he’s had to work with since Baker Mayfield. That’s not a high bar given the competition, but a new coaching staff could be helpful.
Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S
As a rookie for the Ravens in 2025, Malaki Starks graded as a solid starter, ranking No. 27 among 105 safeties with a 78.8 PFSN Safety Impact Score. There were some bumps along the way, but he demonstrated flashes of the high-level instincts and ball skills he showed off at Georgia.
The Ravens struggled with defensive line health last year, so if their big guys up front stay healthy, better pressure against the pass could open up more opportunities for Starks to make big plays.
Buffalo Bills: Alec Anderson, G
An undrafted free agent out of UCLA in 2024, Alec Anderson has the potential to make a name for himself with the departure of David Edwards from the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line in free agency.
In 545 career blocking snaps in the NFL, Anderson has played five all positions and has only allowed one sack over 165 pass-blocking reps. He’s an unproven commodity to be sure, but the Bills have a strong offensive line around him, which can help bring him quickly up to speed.
Carolina Panthers: Nic Scourton, EDGE
As a rookie last year, Nic Scourton put together a solid performance with 5.0 sacks, 7.0 tackles for a loss, and 37 pressures off the edge for the Carolina Panthers. The 2025 second-round pick will look to build off of that in 2026.
Scourton will have Jaelan Phillips rushing alongside him off the edge now, which should put a lot of pressure off of him. A stronger supporting cast and another year of reps against NFL competition should make Scourton even better in Year 2.
Chicago Bears: Luther Burden III, WR
An advanced analytical darling in 2025, Luther Burden III was an extremely efficient receiver for the Chicago Bears, notably leading all rookie wide receivers with an 83.8 PFSN WR Impact Score.
He was on a 1,000-yard pace in the final eight games of the year, overcoming a slow start to the season to solidify himself as an impact receiver. He has the chance to break out as the Bears’ WR1 in 2026.
Cincinnati Bengals: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB
Demetrius Knight Jr. was often in the right place at the right time in 2025; he just couldn’t consistently execute. His 15.0% missed tackle percentage wasn’t up to par as a rookie, yet he still finished with 106 tackles and three sacks for the Cincinnati Bengals. With a full offseason in the system and a better defensive line in front of him, he could be freed up to make more big plays, which makes him a breakout candidate if his tackling form improves.
Cleveland Browns: Teven Jenkins, G
It’s never been a matter of talent with Teven Jenkins, but rather, his availability. Over his first four seasons in the NFL with the Bears, he missed a combined 23 games. As talented as he was, his inability to stay healthy forced him out of Chicago.
Jenkins didn’t miss any time last year with the Cleveland Browns, though most of those games came in a backup capacity. This year, though, the Browns have a brand-new offensive line, and he’s slated to start at right guard. Jenkins is a big, nasty guard with some athleticism who could surpass expectations with an improved line around him.
Dallas Cowboys: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE
It was a rather quiet rookie year for Donovan Ezeiruaku. The second-round draft pick had just two sacks in 17 games, finishing No. 67 among 123 qualified edge rushers in PFSN EDGE Impact Scoring.
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That said, he enters 2026 with a much better supporting cast on the Dallas Cowboys’ defense. He’ll have a full year of Quinnen Williams getting attention from blockers, and defensive line additions like Rashan Gary, Malachi Lawrence, and Otito Ogbonnia should free up more chances for Ezeiruaku to make big plays.
Denver Broncos: Justin Strnad, LB
It’s not often you see a player earn a starting role after spending seven seasons on that team as a backup. That’s the case with Justin Strnad this year, who was a backup with the Denver Broncos but is now replacing Dre Greenlaw in the lineup at linebacker.
It’s not like Strnad doesn’t have any starting experience; he’s started 16 total games over the last two years. With that loaded Broncos defensive front cleaning up blocks in front of him, his tackle numbers could be strong in 2026.
Detroit Lions: Christian Mahogany, G
Originally seen as a sixth-round steal in 2024, Christian Mahogany broke into the Detroit Lions’ starting lineup last year as Kevin Zeitler departed in free agency. Those were admittedly very big shoes to fill.
As a full-time starter, though, Mahogany fared surprisingly well, ranking No. 23 in the NFL in PFSN OL Impact Scoring. They should have better center play with Cade Mays in the fold, and having Penei Sewell next to him at left tackle should make Mahogany’s job a long easier along the Lions’ interior.
Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR
Matthew Golden’s production was admittedly less than the standard for a first-round rookie in 2025. With just 29 catches for 361 receiving yards and no touchdowns, there were seven rookie wide receivers with more yards last year, despite his being the third true receiver off the board.
However, there’s plenty of reason to be excited about Golden in 2026, especially since the Green Bay Packers have a lot of touches up for grabs. With the departures of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, Golden should enter the full-time starting rotation with Christian Watson and Jayden Reed to form a potentially dangerous wide receiver trio in Green Bay.
Houston Texans: Aireontae Ersery, OT
There’s reason to be excited about Aireontae Ersery, who started in 16 games as a rookie for the Houston Texans last year. The 6’6″, 330-pound mammoth of a man had a tough task starting right away at left tackle, but he’s ahead of the curve thus far, grading as the No. 4 rookie tackle by PFSN OL Impact Scoring despite being the sixth one off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft. Year 2 should see him improve his foot speed and technique to complement his raw power and size.
Indianapolis Colts: Josh Downs, WR
Josh Downs has already been a good starting receiver for the three years he’s been with the Indianapolis Colts. However, with Michael Pittman Jr. now in Pittsburgh, Downs will have the opportunity to break out as the bonafide WR2 in the Colts’ offense behind Alec Pierce.
Downs has dropped just 4.3% of his career targets in the NFL, and he’s a dynamic athlete who can get open and make plays after the catch. He has breakout potential, especially if Daniel Jones can return to his pre-injury form.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Bhayshul Tuten, RB
After five seasons with the team, Travis Etienne left the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the projected starting running back in his stead is second-year back Bhayshul Tuten.
Tuten only averaged 3.7 yards per carry as a rookie, but he ran for 5 touchdowns on just 83 carries. He ran a 4.32 at the NFL Combine last year and has impressive contact balance; that combination could fare him well in a bigger role with the Jaguars next year.
Kansas City Chiefs: Tyquan Thornton, WR
Tyquan Thornton was one of the most efficient wide receivers in the NFL on a limited sample size in 2025, ranking No. 10 in the league in PFSN WR Impact Scoring and ranking second with 23.1 yards per catch.
Xavier Worthy has had some ups and downs early in his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, and Rashee Rice’s injury history and legal issues make him an unreliable target over the course of a full season. Thornton has the ability to stretch the field vertically and be a big-time playmaker for Patrick Mahomes.
Las Vegas Raiders: Jackson Powers-Johnson, G
A highly-touted prospect coming out of Oregon in the 2024 NFL Draft, Jackson Powers-Johnson has had a rocky path since entering the league. Admittedly, the Las Vegas Raiders haven’t been very good in those two seasons, but there’s a possibility that things change as he enters Year 3.
Primarily, Powers-Johnson will benefit from playing alongside Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, who should make life a lot easier for the Raiders’ guards. Having some more stability around him should make Powers-Johnson much more comfortable in 2025.
Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB
Having only played in nine games as a rookie due to injury, Omarion Hampton didn’t put up the numbers he had likely hoped in 2025. That said, he still averaged a respectable 4.4 yards per carry and scored five touchdowns in said nine games.
Hampton should benefit from the Los Angeles Chargers investing in their interior offensive line this offseason. Tyler Biadasz at center and Jake Slaughter at left guard should pave the way for Hampton in Year 2, and having Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt healthy at the two tackle spots should go a long way for him, too.
Los Angeles Rams: Jaylen Watson, CB
Jaylen Watson was a solid contributor for the Chiefs for four years, and he’s coming off of his first full season as a starter with two interceptions in 2025. He signed in free agency with the Los Angeles Rams, joining his teammate Trent McDuffie in the jump over from Kansas City.
Watson graded as an above-average starter with an 80.4 PFSN CB Impact Score for the Chiefs last season. Now, he’ll have the pleasure of playing behind a loaded Rams defense, which would provide more opportunities for Watson to make plays on the ball as the quarterback makes errant throws under duress.
Miami Dolphins: Malik Washington, WR
With the departures of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, the Miami Dolphins find themselves worryingly thin at the wide receiver position. The bright side of that is that there should be plenty of opportunities for young weapons, Malik Washington perhaps being chief among them.
Washington is already a valuable return specialist for the Dolphins, having served in that role each of the last two years. His receiving stats jumped up from 2024 to 2025, and heading into the third season of his NFL career, he could be a potential breakout performer with a larger sample size.
Minnesota Vikings: Dallas Turner, EDGE
Both Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard missed time due to injury, providing an opportunity for Dallas Turner to crack the Minnesota Vikings’ starting lineup off the edge. The 2024 first-round pick underwhelmed as a rookie, but he improved to the tune of 8.0 sacks in Year 2.
Now, Greenard has been traded to Philadelphia, presenting a chance for Turner to grow into a full-time starting role for the Vikings. He’s an explosive, flexible pass rusher who could crack double-digit sacks in 2026.
New England Patriots: Alijah Vera-Tucker, G
Having missed 41 of 68 regular season games since 2022, availability has been a major issue for Alijah Vera-Tucker.
He’s admittedly been pretty good when he’s been able to stay on the field, grading as an above-average starter in 2021 and 2024, the two seasons he’s been eligible for PFSN OL Impact Scoring to this point. The talent is there as he leaves New York to join the New England Patriots; he just has to stay healthy to prove it.
New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough, QB
Tyler Shough performed well as a rookie, faring second among rookie quarterbacks with a 73.7 PFSN QB Impact Score and placing No. 23 in the NFL. Though he trailed Jaxson Dart in that metric, I trust the New Orleans Saints’ offensive infrastructure a little more currently.
The Saints signed guard David Edwards and running back Travis Etienne, and they also drafted Jordyn Tyson to complement Chris Olave. With a sneaky good supporting cast, Shough should continue to ascend in 2026.
New York Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB
As previously mentioned, it was Dart who ended up leading all rookie quarterbacks with his 76.3 PFSN QB Impact Score. He finished with the ninth-lowest interception percentage among qualified quarterbacks, and he kept a rough New York Giants team competitive in games against playoff teams like Denver, Chicago, and Green Bay.
With a better coaching staff, a healthy Malik Nabers, and a roster that got a much-needed facelift this offseason, Dart could thrive.
New York Jets: Azareye’h Thomas, CB
As of this writing, Azareye’h Thomas will be competing for a starting cornerback spot for the New York Jets. There’s no guarantee he’ll crack the lineup, with the likes of Nahshon Wright, Brandon Stephens, and Qwan’tez Stiggers battling for a spot.
Thomas, a third-round pick in 2025, allowed a passer rating of just 83.9 and a completion percentage of just 48.1% when targeted in coverage. He’s a big, physical cornerback who can press receivers along the line of scrimmage.
Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Steen, G
In his first year as a starter for the Philadelphia Eagles, Tyler Steen put together a strong outing to the tune of an 81.0 PFSN OL Impact Score. With another year as a starter, he has serious breakout potential going into 2026.
Steen is a big, physical guard who’s still just 25 years old. Coming off a strong year with an impressive offensive line around him in Philadelphia, he could solidify himself as one of the top guards in the NFL going into a contract year.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mason McCormick, G
The Pittsburgh Steelers took Mason McCormick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he stepped in right away as a starting right guard for 14 games. He kept that job in 2025 and allowed fewer than two pressures per game in pass protection.
Grading as a top-20 guard by PFSN OL Impact Scoring in 2025, McCormick was able to take a nice leap from Year 1 to Year 2. With another year of development, he could enter top-10 territory by the end of 2026.
San Francisco 49ers: Alfred Collins, DT
The San Francisco 49ers’ defensive line struggled mightily in 2025, and Alfred Collins’ underwhelming rookie year played a role in that. Ranking only No. 112 among 124 qualified defensive tackles in PFSN DT Impact Scoring, Collins had only one sack and one tackle for a loss in 16 games.
However, the No. 43 overall pick has another year in the 49ers’ system, and Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams will be healthy off the edge. With better surroundings, I anticipate Collins takes a big step forward in 2026.
Seattle Seahawks: Zach Charbonnet, RB
One could argue that Zach Charbonnet is already an established name, having contributed for the Seattle Seahawks for three years leading into their Super Bowl-winning campaign last year. He had a personal-best 730 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.
That said, he’s been more of the 1B to Kenneth Walker’s 1A for three years. Now that Walker’s gone, Charbonnet could step into that 1,000-yard territory that Walker got into, even with Jadarian Price in the mix in Seattle.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Benjamin Morrison, CB
Due to injury and a talented cornerback room around him, Benjamin Morrison only played in ten games and started in three as a rookie in 2025. Now, he has a clear path to a starting role for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jamel Dean is gone, and Morrison, a second-round pick out of Notre Dame, figures to replace him.
A freshman All-American with 9 interceptions his first two collegiate seasons, Morrison has dealt with injuries the last two years, but if he stays healthy, there’s serious impact potential for him.
Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB
Cam Ward’s rookie year wasn’t one to write home about. He was one of just three quarterbacks to start in eight or more games and have a sub-60.0% completion rate; he had by far the fewest passing touchdowns among 17-game starting QBs, and he got sacked an NFL-most 55 times.
That said, the Tennessee Titans invested heavily in weapons for him this offseason, and with his natural arm talent, that could help elevate Ward in Year 2.
Washington Commanders: Chig Okonkwo, TE
Chig Okonkwo was a four-year starter for some disappointing Tennessee Titans teams. Though his teams didn’t see a lot of success, he averaged 504 receiving yards during his time in Tennessee before signing with the Washington Commanders this offseason.
Okonkwo will have an upgrade at quarterback in the form of Jayden Daniels, and the team should be a lot more competitive than the Titans teams he played on previously. With a better supporting cast and better quarterback play, Okonkwo could make some more national noise.
