Every year, there are players who enter the season with high expectations. Some fail to live up to the hype, while others rise to the occasion.
With the free agency frenzy calming down, let’s look at one player from each NFL team who is likely to take their game to the next level in 2025.
Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
Arizona Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. had a good rookie season, but it feels like he left meat on the bone. The Ohio State product finished with 62 receptions, 885 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns on the year. On the surface, those aren’t numbers to scoff at by any means. But considering his pedigree and raw talent, the No. 4 overall pick could really take off in Year 2.
Harrison experienced some highs and lows as a rookie. He caught just one pass for four yards in his NFL debut, and he failed to reach 50 receiving yards in nine games. He did tie Jalen McMillan for the second-most receiving TDs by a rookie in 2024 (Brian Thomas Jr. had 10), but his chemistry with Cardinals QB Kyler Murray was shaky at times.
Harrison’s 21.4% target share ranked 90th in the NFL last season. Arizona drafted him to become the No. 1 option, but tight end Trey McBride was that guy in 2024. The Cardinals finished with the fifth-best offense in the league, according to PFSN’s Offense+ metric.
With more involvement in a productive offense, there’s no reason why Harrison can’t enjoy a monster sophomore season.
Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Arnold Ebiketie
Arnold Ebiketie’s NFL career got off to a slow start after the Atlanta Falcons selected him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He started just one game as a rookie, but he notched 30 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Ebiketie made a leap in the sacks department in Year 2, finishing with six in 2023 but with the same amount of pressures as the season prior (28). His 2024 campaign featured another slow start. He didn’t record a sack until Week 9. His early-season struggles led to a dip in pressure rate from 17.2% in 2023 to 12.2% in 2024.
Ebiketie turned up the heat toward the end of the season, though. He recorded five sacks between Weeks 13 and 18. The Falcons were 31st in the NFL in sacks with just 31 last season. Despite Ebiketie’s inconsistency, he looked like a better pass-rusher than Matthew Judon down the stretch.
Atlanta will rely on him more in 2025 (along with free-agent signing Leonard Floyd) as they aim to boost their pass rush efforts and take some pressure off of the back end of the defense.
Baltimore Ravens: OT Roger Rosengarten
Like many rookies, Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten had his share of ups and downs during the 2024 season. However, by season’s end, the University of Washington product showed why Eric DeCosta and the front office grabbed him in the second round of the draft.
The Ravens finished with the second-best offensive line in the NFL last season, according to PFSN’s OL+ metric. Rosengarten started 16 games at right tackle for Baltimore, including the playoffs. He was credited with four sacks and 36 pressures allowed in 518 pass-blocking snaps.
The strength of the line in pass protection, coupled with Lamar Jackson’s craftiness in the pocket, resulted in Baltimore leading the league in average time to throw (3.24 seconds).
Rosengarten more than held his own as a rookie and stands to continue to develop on a talented roster. Two-time Pro Bowler Ronnie Stanley was a free agent this offseason, but he is returning. Still, the Ravens also have enough confidence in Rosengarten to move him from right tackle to left tackle if needed.
Buffalo Bills: TE Dalton Kincaid
Dalton Kincaid was the No. 25 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he looked every bit of the part during his rookie season. He caught 73 passes for 673 yards and two touchdowns. His 91 targets were second on the Bills (behind only Stefon Diggs), and he was third in routes run (460).
However, Kincaid’s production declined in 2024. He ran just 276 routes in 13 games, leading to a dip in receptions (44) and yards (448). Kincaid and Josh Allen seemed out of sync for much of the season as well.
Kincaid’s 58.7% catch rate was the worst among qualified tight ends, per Next Gen Stats. To make matters worse, Kincaid’s 2024 season ended on a sour note with a dropped pass (albeit a difficult one) in a crucial moment of the AFC Championship Game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
It’s not farfetched to predict a Kincaid bounce-back in 2025. He showed what he’s capable of in Year 1. Injuries played a factor last season, which is part of why the Bills emphasized the need for their young tight end to get stronger in the offseason. Kincaid knows where he needs to improve, and rebuilding chemistry with the reigning NFL MVP is a top priority.
Carolina Panthers: LB Trevin Wallace
The Carolina Panthers’ defense struggled mightily in 2024, ranking near the bottom of the NFL in almost every major category. They finished as the 32nd-ranked unit in PFSN’s Defense+ metric. One bright spot, however, was the promise Trevin Wallace displayed as a rookie.
The third-round pick from Kentucky recorded 63 tackles, two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and one sack last season. Wallace started eight games and rose to the occasion with Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell out due to injuries. He really shined in Week 5, recording a career-high 15 tackles against the Bears.
Wallace flashed the athleticism that he showed off at the Scouting Combine during the draft process. There were some issues in pass coverage, as he allowed a passer rating of 133.7 on 235 coverage snaps. Still, he gained valuable experience early on, which could translate into another step in his development in 2025.
Chicago Bears: S Jaquan Brisker
Jaquan Brisker’s 2024 campaign was unfortunately cut short after five games due to a concussion he suffered during a collision with Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble. He was well on his way to having a career year.
When Brisker went down, he had 40 tackles, three tackles for loss, an interception, a sack, and a forced fumble on the season. The former Penn State standout was making plays across the board, and he shone in pass coverage. He allowed a 41.7 passer rating and target EPA of -8.2 on 161 coverage snaps, according to Next Gen Stats.
Brisker has suffered multiple concussions since entering the NFL. Heading into the final year of his rookie contract, the 25-year-old will need to prove he can stay on the field to land a contract extension that lines up with his massive potential.
Cincinnati Bengals: S Jordan Battle
Jordan Battle’s brief tenure with the Bengals hasn’t exactly 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 in situations when asked to get after the quarterback, notching two sacks and seven pressures as well.
The 2024 season was a different story, though. Cincinnati opted for a safety duo of Vonn Bell and Geno Stone, despite Battle’s performance the season prior. The defense struggled out of the gates. Battle saw his snap count increase midway through the season, and he eventually became a starter for the last six games of the season.
The Bengals’ coaching staff appears confident in Battle moving forward, so he should have every opportunity to lock down a starting spot heading into the 2025 season.
Cleveland Browns: CB Martin Emerson Jr.
The Browns boasted an elite defense in 2023, but the unit took a significant step back in 2024. One rising star who struggled to find his footing last season was Martin Emerson Jr.
Emerson made a big jump during his sophomore campaign. He recorded 59 tackles, four interceptions, and 14 pass defenses in 2023. He excelled in coverage, allowing a passer rating of 44.1 when targeted as the nearest defender. Emerson failed to perform anywhere near that level in 2024, recording just five pass breakups and zero interceptions. When targeted, he allowed 682 yards and a 101.1 passer rating.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz pinpointed that Emerson needs to do a better job of finishing at the ball. At 6’2″, 200 pounds, Emerson has the size to be more physical. He proved that in 2023. If you’re going to bet on one guy to step up for this defense in 2025, it should be the player who flashed his massive upside just two seasons ago.
Dallas Cowboys: LB Marist Liufau
Marist Liufau was a pleasant surprise for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024. The third-round pick out of Notre Dame started nine games during his rookie campaign, finishing with 46 tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Liufau logged just nine snaps in Week 1, but his opportunities increased as the season went on, and he made the most of them. DeMarvion Overshown suffered a season-ending injury, and Liufau outplayed Damone Clark. Over the last four games of the season, he recorded 24 tackles.
Liufau’s late-season surge may have solidified his place as a starter in 2025. His high motor and aggressive style of play can be a gift and a curse, but he undoubtedly opened some eyes as a rookie. The linebacker group in Dallas has been unstable of late, but Liufau showed flashes of promise, and he could make another leap in Year 2.
Denver Broncos: EDGE Dondrea Tillman
Dondrea Tillman’s play was a pleasant surprise last season. A Division II product, Tillman worked his way up to the NFL after impressing scouts with his performance in the USFL and UFL. The Denver Broncos signed him to a deal, and he made a noticeable impact for the top-ranked defense in PFSN’s Defense+ metric.
Tillman appeared in 12 games last season, recording 22 tackles, five tackles for loss, five sacks, 21 pressures, and eight quarterback hits. His 14.7% pressure rate ranked 22nd among all players with at least 100 pass rush snaps (143 snaps).
The Broncos placed a one-year ERFA tender on Tillman ahead of the 2025 season. He turns 27 in April and appears to be just scratching the surface of what he can be in the NFL. Playing on a talented defense, we could see Tillman unleashed in his first full season.
Detroit Lions: G Christian Mahogany
The Detroit Lions had the fifth-ranked offensive line in PFSN’s rankings. However, left guard Graham Glasgow’s play declined down the stretch. Right guard Kevin Zeitler was a free agent and signed with the Tennessee Titans. Rookie Christian Mahogany made two starts late in the season and showed signs of being capable of taking over one of the starting spots.
Mahogany stepped in for the injured Glasgow in Week 16, and he started at right guard for Zeitler in the playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. The Boston College product played a total of 143 snaps and allowed one sack and four pressures.
The sample size is pretty small for Mahogany, but the Lions drafted him for a reason. The Lions already lost Zeitler. They will likely look to sign another veteran but expect Mahogany to have every opportunity to crack the starting lineup next season.
Green Bay Packers: CB Carrington Valentine
Jaire Alexander has been a cornerstone of the Green Bay Packers defense since arriving in 2018, but he may have played his last down with the team. The Packers are reportedly open to trading the two-time Pro Bowler, so someone else will need to step up. Carrington Valentine is a player who fits that bill.
Valentine, a seventh-round pick out of Kentucky in 2023, has made 19 starts over the past two seasons. He was projected as an excellent athlete with some technique issues, but he has exceeded expectations. Through two seasons, he has 76 tackles, two interceptions, and 14 pass breakups.
As the nearest defender, Valentine allowed a passer rating of 69.0 and -13.1 target EPA (30 targets) in 2024. At 23 years old, he’s a young player still learning as part of the NFL’s youngest team. Given his performance early in his career, the upside for 2025 and beyond is undeniable.
Houston Texans: S Calen Bullock
The Texans’ secondary is full of youth, but there’s talent across the board. Houston drafted Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock in the 2024 NFL Draft, and both showed signs of promise in Year 1. The latter was a third-round selection out of USC, and he left his mark on the Texans’ 2024 season.
Bullock finished with 51 tackles, five interceptions, and 11 pass breakups in 2024. The first-year safety tied All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. for the most interceptions on the team. Bullock’s coverage skills were a big part of why Houston drafted him, and he did not disappoint. He was targeted 28 times, allowing just 11 receptions, the lowest completion percentage allowed (39.3%) last season with at least 25 targets.
The Texans traded for C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason, but that shouldn’t affect Bullock’s role in 2025. He projects as the starting free safety, and with 15 starts already under his belt, he could reach new heights in Year 2.
Indianapolis Colts: OL Tanor Bortolini
The Indianapolis Colts lost two starting offensive linemen to free agency in center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries (both signed with the Vikings). The 16th-ranked offensive line, according to our metric, will need a new starting center and right guard next season. 2024 fourth-round pick Tanor Bortolini is one of the players who will be asked to step up.
Bortolini made five starts last season, allowing zero sacks, three quarterback hits, and a pressure rate of 3.6% on 198 pass block snaps. His pressure rate allowed tied with Chargers tackle Joe Alt for the third-best mark among rookie offensive linemen in 2024.
With Kelly gone, the Wisconsin product is in line to be the Colts’ starting center in 2025. Gaining experience as a rookie could serve him well, and it’s likely why Indianapolis felt comfortable letting two starters walk in free agency. There will be plenty of pressure on Bartolini’s shoulders, though, as he’s anchoring an offensive line protecting Anthony Richardson, who has yet to live up to the hype.
Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Brenton Strange
The Jacksonville Jaguars have already made several changes to their offense this offseason, including trading wide receiver Christian Kirk and releasing tight end Evan Engram. Jacksonville added former Commanders wideout Dyami Brown, who will join a receiving corps that features Brian Thomas Jr., Gabe Davis, and Parker Washington.
The loss of Engram is arguably bigger. He posted a career-high 114 receptions and 963 yards in 2023. He was one of Trevor Lawrence’s preferred targets again in 2024 before his season was cut short after nine games. Now, the Jaguars will turn to Brenton Strange, their 2023 second-round pick out of Penn State.
Strange has made 14 starts over two seasons. His role as a rookie was minimal, but he made strides in 2024, particularly after Engram went down. He caught 40 passes for 411 yards and two scores on 53 targets. He posted a catch rate over expected of +5.1. There is a youth movement brewing at the skill positions in Jacksonville, and Strange’s play suggests he’ll have a big role in 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs: S Jaden Hicks
Safety Justin Reid has been a staple of the Kansas City Chiefs defense since he joined the team in 2022, but he signed with the New Orleans Saints this offseason. It’s never easy losing a veteran leader who’s contributed a great deal to the team’s success, but Jaden Hicks may be up to the task of taking over the strong safety spot.
The Chiefs drafted Hicks in the fourth round last April, and the former Washington State standout exceeded expectations. Hicks appeared in 20 games last season, including the playoffs. He recorded 42 tackles, three interceptions, and five pass breakups. He was targeted 14 times in the regular season, allowing a passer rating of 79.5.
Hicks consistently got better as the season progressed, and playing behind and learning from Reid certainly helped. With Reid now gone, it’ll be Hicks’ show, and he’s clearly already earned the trust of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Las Vegas Raiders: CB Jakorian Bennett
The Las Vegas Raiders finished with a C- grade in PFSN’s Defense+ metric, ranking 21st in the NFL. They were decent against the run, but the unit wasn’t great at defending the pass. Despite the struggles, one bright spot was the improvement of cornerback Jakorian Bennett.
Bennett appeared in 10 games in 2024, seven of which were starts. He recorded 26 tackles and eight pass breakups. He was targeted 45 times as the nearest defender, allowing a -10.2% catch rate over expected and an 86.9 passer rating, according to Next Gen Stats.
Bennett was on pace to have a significantly better statistical year than his rookie season, but a shoulder injury cut his sophomore season short. He played just over 70% of snaps, but he could be in for a larger role in 2025 if he stays healthy. His physical profile, coupled with his production, could bode well for a full-on breakout season next year.
Los Angeles Chargers: DT Teair Tart
The Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive line will look a bit different next season. The team parted ways with longtime star edge rusher Joey Bosa. They also lost defensive tackle Poona Ford to free agency. However, L.A. was able to retain two key contributors in Khalil Mack and Teair Tart. While the former is past his prime, the latter can likely take his game to another level.
Tart’s strong suit is his run-stuffing ability. He recorded a tackle on a career-high 17.7% of his run snaps in 2024. That ranked 11th out of 109 defensive tackles with at least 100 snaps against the run.
Tart was on the field for 31.7% of the Chargers’ defensive snaps last season. If he can be more productive as a pass rusher, that number could climb. The team brought him back for a reason. He didn’t get a lot of praise for his impact on the defensive line, but the Chargers will lean on him heavily to anchor the unit in the middle, especially with the loss of Ford.
Los Angeles Rams: LB Omar Speights
The Los Angeles Rams have struck gold on the defensive side of the ball in the past two drafts. They found a gem in Kobie Turner in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Then, they followed it up with Braden Fiske and Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse in 2024. Beyond that, undrafted free agent Omar Speights also showed promise last season.
Speights worked his way onto the Rams’ active roster, appearing in all 17 regular season games, including 10 starts. The former LSU linebacker registered 66 tackles, two tackles for loss, four pressures, and two pass breakups. In two playoff starts, he recorded 11 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble.
Speights has already proven people wrong, but who’s to say he won’t make another leap in 2025? He gained valuable experience in Year 1 and should have an opportunity to earn a full-time starting role next season.
Miami Dolphins: WR Malik Washington
While things didn’t go as planned for the Miami Dolphins offense in 2024, one thing is for certain — they still have one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL when healthy in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. One player who could see an increased role next season alongside that tandem is Malik Washington.
Washington was a sixth-round pick for the Dolphins last year. He arrived in Miami as part of a crowded WR room that also featured Odell Beckham Jr. and Braxton Berrios. Both of those guys are gone, meaning Washington has room to build on the flashes he showed in 2024.
Washington impressed as a returner before making his way onto the field more on offense. Injuries happened, and he took advantage of his opportunities. He was targeted 36 times, catching 26 passes for 223 yards. There’s a clearer path for Washington to be featured more in 2025, and with Hill’s status uncertain, there could be room for additional opportunities.
Minnesota Vikings: S Theo Jackson
There will be some turnover in the Minnesota Vikings’ secondary heading into the 2025 season. Safety Camryn Bynum agreed to terms with the Colts. Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin are also free agents. So far, the Vikings have added cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and re-signed Byron Murphy, who is coming off his first Pro Bowl season. They also re-signed safety Theo Jackson, who could be an important part of the plan next season.
By letting Bynum walk and retaining Jackson, Minnesota is signaling that they believe the latter is ready for a larger role. Jackson, a former sixth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans, has been waiting his turn since entering the league in 2022. He played 75 snaps in 2024, including the playoffs, recording 11 tackles, one interception, and three pass breakups.
Jackson has also been a contributor on special teams. Now that Bynum is gone, Jackson’s role appears set to increase alongside Harrison Smith and Joshua Metellus. It’s a small sample size, but the Vikings are betting that he’s ready.
New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye
Despite a 3-9 record as a starter last season, Drake Maye displayed why he is the quarterback of the future for the New England Patriots. With Jacoby Brissett penciled in as the Week 1 starter, it wasn’t clear when we’d see Maye, but he answered when his number was called.
Maye threw for 2,276 yards, 15 TDs, and 10 INTs with a passer rating of 88.1. He ranked 19th in PFSN’s QB+ metric with a 74.3 (C) grade. He finished 22nd in EPA per dropback (0.01), ranking 21st from a clean pocket (0.2 EPA/DB) and 18th when pressured (-0.30 EPA/DB). He finished the year ranked fourth inside the opposing half with a 0.25 EPA per dropback, and he posted a 0.52 EPA per dropback in the final two minutes of the first half.
There are some areas where Maye can improve in Year 2, as he ranked 27th on third downs (34.3%) and 31st in net yards per pass attempt (6.1).
Maye didn’t step into the best situation, though. The Patriots’ offensive line was the worst in the NFL, according to PFSN’s OL+ metric. The front office has been active in free agency, including addressing needs on the offensive line. They added offensive tackle Morgan Moses, who’s 34 years old but also not a developing project. Maye needs some stability up front, and Moses’ presence should offer that.
The 22-year-old had his fair share of critics entering the NFL. He’s likely silenced some, but as the franchise quarterback, he’ll be expected to take another step in 2025.
New Orleans Saints: DT Bryan Bresee
Make no mistake about it: Bryan Bresee had a good season for the New Orleans Saints in 2024. The 2023 first-rounder made 11 starts and recorded 25 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. He also had 38 pressures and 15 quarterback hits.
While Bresee impressed as a pass rusher, he left much to be desired as a run defender. In fact, the Saints, as a whole, struggled in that department. They ranked 31st in yards per rush (4.9) and 30th in rush success (55.6%) and yards before contact per rush (1.95).
Bresee has largely been a productive rotational piece in his first two seasons. He’s had some flash plays but has yet to put it all together for a full season. The 2025 season could be that moment for the 23-year-old.
New Orleans traded for veteran Davon Godchaux this offseason. Bresee will have a solid veteran who he can learn from next to him. If he can improve against the run, Year 3 could be a full-on breakout season for the Clemson product.
New York Giants: S Tyler Nubin
The New York Giants got solid production from their 2024 draft class. Malik Nabers established himself as a true No. 1 wide receiver. Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. racked up 1,000+ scrimmage yards. On the defensive side of the ball, cornerback Dru Phillips and safety Tyler Nubin showed plenty of promise in the secondary.
Nubin, a second-round pick out of Minnesota, started 13 games for the Giants in 2024 before an ankle injury ended his season. He finished the season with 98 tackles, including four tackles for loss. It was a pretty impressive start to his career for a defense that was top-half in Defense+ before fading down the stretch.
The Giants moved on from Xavier McKinney last offseason, and he earned his first All-Pro selection in his first season in Green Bay. Time will tell if Nubin can turn into that caliber of player, but he displayed flashes in Year 1. In his sophomore campaign, he’ll look to build on that success and become more of a leader on defense.
New York Jets: OT Olu Fashanu
The New York Jets’ offensive line was one of the worst units in 2024 by PFSN’s OL+ metric. The area they struggled the most was in the run game. Jets running backs averaged just 0.78 yards before carry per rush (23rd in the NFL). The unit did allow a pressure rate of 28%, which was good for fifth in the league. However, Aaron Rodgers got the ball out quickly, which helped that number.
If the Jets’ offensive line is going to improve in 2025, they will need Olu Fashanu to take the next step. Fashanu was the team’s first-round pick in last year’s draft (11th overall). He made nine starts and played 555 offensive snaps in his rookie year, allowing one sack, 25 pressures, and four quarterback hits.
His 6.6% pressure rate ranked 14th out of 17 rookie offensive linemen with at least 300 pass block snaps. The run game is also an area with room for improvement for him as well.
Fashanu suffered a plantar fascia injury that ended his season, but he did not require surgery, which is good news for 2025. He’ll need to improve across the board, but gaining valuable experience as a rookie should serve him right heading into Year 2.
Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE Jalyx Hunt
The Super Bowl champion Eagles have seen a good deal of turnover this offseason, losing several key contributors. Cornerback Darius Slay, safety Gardner-Johnson, defensive lineman Milton Williams, and edge rusher Josh Sweat will all be suiting up for new teams in 2025. Sweat was the No. 1 free agent in PFSN’s rankings, so those are big shoes to fill.
After moving on from multiple veteran defenders, the Eagles will rely on young players to step up. Jalyx Hunt is a player who could be primed for a breakout next season. Philadelphia selected Hunt in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He appeared in 20 games last season (including the playoffs), totaling 370 defensive snaps.
The Houston Christian product finished with 32 tackles, three sacks, 21 pressures, and six quarterback hits. He posted a 10.2% pressure rate (205 pass rush snaps), which ranked eighth on the team. The Eagles had plenty of depth, but injuries to Brandon Graham and Bryce Huff led to increased opportunities for Hunt.
Similar to last season, we can expect Hunt to rise to the occasion when faced with more expectations. The 24-year-old’s production in a crowded room could be a sign of great things to come in the future.
Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Broderick Jones
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line will look different in 2025. They moved on from left tackle Dan Moore Jr. in free agency. The plan is to move third-year man Broderick Jones to left tackle after spending his first two NFL seasons at right tackle. The change would allow Jones to return to his natural position and Troy Fautanu to start at right tackle.
Jones’ career hasn’t gotten off to the start that the Steelers hoped. The former Georgia Bulldog has started 27 games over two seasons, allowing 16 sacks, 72 pressures, and 14 quarterback hits. He allowed a 4.2% pressure rate last season, which was fifth-worst among offensive linemen with at least 300 pass block snaps.
Jones is still pretty raw, but perhaps moving back to left tackle will help him regain the form that got him drafted 14th overall in 2023. At 23 years old, you can’t just dismiss him as a bust, as he has plenty of room to grow.
San Francisco 49ers: S Malik Mustapha
The San Francisco 49ers have seen significant personnel changes this offseason, so a few players fit the bill here, including wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who stands to see more opportunities after the team traded Deebo Samuel Sr. However, safety Malik Mustapha showed that he has star potential during his rookie season.
Mustapha, a fourth-round selection in last year’s draft, far exceeded expectations in Year 1. He started 12 games and registered 71 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception, and five pass breakups. He played 728 snaps in 2024, but he stands to have even more opportunities next season.
The 49ers lost Talanoa Hufanga to free agency (Broncos). Mustapha projects as the starting free safety next to Ji’Ayir Brown. San Francisco added depth to the safety room this offseason with Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant. Still, neither offers much competition to the rising star. The 49ers’ defense took a massive step back in 2024, but Mustapha proved to be a huge steal and his role is set to increase as a result.
Seattle Seahawks: LB Tyrice Knight
Mike Macdonald is a defensive mastermind at heart, and his first season as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks further proved it. The defense showed tremendous improvement in 2024, finishing as the sixth-best unit in the NFL, according to PFSN’s Defense+ metric.
The Seahawks made changes to their linebacker room in the middle of last season, and Tyrice Knight became a more significant part of the plan. The fourth-rounder out of UTEP made nine starts as a rookie and recorded 88 tackles, three tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. Knight finished third among all rookies in tackles last season. He was also solid against the pass, finishing with 10 pressures and two pass breakups.
Seattle heads into the 2025 season lacking depth at linebacker. Knight is poised to lock down a starting spot in the middle of Macdonald’s defense. Even though he’s still developing, the Seahawks will rely on Knight to take his game to another level next season, and he showed a ton of promise in Year 1.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DL Calijah Kancey
The 2024 season was a bit disappointing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense. The unit finished ranked 16th in PFSN’s Defense+ metric. The Bucs were strong against the run, but they were a bottom-10 pass defense for much of the season.
They have some pieces in the secondary, led by Antoine Winfield Jr., Zyon McCollum, Jamel Dean, and Tykee Smith. However, the defensive backfield lacks depth behind the starters. The defensive front can help them out by putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The Buccaneers added two-time Pro Bowler Haason Reddick in free agency. He was quiet on the field in his lone season with the Jets, so this is a chance to see if he can regain form. Another player with high expectations for 2025 is Calijah Kancey.
He’s heading into his third NFL season after getting drafted in the first round in 2023. Kancey made a leap as a pass rusher in 2024, registering 7.5 sacks, 39 pressures, and 18 quarterback hits in just 12 games. He also posted a pressure rate of 11%, a jump from 9.4% in 2023.
Though Kancey led the Bucs in sacks last season, he has an even bigger goal for 2025: record double-digit sacks. The Pitt product has dealt with injuries in his first two seasons. If he can stay on the field for an entire season and build on his 2024 performance, we could see him achieve his goal and then some.
Tennessee Titans: DT T’Vondre Sweat
The Titans’ defense may not have been as bad as the numbers suggest last year. They were a talented group, but they had to overcome one of the worst offenses in the NFL. Still, the Titans have to get better across the board if they want to be competitive in 2025. Defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat is one of the players whose development will be key to Tennessee improving next season.
Sweat, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, started 16 games last season. The former Texas Longhorns star wasn’t dominant, but he showed flashes of what he could do once it all comes together. Sweat finished his rookie year with 51 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble.
Sweat’s strong suit was stopping the run, which is not surprising given his 6’4″, 366-pound frame. Through Week 17, the Titans allowed 4.2 yards per carry with Sweat on the field, according to Next Gen Stats. That was the seventh-fewest in the NFL during that span. As a pass rusher, he added 23 pressures and three quarterback hits.
Sweat seems to be just scratching the surface, and he could turn things up a notch in Year 2. Playing alongside veterans like Jeffery Simmons and Sebastian Joseph-Day allows him to learn more about playing at a high level on the defensive line. If Sweat makes a jump, the Titans could have one of the better defensive lines in football.
Washington Commanders: CB Mike Sainristil
The Commanders’ 2024 draft class was impressive, led by Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. Offensive tackle Brandon Coleman and defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton also played well, but the team added players at both of their positions in free agency, so it’s unclear if their roles will increase in 2025. One player from the class who has a clear path to take the next step is cornerback Mike Sainristil.
The Commanders took Sainristil in the second round of last year’s draft, and he ended up being a big contributor for the defense during the playoff run. Sainristil brought with him a championship pedigree after winning the national title at Michigan. He started 19 games for Washington, including the playoffs, and finished with 90 tackles in the regular season, which was the fourth-most on the team.
Sainristil played his best football down the stretch. He recorded 14 pass breakups and two interceptions in the regular season. Then, he followed it up with four pass breakups and two more interceptions in the postseason. He began as the slot cornerback but was later moved outside because of struggles at the position. Coming out of college, there were concerns about Sainristil’s frame, but he was up to the task.
Heading into Year 2, there’s no doubt that Sainristil will be a core piece of what Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. want to do in 2025. Sainristil still has plenty of learning to do, and he’s not the biggest of cornerbacks. However, what he lacks in size, he makes up for in heart and playmaking ability. Expect him to step into more of a leadership role next season as he continues to develop.