The first year of an NFL player’s career can sometimes be a shaky one. Learning a new playbook, living in a new city, and adjusting to the increased physicality and speed of professional football all in one year can make for a difficult initial transition.
There are some players who struggle coming out of the gate, others who show flashes, and others who outright excel in their first year in the NFL. Regardless, the second year is typically easier for players than their second year, seeing as though they have much more stability than what they had going into their rookie campaigns.
Because of this, many players have breakout campaigns in Year 2. Last season, notable players like Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kamari Lassiter, and Calen Bullock all took big leaps in their second season in the league.
Which players from the 2025 NFL Draft will follow through with similar breakout seasons this year? Join us as we break down the second-year players with the most potential to take a big leap in their sophomore season.
Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints
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. They 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.
Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants
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.
Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans
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.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
The aforementioned Etienne left the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the projected starting running back in his stead is second-year back Bhayshul Tuten. He only averaged 3.7 yards per carry as a rookie, but he ran for five 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.
Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears
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.
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, New Orleans Saints
Kelvin Banks Jr. ranked No. 12 among all NFL offensive tackles, No. 1 among rookie offensive linemen, and No. 6 among all left tackles with his 83.2 PFSN OL Impact Score in 2025. Rookie offensive tackles typically struggle right out of the gate, but Banks showed more stability than most in his position. With another year in an NFL program, I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes a Pro Bowler in 2026.
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Houston Texans
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.
Alfred Collins, DT, San Francisco 49ers
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.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Dallas Cowboys
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. 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.
Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, Cincinnati Bengals
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.
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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.
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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.
Malaki Starks, S, Baltimore Ravens
As a rookie for the Baltimore Ravens in 2025, Malaki Starks graded as a solid starter, ranking No. 27 among 105 safeties with a 78.8 PFSN SAF 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.
