Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. In today's installment, he spotlights 11 offensive players poised to make noise in 2025.
The start of NFL training camps is just a few weeks away, with a host of players set to make the jump from role players to key contributors this season. Although most breakout performers tease the football world before ascending to stardom, we have watched a handful of young players in the past make their marks after settling in as second or third-year players.
Last year in this space, I accurately identified Jaxson Smith-Njiba, Khalil Shakir, Matthew Bergeron, and Joe Tippmann as offensive players who were ready to break out in 2024. And although Bryce Young's breakout season was a bit of a bumpy ride, the former No. 1 overall pick also validated his spot on my list with a strong sophomore campaign that has fans buzzing in Charlotte heading into this season.
Given some time to take an extended look at some of the second- and third-year players around the league, here is my list of offensive breakout players to watch in 2025.
Falcons fans should be excited about the offense’s potential with Penix at the helm, despite the small sample size by which we can judge the QB so far -- he started just three games and appeared in five as a rookie last season. The left-hander has a wealth of playmakers at his disposal, with the size (Drake London), speed (Darnell Mooney), athleticism (Kyle Pitts) and explosiveness (Bijan Robinson) to score from anywhere on the field. As offensive coordinator Zac Robinson tweaks the scheme to build around Penix’s big arm and gunslinger mentality, the Falcons could become a scoring machine, with a spectacular sophomore dropping bombs in a vertical-based passing game designed to produce more explosive plays.
After rushing for 839 yards as a rookie, the fifth-round running back has an opportunity to surpass the 1,200-yard mark in an offense that features more efficient quarterback play with veteran leader Russell Wilson set to take over from Daniel Jones. The improved passing game will lead to more light boxes (six or fewer defenders) and wider lanes for the former college wide receiver to scoot through on off-tackle runs and designed cut-back plays. With Wilson also expected to target Tracy frequently on swing, screen and option routes in the pass game, the Giants’ unheralded RB1 could put up massive scrimmage yard totals as a multi-purpose threat from the backfield.
Josh Allen’s handpicked WR1 looks poised to make a major leap in his second season. Coleman’s superior size (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) and superb ball skills should help him take advantage of favorable matchups in the red zone. The sophomore should also see his numbers explode with Allen throwing the ball his way to exploit the coverage tilted in Khalil Shakir’s direction following Shakir's own breakout campaign in 2024. As opponents attempt to neutralize the reigning MVP and the NFL’s most potent offense with various coverages designed to eliminate the deep ball, Coleman could shine as the cheat code on the perimeter.
Ben Johnson’s arrival and Caleb Williams’ expected development should result in increased production for the Bears’ WR2 in 2025. As a big-bodied playmaker with sticky hands and rugged running skills, Odunze can excel as a possession receiver in a ball-control offense that frequently targets the middle of the field. With Williams instructed to play on time, the QB should find the second-year receiver early and often, with opponents forced to defend a multi-faceted attack that efficiently mixes run and pass plays with a creative approach.
The former first-rounder could use the 2024 postseason as a springboard to a breakout campaign, and potentially Pro Bowl accolades, should he emerge as the No. 1 option in the Chiefs' passing game. Worthy’s impressive performance in Super Bowl LIX (eight catches for 157 yards and a pair of scores) and the AFC Championship Game (six grabs for 85 yards and a TD) showed Andy Reid and Co. that he is capable of anchoring the passing attack in big moments. Moreover, that strong postseason from the NFL’s fastest man suggests Worthy could add another dimension to the offense -- much like when Tyreek Hill was on the roster -- as a world-class sprinter taking over the leading role.
After flashing big-play potential as a fill-in for an injured Evan Engram in 2024, the Penn State product could post big numbers as Trevor Lawrence’s checkdown option in a vertical-based passing game that features Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter and Dyami Brown flying down the field. Though Strange possesses the speed, quickness and burst to torch opponents down the seams, the 6-4, 253-pound tight end could thrive in a role as a chain-mover, with defensive coordinators forced to utilize more two-high safety looks to discourage deep throws to the Jaguars’ talented trio of WRs.
The arrival of No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward as the team’s franchise quarterback puts immense pressure on the Titans offensive line to dominate in the trenches. Latham is poised to meet the standard as a mauler/brawler with heavy hands and knockout power. After moving back to his natural position (right tackle) following a rookie season spent on the blindside, thanks to the addition this offseason of Dan Moore Jr.., the 6-5, 342-pound Latham could dominate opponents as the designated bully on the Titans’ frontline.
Because of a knee injury, Fautanu played in just one game as a rookie. Now, though, he has a chance to earn Pro Bowl consideration as a first-time starter, thanks to his exceptional talent and polished technique. He is a natural edge blocker with the balance, body control and lateral quickness to effectively shadowbox pass rushers in space. With Aaron Rodgers poised to throw the ball all over the yard behind a young and dynamic offensive line, the second-year tackle could reap the rewards from dominating his matchups in the spotlight.
Though he did not log many snaps as a rookie, missing time with injury while also making a positional switch, Morgan could become a major contributor for the Packers as a swing starter. For now, I'm sneaking him in here as a guard, the position where he spent most of his time in 2024, though he could crack the lineup as a right guard or left tackle, based on how competitions unfold at training camp. While the 2024 first-rounder lacks the ideal length to play on the edge, he does have quick feet and active hands, which should help him keep Jordan Love upright in the pocket. If the franchise quarterback enjoys a banner season, there's a good chance the second-year blocker will have played a major role in his success, presumably as either Love's blindside protector or as a trench warrior at the point of attack.
All eyes will be on the former sixth-rounder as he steps into a significant role as a second-year pro. With Detroit needing to make up for the losses of guard Kevin Zeitler (free agency) and center Frank Ragnow (retirement), Mahogany must dominate the middle of the line to ensure Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery can attack in that area on the downhill runs that set the tone for the offense. He'll also have to handle the super-sized pass rushers within the NFC North to help give Jared Goff the clean pocket he'll need to continue torching opponents with pinpoint throws and keep the Lions' attack humming.
Frazier earned high marks for his work as a rookie starter, snagging Pro Football Focus' fifth-highest offensive grade among centers in 2024. Now, Aaron Rodgers' arrival at QB will put the spotlight squarely on the former second-round selection, whose talent might be even more appreciated if he displays it while playing in front of a four-time MVP. From Frazier's rugged play as a run-blocker to his quick hands and stout "short sets" in pass protection, he possesses the tools to emerge as a perennial Pro Bowler in Pittsburgh.
