Five NFL Players Destined for a Breakout Year in 2025
Every single offseason, stories about contract negotiations and position battle reports loom heavily on the internet and television. “What is he getting paid?” and “Who will start for them this year at quarterback?” are just some things that are so often heard when training camp starts, and teams begin to rev up for the upcoming season. Along with this, the work that players have been putting in during the break is on full display. This offseason grind can lead to more opportunities to earn a starting role, and it also allows for some fans to speculate on big years for their team’s players. Here are five breakout candidates, guys who will have a bigger role and are destined to shine in it, for the 2025 NFL season.
Boye Mafe, EDGE Seahawks
At six-foot-four, 261 pounds, Boye Mafe turns speed into power better than a plethora of top names in the NFL. The ex-Minnesota Gopher was PFF’s 30th-ranked edge rusher in 2024, and he started to improve in the latter half of the season. He ranked 21st in forced quarterback hurries, per PFF, and this is mainly because of how well he moves for his size. He is a true hand-fighter at the line of scrimmage, meaning that he wins most of his battles with offensive tackles with swipes, swims, and ducks. This is super intriguing because he is not a small guy. Oftentimes, smaller edge rushers win with speed, but not Mafe. His big frame and long arms keep blockers guessing, and this unique play style makes him a player to watch out for in 2025.
Demario Douglas, WR Patriots
Yes, New England’s wide receiver room is crowded, but how much talent is there? Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker are rumored to be cut candidates already, and the only other options that make sense, and can start, are Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and rookie Kyle Williams. Demario Douglas, nicknamed “Pop,” due to his ability to make big plays, is sure-handed over the middle and has real big-play ability. He can beat defenders off the line due to his quick release and elite acceleration. He is for sure a name to watch heading into this season.
Isaiah Rodgers, CB, Vikings
Isaiah Rodgers makes this list because of the flashes he showed towards the end of the year in 2024. His run defense is elite, earning the 14th-highest run defense grade in the NFL, per PFF. Rodgers is only five-foot-ten, but his athleticism allows him to win jump balls and force breakups. He has great speed, stemming from his days as a return man with the Colts. This will be his first year as a starting boundary corner, and look out for his name because, with this larger role, he is going to turn heads.
Tre’Von Moehrig, S Panthers
Tre’Von Moehrig just got big-time money, and the Panthers expect him to be a big-time player for them over the next handful of years. Carolina has not had a decent safety since Tre Boston; that was seven years ago. Moehrig is a phenomenal run-defender, but also can jump routes and seek over the top of the defense. He is a powerful safety with an attitude, something that the Panthers lacked in 2024. Carolina’ tackling in the secondary has been an issue for years, and with the addition of the ex-TCU Horned Frog, they might just be that much better against the run.
Tutu Atwell, WR Rams
Tutu Atwell did not score a touchdown in 2024, but with Cooper Kupp gone and Puka Nacua primarily playing in the slot, the ex-Louisville Cardinal might be in store for a big year. He has blazing speed, and he uses it so well over the middle. He only dropped three passes last year and is so dangerous after the catch. With a bigger role, watch out for this speedster in 2025.
