The coming NFL season always brings anticipation, but 2025 offers something more: a sense that new names are about to shape the story. While superstars capture headlines, playoff runs often hinge on unexpected contributors ready to seize bigger roles.

Teams rely on these players to step forward. This is sometimes sparked by changes in coaching, depth chart shakeups, or the natural leap from promising rookie to trusted starter. This article examines several NFL athletes from both the offense and defense whose situations and skills suggest they’re primed for breakout campaigns.

From hidden gems in new systems to young stars poised for larger roles, each section highlights a player to watch, explains why now is their moment, and considers what their emergence could mean for their teams.

Jack Sanborn: Linebacker With Defensive Scheme Synergy

Dallas’s linebacker room is wide open, and Jack Sanborn may be the player who benefits most from this uncertainty. With defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus now guiding the Cowboys, Sanborn’s prior experience under him in Chicago provides a clear advantage.

Across three seasons as a part-time starter for the Bears, Sanborn established a reputation for intelligence, toughness, and anticipation. These are qualities that Eberflus values in the heart of his defense. Early offseason projections and NFL odds frequently shift as analysts factor in potential breakout performers; Sanborn is a name beginning to earn more attention.

Dallas’s linebacker corps lacks a definitive leader. His familiarity with the system could earn Sanborn substantial playing time. His knack for being in the right place at the right time will be critical as the Cowboys look to maintain defensive consistency amid roster changes.

If he secures a starting spot, Sanborn’s transition could serve as a model for how scheme fit and coaching relationships unlock hidden potential, giving Dallas stability at a key position.

Tyrone Tracy Jr.: Offensive Upside for the Giants’ Attack

The New York Giants enter the 2025 NFL season with renewed optimism on offense, largely due to their investment in backfield versatility. Tyrone Tracy Jr., coming off a rookie season with 839 rushing yards, is set to become a pivotal multi-purpose weapon.

The addition of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson signals more efficient passing and, crucially, lighter defensive fronts for the running game.

Tracy’s background as a college wide receiver expands his utility, enabling him to exploit mismatches as both a rusher and a receiver. In a system expected to prioritize screen passes, swing routes, and off-tackle runs, Tracy could see a significant jump in touches and total scrimmage yards.

If he approaches or exceeds the 1,200-yard mark as projected, his dual-threat presence could become the lynchpin that balances the Giants’ offense and helps sustain drives throughout the season.

Jalyx Hunt: Next-Man-Up as Pass Rusher in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s defensive line has been a strength, but turnover and opportunity converge in 2025. With Josh Sweat departing for Arizona, the Eagles need a fresh edge presence. Enter Jalyx Hunt, a third-round pick who managed 25 of the defensive snaps in a crowded unit last year. That early experience is notable given Philadelphia’s depth and high expectations on defense.

Now, Hunt stands to benefit from playing alongside Jalen Carter, whose dominance in the interior line draws attention from blockers. This should create more one-on-one opportunities for Hunt to display his athleticism and edge-bending speed.

If he can build on his rookie foundation, Hunt may emerge as the kind of relentless pass rusher every contender needs; a player who can change the tempo of a game with a single big play off the edge.

Keon Coleman: Path to the Air Attack for Buffalo

Buffalo’s offense, powered by quarterback Josh Allen, remains one of the league’s most dynamic. 2025 could see Keon Coleman take center stage. Coleman’s stature (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) and ability to win contested balls make him a prime red zone target.

After a rookie year spent learning the system and adjusting to NFL speed, he now steps into the WR1 role, especially with defenses focused on containing last year’s breakout, Khalil Shakir. As coverage shifts, Coleman will have the chance to exploit single coverage. He can use his physicality to secure key catches, particularly in critical third-down or scoring situations.

His progression from promising prospect to Allen’s preferred perimeter option could provide Buffalo with the reliable receiving threat needed to diversify their high-powered attack and maintain offensive balance against sophisticated defenses.

Isaiah Rodgers: Defensive Resurgence in Minnesota’s Secondary

Minnesota’s defense, coordinated by the aggressive Brian Flores, could provide the perfect environment for cornerback Isaiah Rodgers to flourish. In his lone year with Philadelphia, Rodgers played 421 snaps with a performance that went largely under the radar but showcased discipline and awareness.

He is now joining a Minnesota secondary that already has playmakers. Rodgers’s combination of speed and coverage instinct should be amplified in a scheme that values unpredictability and pressure.

With more talent surrounding him and a coach eager to leverage his skills, Rodgers has an opportunity to move from supporting player to pivotal starter, strengthening the Vikings’ pass defense and giving the team added flexibility in critical matchups.

The Value of Hidden Stars

The 2025 NFL season will be defined not only by household names but by the emergence of new contributors who can alter a team’s destiny.

For fans and analysts alike, tracking these breakout candidates offers insight into how coaching, roster changes, and individual growth align to create impact players. While projections are never certain, the situations highlighted here show how opportunity and preparation intersect in the NFL’s ever-evolving landscape.

As training camps open and preseason battles unfold, the next wave of stars is ready to reshape expectations. Staying attuned to their journeys is one of the most rewarding ways to appreciate the game’s ongoing evolution.

By: Chris Bates