What can 2024 NFL breakout skills do for an encore?
Final yr, a number of gamers emerged after quiet begins to their skilled careers, and under are 5 who might be even higher in 2025.
Denver Broncos outdoors linebacker Nik Bonitto
Final season, Bonitto was a breakout star on the ascending Broncos protection, ending third within the league sacks (13.5) after getting into 2024 with 9.5 in his first two seasons.
The second-round decide (No. 64 general) of the 2022 NFL Draft additionally scored two touchdowns, a 71-yard interception return and one other on a 50-yard fumble restoration, for a Broncos protection that completed third within the league in scoring (18.3 factors allowed per recreation) and seventh in yards allowed (317.1 per recreation).
Throughout a latest dialog with Jim Rome, Bonitto revealed, “Actually, I really feel prefer it’s made me hungrier.
“Now that I’ve obtained a style … I really feel like I’ve attacked this offseason the hungriest I’ve.” (h/t NFL.com)
It is exhausting to imagine Bonitto might do a lot better than his improbable 2024, however he is keen to attempt.
Los Angeles Chargers Daiyan Henley
Per Pro Football Talk, Henley suffered a torn labrum early final season however waited till the offseason to endure surgical procedure, which he has absolutely recovered from.
He did not seem restricted by his damage in 2024, beginning all 18 video games (together with playoffs) and tallying a team-high 147 tackles through the common season.
According to NFL Pro data, Henley was among the many league’s finest protection linebackers, rating fourth amongst qualifying gamers in protection anticipated factors added (-10.9) as the closest defender.
Henley disregarded his accomplishments in a June interview with Chargers.com, telling the positioning, “Final yr was final yr, it’s what it’s. I can enhance. There’s a lot extra for me on the market.”
Carolina Panthers operating again Chuba Hubbard
The Panthers rewarded Hubbard for his breakthrough 2024 season with a four-year, $33.2 million extension final November.
The previous Oklahoma State again, in his fourth NFL season, established career-highs in carries (250), dashing yards (1,195) and touchdowns (10) final yr. Per Pro Football Reference data, Hubbard ranked seventh amongst qualifying operating backs in success charge, outlined as gaining at the very least 40 % of accessible yards on first down, 60 % of accessible yards on second down and 100% on third and fourth down makes an attempt.
Hubbard’s breakout marketing campaign occurred regardless of Carolina’s lackluster cross offense, which might be a lot improved in 2025 with quarterback Bryce Younger’s continued progress and the addition of rookie first-round large receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
Baltimore Ravens outdoors linebacker Odafe Oweh
The 2021 first-round decide (No. 31 general) had a career-high 10 sacks in 2024 and gained 20 pounds of muscle this offseason to make himself an much more imposing pass-rushing menace throughout an important 2025, the ultimate yr of his rookie contract.
With edge-rusher costs skyrocketing, Oweh needs to be extremely motivated to construct on final season with an excellent stronger follow-up.
Seattle Seahawks large receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The Seahawks parted with veteran receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf this offseason, making Smith-Njigba the undisputed lead choice in Seattle’s passing assault beneath first-year coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Final yr, Smith-Njigba, in his second season, tied the Seahawks’ single-season franchise record with 100 receptions (Lockett, 2018), gaining 1,130 yards and scoring six touchdowns.
Seattle added Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free company, and they need to free Smith-Njigba up for probably advantageous one-on-one perimeter matchups.
The largest query is whether or not quarterback Sam Darnold can replicate his 2024 success with the Minnesota Vikings, however there’s little doubt that he has the weaponry to take action.
