Who will be a breakout star for the Cincinnati Bengals this season?

The NFL offseason program is in the books, where teams have the next month off before training camp. There were some standout players from the offseason, including some who could make significant impacts during the 2025 season.

There are a number of players around the league who are primed to make a leap this season due to their current situation and/or opportunity following a busy NFL offseason, which has featured its share of changes among NFL rosters.

From Caleb Williams to Bryce Young to Michael Penix Jr., our NFL Wire editors identified one player from every team poised for a breakout year in 2025.

Cincinnati Bengals: CB Dax Hill

Dax Hill was supposed to be the eventual Jessie Bates replacement when drafted in the first round back in 2022. When he finally got on the field a year later, he, alongside the rest of the unit, struggled. Hill then converted to cornerback in 2024 and showed serious promise on the boundary before a torn ACL ended his season early. Going into 2025, Hill is a candidate to bounce back, regardless of whether he plays out on the boundary or kicks inside to the slot after Mike Hilton's departure. A leader of the youth movement under new coordinator Al Golden, Hill could finally realize that first-round upside after the team picked up his fifth-year option. – Chris Roling, Bengals Wire

Arizona Cardinals: LB Akeem Davis-Gaither

While many offseason publications write about second-year receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., let’s not forget he had a solid rookie season with 885 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. And as highly touted as he has been, it is hard to break out as a player like that. So instead of him, Davis-Gaither makes the most sense. He is slated to be the Cardinals’ starting ‘Mike’ linebacker and will be a full-time starter for the first time in his career. Assuming he is healthy, he should log over 100 tackles and fill the stat sheet, especially with the Cardinals’ rebuilt defensive front that includes Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson and 2025 first-round pick Walter Nolen.  – Jess Root, Cards Wire

Atlanta Falcons: QB Michael Penix Jr.

Penix was the easy answer here. The second-year quarterback had to sit and watch the rest of the 2024 QB class thrive for much of the season before finally entering the starting lineup in Week 16. Penix's numbers weren't overly impressive -- 775 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions -- but his film showed a lot of promise. With a big arm, a plethora of weapons, and one of the NFL's top offensive lines, Penix is in position to put up big numbers in Zac Robinson's offense this season.   – Matt Urben, Falcons Wire

Baltimore Ravens: OLB Tavius Robinson

The Ravens had the second-most sacks in the league last season (54) and two players in double digits (Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh). They wanted to upgrade the pass rush and landed Marshall's Mike Green in round two after he slid out of the first round.  Still, Baltimore has all of its outside linebackers returning, including third-year pass rusher Tavius Robinson.  The former Ole Miss pass rusher had 32 tackles (13 solo), including 3.5 sacks, one pass defensed, and 12 QB hits in 17 games last season.  Robinson spent the first half of last season in a rotational role at edge rusher, but he did start in the final six regular-season games. – Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire

Buffalo Bills: WR Keon Coleman

The Bills have huge hopes that Coleman will be the team’s breakout player in 2025. The wide receiver position was addressed this offseason, but lightly. Buffalo is rolling the dice by adding the likes of Josh Palmer and Elijah Moore but Coleman should have an upperhand. Coleman already has a year under his belt working in the Bills offense and with quarterback Josh Allen. On top of that, injuries from last season will no longer hamper Coleman. – Nick Wojton, Bills Wire

Carolina Panthers: QB Bryce Young

Tabbing a recent No. 1 overall pick as a “breakout player” may seem a little cheap, but Young still has yet to firmly establish himself as a franchise quarterback in Carolina. He took one step closer in what was a very impressive 10-game stretch to end last season—where he totaled 2,327 yards, 20 touchdowns and just six interceptions while leading the Panthers to a respectable 4-6 mark. The soon-to-be 24-year-old can keep rising with the help of a relatively deep wideout room, headlined by eighth overall pick Tetairoa McMillan, a rock-solid offensive line and a second year of acclimation into head coach Dave Canales’ offense. Young could be close to erasing the memories of his underwhelming rookie campaign and his early benching in 2024. – Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire

Chicago Bears: QB Caleb Williams

The Bears have a pair of second-year pros poised for a breakout season under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. While receiver Rome Odunze certainly appears primed to play a significant role in Year 2, it’s quarterback Caleb Williams who has the most potential to break out after a quietly impressive rookie season where he flashed his impressive potential. The Bears have spent the offseason prioritizing Williams’ development -- getting him an offensive guru in Johnson, rebuilding the interior offensive line and adding even more weapons to his arsenal. After watching Johnson reinvent Jared Goff in Detroit, there’s no doubt he can maximize Williams’ potential – and we could see that as soon as this season. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire

Cleveland Browns: DE Isaiah McGuire

The Cleveland Browns saw a sophomore leap out of Isaiah McGuire due to a flurry of injuries along their defensive line and the trade of Za’Darius Smith. Now, he’s slated to start opposite Myles Garrett. McGuire plays with a relentless motor and is a strong run defender. With young and explosive defensive tackles like Mason Graham and Mike Hall Jr. playing next to him, McGuire will see plenty of 1-on-1 opportunities when the time comes to rush the passer. – Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire

Dallas Cowboys: Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku

The Cowboys have been preparing for the departure of DeMarcus Lawrence for years now, and the longtime stalwart is now in Seattle. The Cowboys have signed Dante Fowler and Payton Turner, two former first-round picks as free agents, and have drafted the position opposite Micah Parsons three times in four years, all second rounders. Ezeiruaku has insane pass rush skills, as he may have been the best pure edge in the class. Six sacks or more isn't out of the question,  and on a team with this deep of a rotation that will be an impressive feat. – K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire

Denver Broncos: WR Troy Franklin

After an underwhelming rookie season (on offense), Broncos receiver/returner Marvin Mims had a breakout season in 2024. Broncos coach believes second-year receiver Troy Franklin could make a similar jump in 2025. “We saw [Mims] take a big step in the middle of the year,” Payton said. “I think you’re going to see those types of ascensions with players like Troy.” Franklin hauled in 28 receptions for 263 yards and two touchdowns last fall. He made a splash in the team’s wild-card loss to the Bills, hauling in a 43-yard touchdown catch, and Franklin will now look to carry that momentum into Year 2. – Jon Heath, Broncos Wire

Detroit Lions: OG Christian Mahogany

Mahogany missed most of his rookie season after a bout with mono, but he impressed in a late-season trial by fire. The big 6th-rounder from Boston College is going to start in his second season in Detroit, though it’s unclear if it will be at left or right guard. Mahogany’s “dirtbag” style of gritty physicality, high football IQ, and solid range as a run blocker should fit very well into the Lions’ complex blocking schemes. It’s hard to quantify an interior offensive lineman being a breakout player, but Mahogany has what it takes to keep the high-powered Lions offense rolling at full speed. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire

Green Bay Packers: LB Edgerrin Cooper

One could argue that Cooper broke out as a rookie, especially down the stretch when he recorded an NFL-high 8.0 tackles for loss over the final four weeks of the regular season. But Cooper has another level to get to, and his ascension to star status could arrive as soon as 2025. Cooper added weight to his frame to help withstand the season and is now headed for a full-time role as a do-it-all linebacker for defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. If he plays 800 or more snaps, Cooper could produce All-Pro level disruptive numbers in terms of tackles for loss, pressures, sacks and turnover plays. He has the potential to be a special player in his sophomore season. Another candidate here is tight end Tucker Kraft, who is expected to be a focal point on offense after a highly efficient 2024 season. – Zach Kruse, Packers Wire

Houston Texans: WR Jayden Higgins

Really any receiver could fit this category outside of Nico Collins, but the second-round pick out of Iowa State feels like the safe answer. Texans general manager Nick Caserio gushed over Higgins’ consistency to win against man coverage and break open for substantial gains during his two seasons with the Cyclones. Through the early stages of minicamp, he’s lived up to the standard, dropping only one pass while being defended by All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. Much like last year’s breakout candidate Kamari Lassiter, Higgins doesn’t need to be the face of the position, but rather a compliment to the established veteran. Given his combination of size and speed, Higgins could become one of the league’s top No. 2 targets by early December if he builds a rapport with C.J. Stroud in training camp. – Cole Thompson, Texans Wire

Indianapolis Colts: DE Laiatu Latu

Latu’s 38 pressures from a season ago aren’t going to leap off the stat sheet. But a sign of what’s to come is that among all defensive ends in 2024, he ranked 27th in PFF’s pass rush win rate metric. Oftentimes, when a player is winning their matchups regularly, the production will follow. Also assisting Latu should be the Colts’ new defensive scheme under Lou Anarumo. Making things difficult on the Colts’ defensive front last season was that quarterbacks frequently picked the secondary apart via the quick game, which made getting home quite difficult. But this more aggressive and disguise-heavy scheme can help provide the defensive line with that additional split-second or two, which is all it takes to turn a matchup win into a quarterback pressure or sack. – Paul Bretl, Colts Wire

Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Brenton Strange

Internally, the Jaguars are extremely bullish on Strange and the impact he can make, especially within Liam Coen’s offense. Strange brings a well-rounded skill set to the tight end position, able to be moved around the formation, make plays in the passing game, and contribute as a blocker. Having that do-it-all presence at tight end adds some unpredictability for an offense because that player can fill a variety of roles. This then makes it difficult for defenses to get a beat on what’s coming simply based on who is on the field or where players are lined up, and this element really feeds into the multiplicity component that Coen wants on offense. Of course, we will have to see how things unfold, but for reference, Bucs’ tight end Cade Otton had the ninth-most targets among tight ends last season with Coen calling plays.  – Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire

Kansas City Chiefs: DB Jaden Hicks

Hicks worked himself into a fairly prominent role last season as a rookie, and the departure of veteran safety Justin Reid is set to leave a gaping hole in Kansas City’s starting defense. Despite only earning one start in 2024, Hicks managed to snag three interceptions and showed consistent development over the course of his first NFL season. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo would be wise to lean on Hicks’ ball-hawking prowess as he looks to reinvent Kansas City’s secondary next season.  – John Dillon, Chiefs Wire

Las Vegas Raiders: C Jackson Powers-Johnson

The former Rimington Award winner enters his second season with the Raiders. This time he is the undisputed starting center going into the season. He was injured to begin his rookie season and when he entered the lineup, it was at guard. Then after part of the season at center, injuries had him back at guard to ensure they had the best five on the field. Now the job is his alone and he has the tools to be one of the better centers in the league and the anchor for the Raiders offensive line. – Levi Damien, Raiders Wire

Los Angeles Chargers: LB Junior Colson

Colson, the Chargers’ third-round pick of the 2024 NFL draft, didn't have the rookie campaign that he was expected to have. He had an appendectomy in training camp that limited him, as well as a hamstring injury that landed him on Injured Reserve. Colson's situation is similar to teammate Daiyan Henley. Henley hurt his hamstring during his rookie season, and he was primarily a special teams player. One year later, he established himself as one of the league's top linebackers. I'm not saying that Colson will be at that level, but he has the talent and is familiar with Jesse Minter's defense to have a strong sophomore campaign. – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire

Los Angeles Rams: WR Tutu Atwell

It seems like every year we talk about a potential Tutu Atwell breakout and every year, he finishes with fairly underwhelming numbers due to a lack of playing time. Last season, he played a smaller share of snaps than he did in 2022 and 2023, but he still finished with career-highs in catches, receiving yards and yards from scrimmage. He just didn’t score a touchdown. When he’s had to step up as the No. 3 receiver, he’s excelled – whether it was while Cooper Kupp was out early in 2023 or when Puka Nacua was sidelined last season. It’s just that Sean McVay never keeps him in the lineup after the starters return. This year could be different because he’s penciled in as a starter behind Nacua and Davante Adams. And the Rams run 11 personnel more than any other team, which should lead to a healthy number of snaps for Atwell. As a big-play receiver, he could rack up the yards on a modest number of targets, finally breaking out after earning a $10 million contract this offseason. – Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire

Miami Dolphins: WR Malik Washington

Entering his second season, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington is poised for a breakout. Despite a slow start to his rookie campaign as a receiver, he showcased his talent on special teams, averaging 30.7 yards per kick return and 7.4 yards per punt return. Washington finished the 2024 season with 223 receiving yards on 26 receptions and a 72.2 percent catch rate. He also recorded 25 rushing yards on five carries, including his lone touchdown of the season—an 18-yard run against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9. Although he began the year slowly—averaging just 1.6 targets, one catch, and 5.4 receiving yards per game through Week 14—his production surged over the final four games. During that stretch, he averaged 5.0 targets, 4.0 receptions, and 42.3 receiving yards per game, with an impressive 80.0 percent catch rate, well above his season average. With a strong work ethic, high football IQ, and toughness, Washington looks like a strong candidate to take a major leap forward in 2025. – Jason Sarney, Dolphins Wire

Minnesota Vikings: S Joshua Metellus

Everyone will be looking at the big names on the Vikings defense, deservedly so. One of the many players being forgotten, though, is Joshua Metellus, who is taking over a starting role opposite future Hall of Famer Harrison Smith. Metellus steps in for Camryn Bynum, who left in free agency for the Indianapolis Colts. He will now be tasked with being a rangy safety that can be a dual-threat, similarly to Bynum. The Vikings' defense was known at times for their celebrations in 2024. Bynum helped choreograph those, but he also forced many turnovers. Metellus will have a tall task ahead of him, but he is more than ready and capable of meeting it, especially in a contract year. – Andrew Harbaugh, Vikings Wire

New England Patriots: EDGE Keion White

Drake Maye feels like such an obvious answer that I'm going to take things in a completely different direction and choose Keion White. The talent of an emerging star is clearly there for the third-year defender, and he should have an opportunity to play more off the edge under Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. There have been so many improvements along the defensive front with the additions of Milton Williams, a healthy Christian Barmore and rookie Joshua Farmer that White should feast in the offensive backfield in 2025. The scariest part is that most won't even see him coming. – Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire

New Orleans Saints: TE Juwan Johnson

It feels odd to suggest a 28-year old who has already played 67 games with the Saints is about to break out, but Johnson could reach another level in Kellen Moore’s offense. Tight ends have always been a priority when Moore has called plays: an aged Jason Witten saw 83 targets in 2019, with Dalton Schultz drawing 89 of them in 2020, 104 in 2021, and 89 again in 2022. Gerald Everett had 70 targets in 2023, and Dallas Goedert still saw 72 passes go his way across 14 games last year. Johnson had a career-high 66 targets last season. His volume is about to go up and Moore’s fresh perspective could find new ways to get him the ball.  – John Sigler, Saints Wire

New York Giants: WR Jalin Hyatt

Giants fans have been waiting for the Jalin Hyatt breakout since the moment he was drafted in 2023, but not only has it not come, he’s regressed. There were reports that he clashed with the front office and coaching staff a year ago, and he could have come into this offseason sulking. Instead, he dedicated himself to the game and taking care of his body, putting on 15-20 pounds of muscle. He’s more engaged in meetings, has developed a strong rapport with quarterback Russell Wilson (including private workouts), and dazzled throughout the offseason workout program. It’s now or never for Hyatt, and he appears determined to make the most of his last opportunity.  – Dan Benton, Giants Wire

New York Jets: RB Braelon Allen

Braelon Allen nearly had his breakout season as a rookie in 2024, but then the Jets made some changes to their coaching staff. When Nate Hackett lost his play-calling duties last season, Allen’s touches dropped in a big way in favor of Breece Hall. While Hall never broke out himself, Allen still was not leaned on in the same way. Moving forward under head coach Aaron Glenn, Allen’s fate could change because Glenn specifically said it will be a committee approach to rushing the ball moving forward. – Nick Wojton, Jets Wire

Philadelphia Eagles: OLB Jalyx Hunt

Hunt, who offers elite athleticism, is primed and ready to replace the retired Brandon Graham. Viewed as a developmental prospect with a high ceiling, the Eagles selected him out of Houston Christian in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft. During the first 10 games of his rookie season, Hunt played 42 snaps. Down the stretch with Bryce Huff on injured reserve, Hunt played under 30 snaps per game, logging 31 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles during the final seven regular-season games and the playoffs run. – Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire

Pittsburgh Steelers: TE Pat Freiermuth

Freiermuth led the Steelers with 65 receptions in 2024. However, this really didn’t move the meter much because the passing offense was awful, no matter whether it was Russell Wilson or Justin Fields at quarterback. But if there is any player who will benefit from the addition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, it is Freiermuth. Rodgers won’t concern himself with not throwing to the middle of the field and historically, he has utilized the tight end position heavily during his time with the Green Bay Packers. With only DK Metcalf as a threatening weapon in the passing game at wide receiver, Freiermuth could be Rodgers' No. 2 option all season long. – Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire

San Francisco 49ers: RB Isaac Guerendo

There are a handful of young players who could break out this season, but Guerendo has a big-time opportunity to take on workhorse duties in the 49ers’ backfield. Running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to return fully healthy this season with Guerendo likely the No. 2 back on the depth chart. After Achilles and knee injuries derailed his 2024 campaign, we’re expecting a lighter workload for McCaffrey this season and a greater one for Guerendo. The 2024 fourth-round pick acquitted himself well in limited action last season. He improved as a runner with more carries, and his pass-catching ability shined through in a handful of instances where he was an effective receiver down the field. Guerendo should see plenty of action this year in an effort to keep McCaffrey healthy for 18 weeks. If McCaffrey is unavailable, Guerendo figures to be the RB1. In either case – he’s a good player who should thrive with more opportunity in his second year. – Kyle Madson, Niners Wire

Seattle Seahawks: DT Byron Murphy II

Numbers never lie but they don’t always tell the whole story. In his rookie campaign, the stat sheet for Seattle’s former first round selection will only show 36 total tackles and half a sack. However, a defensive tackle’s true impact is rarely measurable on a stat sheet. Still, when watching the games in 2024 it felt Murphy was on the verge of a breakout in multiple games. A full season under his belt, not just in Mike Macdonald’s system but the NFL as a whole, should go a long way to having him prepared for year two. Also, with a (hopefully) healthy Uchenna Nwosu and the addition of DeMarcus Lawrence, Seattle’s defensive line could be quite ferocious in 2025. With those two, along with Leonard Williams, Boye Mafe and Derick Hall, it becomes a numbers game. There aren’t enough offensive linemen to block everyone. – Kole Musgrove, Seahawks Wire

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Yaya Diaby

The Bucs have been searching for a consistent pass rush for years now. They have swung and missed on countless players in the past through the draft and free agency, but they believe that this is the year where, if healthy, Yaya Diaby hits the double-digit mark in sacks. Diaby is fully aware of how underappreciated he is on the Bucs defense, and he believes it has to do with his sack production. With the arrival of Haason Reddick opposite him and Calijah Kancey being used more in the middle to rush the passer, it should free him up more on the outside. If all goes to plan, look for Diaby to have a career year in 2025 and cement himself as a new face on the Mount Rushmore of the Bucs' current defense. – Andrew Harbaugh, Bucs Wire

Tennessee Titans: TE Chigoziem Okonkwo

Okonkwo is entering the final year of his contract and will be looking to make a bigger jump in 2025. Athletic and explosive, Okonkwo came on last season and demonstrated game-changing ability. Now with a different quarterback and a better offensive line, he will attempt to become more of a consistent part of the offense. Signs of the potential jump can already be seen after he led all receivers during minicamp with 13 receptions and is developing a strong chemistry with quarterback Cam Ward. – Dan Benton/Bryan Manning Titans Wire

Washington Commanders: WR Luke McCaffrey

There isn’t a lot of attention paid to Washington’s receivers, not named Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel. That’s perfect for second-year wideout Luke McCaffrey. As a rookie last season, McCaffrey got open. His separation percentage was some of the best in the NFL. However, quarterback Jayden Daniels focused more on McLaurin, Zach Ertz and others. With a full offseason under their belt, you can expect that to change in 2025. McCaffrey has good size and speed. He can play on the inside or outside. McCaffrey is poised for a big jump in his second NFL season. – Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire