The NFL sees plenty of talented stars break into the league early. Jayden Daniels, CJ Stroud, and Ja’Marr Chase are some recent stars that have quickly taken over the league.
Some players don’t see that immediate success, but they find it shortly after. Here are some second-year NFL players poised for a breakout season.
Tyler Nubin: New York Giants
The New York Giants selected safety Tyler Nubin in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Minnesota product was a first-team All-American and a first-team All-Big Ten player in 2023, and a second-team All-Big Ten player in 2022. He holds the Minnesota record for interceptions (13).
Nubin showed flashes in his 13 starts with the Giants. He ended the year with 98 tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. The Giants’ secondary struggled all season, ranking 31st in interceptions (5).
Nubin’s rookie campaign garnered positive attention as the kind of player who can grow. The Giants have upgraded the secondary through free agency and the Draft. A rising tide lifts all boats, and New York’s growth on defense opens a world of opportunities for Nubin.
Keon Coleman: Buffalo Bills
The 33rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft saw the Bills select wide receiver Keon Coleman out of Florida State. Coleman quickly captured fans’ hearts with his outgoing personality and humor. His on-field production didn’t follow suit, yet.
Josh Allen won the 2024 NFL MVP award, and he did so by utilizing everyone in his offense. Coleman was targeted 57 times, and hauled in 29 receptions for 556 yards and four touchdowns. The 22 year-old only started 12 games due to injury, but he showed a ton of potential.
Josh Allen has become a megastar, and Khalil Shakir became his WR1, but WR2 is wide open. Buffalo’s system has been terrific for player growth, and Coleman will find his footing in 2025 as one of Allen’s top targets.
Caleb Williams: Chicago Bears
First overall pick Caleb Williams had a crazy rookie season in the NFL. In his first year, Williams saw his offensive coordinator and head coach fired. As inept as they may have been, that’s a tough adjustment for any young quarterback. Despite a tumultuous season, Williams was impressive.
Chicago had an abysmal offensive line, and Williams was sacked 68 times. The rookie showed toughness in an insane situation, throwing for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. On the surface, it’s easy to say Williams fell flat in Year One, but it doesn’t fall entirely on him.
Chicago now has a revamped coaching staff, led by a madman (in the best ways) in Ben Johnson, and a loaded offense. Williams can finally develop with a stronger system and a stronger supporting cast. The Bears might have their first 4,000-yard passer in 2025.
Xavier Legette: Carolina Panthers
Xavier Legette’s rookie season was average at best, but to be fair, the Panthers were a hot mess in 2024. Bryce Young looked lost on the field, the offense wasn’t up to snuff, and the defense did them no favors. The second half of the season saw a slight turnaround for Carolina.
After Bryce Young’s benching early on, he returned to the field a new man. He finally looked like an NFL quarterback, and he was comfortable. Now, Legette is joined by Tetairoa McMillan, who will surely open up Carolina’s offense.
The dual-threat at the receiver position will help Bryce Young immensely. He has two receivers he can rely on, and their production will benefit one another. McMillan and Legette have the potential to be a breakout duo in 2025.
Ricky Pearsall: San Francisco 49ers
The general consensus among NFL fans, and fantasy football managers, is that Ricky Pearsall is primed for a breakout season. 2024 was a difficult year for the 31st overall pick out of Florida. On September 2nd, 2024, Pearsall was placed on the NFI list follwing a gunshot to the chest. The offseason of preparation he put in was quickly erased in one swift moment.
Despite the injury, Pearsall recovered in less than two months and took the field in Week Seven. He quickly impressed fans in his four NFL starts, hauling in 31 receptions from 46 targets for 400 yards and three touchdowns.
The Niners traded away Deebo Samuel, opening up a perfect spot for Pearsall to finally make his mark. Brock Purdy got paid, Brandon Aiyuk is coming back from injury, and George Kittle is a top-three tight end in the NFL. Kyle Shanahan produces strong talent, and Pearsall already has the makings of a star. The 49ers might have a star on their hands here.
End Of My NFL Rant
It’s impossible to tell who will be the next breakout superstar in the NFL. Every year, multiple players find their footing and take the league by storm. The five guys are next up, and they’re in perfect positions to dominate the NFL in Year Two.