Every AFC team's top breakout candidate for 2025 season h3z22

Every NFL season brings an opportunity for a new group of young players to make names for themselves. Some emerging stars are easy to predict, and others less so. 346o6o

Starting with the AFC, here is each team's most exciting breakout candidate heading into the 2025 campaign. No rookies allowed.

Wiggins had plenty of flashes as a rookie, demonstrating the coverage upside that made him a first-round pick in last year's draft. He had some moments of inconsistency, but that's to be expected for young players at the position. Wiggins will be far more comfortable as a sophomore, putting himself in a spot to thrive as the new full-time starter opposite Marlon Humphrey.

Most have probably given up on Moore at this point. His production has certainly never lived up to expectations. But we're also talking about a receiver who's played four seasons split between the Jets and Browns, catching es from the likes of Zach Wilson and Deshaun Watson. Last year, Moore had the NFL's fourth-highest percentage of open air yards deemed uncatchable, according to Fantasy Points Data. Teaming up with Josh Allen will give him a chance to turn his separation skills into production.

Jenkins got off to a slow start in his rookie campaign, failing to record a single pressure until Week 7, per PFF. However, he showed signs of the talent that made him a second-round pick down the stretch, including a two-sack game against the Browns in December. The Bengals will be counting on a season-long breakout from Jenkins to help the defense hold up its end of the bargain this year.

McGuire mainly played a rotational role as a sophomore, starting only three of his 16 appearances. He's in line for a starting spot opposite Myles Garrett in 2025, and an incredibly intriguing profile suggests he'll be up to the task. The former fourth-round pick demonstrated some legitimately exciting upside for getting after the quarterback, posting a 24.4% win rate versus true sets, good for eighth at his position league-wide. McGuire also graded out as PFF's fourth-best edge defender against the run last season. He's one to watch in Cleveland this year.

Mims began to emerge on offense in the second half of his sophomore season. The All-Pro return man was especially effective in the screen game and even worked as a receiver out of the backfield, averaging 14.4 yards after the catch from Week 11 on. He also showed the ability to threaten defenses vertically, with three of his six touchdowns over that span coming in the downfield ing game. Mims' role should only continue to expand as Sean Payton prioritizes getting the ball in his hands.

Harris is one of the most athletic linebackers in football. The former third-rounder has the tools necessary to be an impact, three-down star in DeMeco Ryans' defense. Injuries got in the way of a big-time breakout in 2024, limiting him to three games, and he's still working his way back this spring. All indications are that he'll be ready to roll by camp, putting him in position for a big contract year.

Alec Pierce was a tempting breakout candidate after he averaged an absurd 22.3 yards per catch last campaign. However, he needs the right quarterback to take advantage of those abilities in the downfield ing game. With Daniel Jones seemingly in pole position for the starting job, Pierce may not get one. Mitchell is another intriguing option in the Colts' receiving corps for entirely different reasons. He demonstrated unique separation skills as a rookie but was hampered by inconsistent hands, a limited role, and poor QB play. Mitchell will be productive if he can clean up the drops and earn the necessary targets.

Jacksonville moving on from Evan Engram clears the way for Strange to step into the lead tight end role. The former second-round pick showed flashes of upside when given the opportunity last season, including an 11-catch effort against the Jets in December. Liam Coen's offense should have big plans for a tight end with this kind of athleticism.

Suamataia wasn't ready for the starting left tackle job as a rookie, lasting only two games before the Chiefs made a change. Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons will handle those duties going forward, but you shouldn't give up on the 2024 second-rounder just yet. Suamataia will now have a chance to replace Joe Thuney at left guard. His combination of power and athleticism could make him an effective long-term starter in that spot.

Bennett flashed high-end coverage skills in 2024, tying for second among all cornerbacks with seven breakups over the first nine weeks before going down with a shoulder injury. You can bet Pete Carroll, one of the best defensive back coaches we've ever seen, has a plan for maximizing the former second-round pick's skill set. Bennett could take off in his third season.

Joey Bosa's departure sets the stage for Tuipulotu to step into a primary role opposite Khalil Mack. Based on everything we've seen from the former second-rounder thus far, the Chargers' defensive front shouldn't miss a beat. Tuipulotu enjoyed a particularly productive run as a spot starter last season, racking up seven sacks and 22 pressures across four games. He's a candidate to clear double-digit sacks this year.

The Dolphins have long been cycling through WR3 options to run out alongside Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Don't sleep on Washington emerging as that guy this year. The former Virginia Tech standout is a dynamic slot target who can make things happen after the catch. And if Hill happens to become a trade chip either before the campaign or ahead of the deadline, Washington could be in line for a sizeable target share.

Maye had some incredibly encouraging moments as a rookie. It didn't quite show up in the stat columns, but that was always going to be impossible with the situation he stepped into. The Patriots have done excellent work addressing the infrastructure around their young quarterback this offseason, making major improvements to the coaching staff and roster. The result should be a sophomore season that leaves little doubt as to why Maye was the No. 3 pick in last year's draft.

Stuck behind future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith as a rookie, Fashanu started only seven contests last campaign. Still, Jets fans should be extremely excited about the skills he showed in those limited opportunities. The Penn State product is poised to establish himself as one of the game's premier young -protectors at left tackle this year.

Two seasons into his tenure with the Steelers, Porter has yet to make the impact many expected. His coverage skills give him the upside of a high-end starter, but he has to find a way to reduce the penalties. Porter led all cornerbacks with 17 flags last campaign. Even a slight improvement in this regard - a reasonable expectation for a young defensive back heading into Year 3 - would solidify his spot as a long-term foundation piece for the Steelers' defense.

Latham's rookie year wasn't exactly a smashing success. The Titans opted to have him start his career at left tackle, a position he hadn't played since college. The result: 47 pressures, seven sacks, and 10 penalties. But a new season brings something of a fresh start for the 2024 first-rounder. The Titans' big free-agent g of Dan Moore will send Latham back to his natural position on the right side. It may not be long before he recaptures the level of play he enjoyed at Alabama.