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 may very well 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 coming into 2024 with 9.5 in his first two seasons.
The second-round choose (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 received a style … I really feel like I’ve attacked this offseason the hungriest I’ve.” (h/t NFL.com)
It is laborious to consider Bonitto may do significantly better than his incredible 2024, however he is prepared 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 throughout the common season.
According to NFL Pro data, Henley was among the many league’s greatest 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 working 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), speeding yards (1,195) and touchdowns (10) final yr. Per Pro Football Reference data, Hubbard ranked seventh amongst qualifying working backs in success fee, outlined as gaining a minimum of 40 % of obtainable yards on first down, 60 % of obtainable 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 move offense, which may very well 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 choose (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 a vital 2025, the ultimate yr of his rookie contract.
With edge-rusher costs skyrocketing, Oweh ought to be extremely motivated to construct on final season with a fair 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 possibility in Seattle’s passing assault below 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 doubtlessly advantageous one-on-one perimeter matchups.
The most important 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.
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