Every NFL Roster's Best-Kept Secret Heading into 2025 OTAs

Bleacher Report is letting the cat out of the bag across the NFL, as every team in the league has a big secret!

With 90 players on the roster heading into OTAs, each club has plenty of players you’ve never heard of who will end up being big-time contributors this season. Here, we’ll be diving into one player for every team who could fall into that category during the upcoming campaign.

To qualify as a “secret”, players cannot have a Pro Bowl or All-Pro bid on their résumé or be a first-round pick, but they must be a significant contributor already or projected to be one this season by taking the next step in their development. The latter could depend on how the individual was perceived as a draft prospect.

AFC East

AP Photo/Peter Aiken

Buffalo Bills: RT Spencer Brown

Offensive line is an unsung position group as a whole, and most people focus on left tackles, especially after the movie and book The Blind Side. But protecting the other edge is important, and Brown is one of the best at it, despite having never made a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team. 

According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just 17 pressures and earned a 78.5 run-blocking grade during the regular season. Granted, the five-year pro isn’t a secret to the Bills as they gave him a four-year, $72 million contract extension last September.

Miami Dolphins: CB Kader Kohou

Coming from a Division II school and going undrafted in 2022, Kohou is no stranger to being overlooked. But he’s been a quality slot corner for the Dolphins over the years.

The 26-year-old has racked up 28 passes defended, three interceptions and 13 tackles for loss during his three NFL seasons, and he could be in store for a bigger role in Miami’s secondary this fall.

New England Patriots: LB Christian Elliss

The Elliss family has deep roots in the NFL. Christian’s father, Luther, is a former first-round pick and two-time Pro Bowler for the Lions. Also, his brothers, Kaden and Jonah, currently play for the Falcons and Broncos, respectively. 

Christian’s professional career got off to a bumpy start, getting cut or waived by the Vikings, Eagles and 49ers before landing with the Patriots. But he proved to be a well-rounded linebacker in New England last season, posting 80 total tackles, five passes defended and five QB hits (1.5 sacks) in 16 games with just five starts.

New York Jets: C Joe Tippmann

To be fair, Tippmann made the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2023. However, he’s yet to earn a Pro Bowl or All-Pro bid despite finishing the regular season ranking ninth among centers with a 73.4 PFF grade last year.

In 2025, the former second-round pick projects to anchor the Jets’ offensive line and could earn some more recognition.

NFC East

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Dallas Cowboys: LB Jack Sanborn

Sanborn only made 19 starts during his three years with the Bears, which is a big reason the Cowboys were able to sign him for a cheap one-year, $1.5 million contract in free agency. But the Wisconsin product projects to have a much bigger role in Dallas this season.

The team’s run defense could use some help, and that’s always been his strength, recording a 70.5 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024. 

New York Giants: LB Bobby Okereke 

Maybe it’s because the Giants haven’t had much success as a team since his arrival a couple of years ago, but it’s a bit perplexing how Okereke hasn’t made at least a Pro Bowl roster in his career. 

The 2019 third-round pick racked up 149 total tackles in 2023 and 93 tackles in 12 games last year before suffering a back injury. Plus, he’s a well-rounded player who has 13 passes defended during his two campaigns in New York.

Philadelphia Eagles: DT Moro Ojomo

This one is a projection, as Ojomo hasn’t gotten much playing time during his first two NFL seasons. However, he was productive on limited opportunities last year, recording 31 total pressures on 268 pass-rush snaps during the regular season, per PFF. 

Especially with the Eagles letting Milton Williams walk during free agency, don’t be surprised if the Texas product turns heads with an increased role in Philadelphia this fall. 

Washington Commanders: CB Mike Sainristill

College football fans know Sainristill well since he was the MVP of the Big Ten Championship and had the game-clinching interception in the National Championship during Michigan’s 2023-2024 postseason run.

In his lone NFL season, the former Wolverine proved to be a valuable addition to the Commanders’ secondary, lining up at nickel and outside cornerback. He also recorded 14 passes defended with two interceptions during the regular season, and added two more picks and four PDs during the playoffs.

AFC North

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Baltimore Ravens: DT Travis Jones

While Jones hasn’t put up many eye-popping box score statistics over the last three seasons, he does a lot of the grunt work in the trenches. Last year, he posted a 73.2 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus and had 30 total pressures during the regular season.

Especially with Michael Pierce retiring this offseason, expect Jones to stand out more on the Ravens’ defense this fall.

Cincinnati Bengals: WR Andrei Iosivas

Iosivas had a bit of a breakout campaign last year, catching 36 passes for 479 yards and six touchdowns.

A big reason is that he was used as a slot receiver more often than during his rookie season, a role he’ll continue to grow into as a third-year pro. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the boundary in the Bengals’ high-flying offense, the Princeton product could put up some impressive numbers in 2025.

Cleveland Browns: DE Isaiah McGuire

After beginning the season as a rotational player, McGuire played his way into the starting lineup at the tail end of the year. His performance as a run defender was a big reason, earning an 86.1 PFF grade in that department and racking up eight tackles for loss. 

Considering Myles Garrett will be the opposing offensive line’s primary focus, the Missouri product could make a name for himself during his third season in 2025.

Pittsburgh Steelers: C Zach Frazier

Frazier is coming off an impressive first season in the NFL that deserved more recognition than just an All-Rookie team selection. He earned a 76.8 PFF grade during the regular season that ranked sixth among all centers, due in part to surrendering just 12 total pressures.

If the West Virginia product continues to build on that campaign, he could quickly become one of the better players at his position. 

NFC North

AP Photo/David Dermer

Chicago Bears: DT Gervon Dexter Sr.

Over the last two years, Dexter has become a quality interior pass-rusher with 7.5 sacks (five last season), 31 QB hits and three batted passes.

He also showed growth against the run, highlighted by four tackles for loss and 51 total tackles in 2024. Look for the Florida product to make a name for himself during his third season on Chicago’s defensive line.

Detroit Lions: CB Amik Robertson

Robertson gained some notoriety during the regular season finale last year with a strong performance against Justin Jefferson and the Vikings, helping the Lions to clinch the NFC North title. 

The veteran corner did everything the coaching staff asked of him a year ago, coming off the bench, starting in a pinch and playing both on the boundary and at nickel. Look for his role to continue to expand this fall and build off the momentum he generated at the end of the 2024 campaign.

Green Bay Packers: S Evan Williams

Williams was good enough to make the PFWA All-Rookie Team last season, and he could take an even bigger step forward this fall. The Oregon product flew around the field and stood out in coverage last season, earning a 72.1 grade in that department from Pro Football Focus.

If he can make more plays on the ball after having just one interception and three passes defended a year ago, Pro Bowl and/or All-Pro bids are in the fourth-round pick’s future.

Minnesota Vikings: WR Jalen Nailor

While Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson get most of the attention when it comes to the Vikings’ pass-catchers, Nailor quietly proved to be a quality WR3 and fourth option in the passing game last season. He logged 28 catches for 414 yards and six touchdowns behind those three. 

If the 2022 sixth-round pick can cut down on the drops–four last season, per PFF–he can carve out an even bigger role in Minnesota this fall.

AFC South

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Houston Texans: DB Jalen Pitre

Before suffering a torn pec in Week 12, Pitre did everything a coaching staff expects from a nickelback last season.

He was good in coverage, earning a 71.3 grade from Pro Football Focus, and even better against the run with a 79.5 mark in that area. The 2022 second-round pick also made several impact tackles, recording 23 ‘defensive stops’, via PFF.

As a result, the Texans rewarded him with a three-year, $39 million contract extension this offseason. 

Indianapolis Colts: LB Jaylon Carlies

The Colts were comfortable letting E.J. Speed walk during free agency, likely because Carlies performed well with limited playing time last year.

The 2024 fifth-round pick only recorded six starts and 242 defensive snaps, per Pro Football Reference, but managed to post an 83.1 PFF coverage grade and rack up 36 total tackles.

He’s in line for a much bigger role this fall and could become a good complement to Zaire Franklin at the other linebacker spot.

Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Dyami Brown

Brown’s tenure in Washington was disappointing, as the 2021 third-round pick's best regular-season performance came in 2024 with just 30 catches for 308 yards and one touchdown. However, he came alive during the postseason with 14 grabs, 229 yards and a score in three games (two starts).

Now in Jacksonville on a one-year, $10 million contract, the North Carolina product looks to prove that he can build on last season’s playoff performance. Considering Brian Thomas Jr. and rookie first-round pick Travis Hunter will likely garner opposing defenses’ attention, Brown could be in line for a career year.

Tennessee Titans: EDGE Arden Key

Likely part of the reason the Titans felt comfortable letting Harold Landry III go this offseason is because Key has been a steady presence on the edge.

He’s racked up six and six-and-a-half sacks during his two years in Tennessee, respectively, and has gotten to the quarterback 26.5 times since getting waived by the Raiders four years ago. 

NFC South

AP Photo/Jerome Miron

Atlanta Falcons: LB Kaden Elliss

This is the second Elliss brother to be featured in the column, as Christian was listed for the Patriots, and it’s for the same reason as the Elliss family genes produce quality off-ball linebackers who can rush the passer. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Kaden led his position with 43 total pressures (five sacks) on 156 pass-rush snaps. Additionally, he earned a 70.3 PFF run defense grade and ranked 11th with 52 ‘defensive stops’. It feels like the Idaho product is destined to follow in his father’s (Luther) footsteps and earn a Pro Bowl bid soon.

Carolina Panthers: EDGE Princely Umanmielen

Umanmielen is the first rookie featured, and the third-round pick could turn some heads this fall as a draft steal.

The primary reason for that is he’s shown several ways to win as a pass-rusher, racking up 25.5 sacks in college, including 10.5 and seven in each of the last two respective seasons. Meanwhile, the Panthers need help on the edge, especially after letting Jadeveon Clowney go recently.

New Orleans Saints: TE Foster Moreau

Not only is Moreau a “feel-good” story, returning to the field after beating Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2023, but he’s also a significant contributor on the Saints’ offense. He’s a good red zone target with 18 career touchdowns and contributes as a blocker in the run game. 

Despite shaky quarterback play last season, the New Orleans native managed to have one of his best campaigns as a pro, racking up 32 grabs for 413 yards and a team-leading five touchdowns. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DB Tykee Smith

Smith showed a lot of promise during his rookie season in Tampa Bay. The 2024 third-round pick hauled in a couple of interceptions and seven passes defended to earn a solid 69.0 PFF run defense grade during the regular season, and he was even better against the run with an 88.1 mark and four TFL.

The Georgia product has the makings of becoming a Pro Bowl-caliber nickel for the Bucs. 

AFC West

Aaron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post

Denver Broncos: Edge Jonathon Cooper

This will likely be the last time Cooper is eligible to be considered a “secret” as he’s destined to make a Pro Bowl and/or All-Pro team sooner rather than later. He’s logged 19.5 sacks over the last two years and ranked 13th among edge-rushers with 61 total pressures during the 2024 regular season, per Pro Football Focus.

The 2021 seventh-round pick has exceeded expectations and became one of the main reasons the Broncos were a top-three defense in points allowed last season, hence the four-year, $54 million contract extension he signed in November.

Kansas City Chiefs: S Jaden Hicks

Hicks didn’t get much playing time during the first half of his rookie season a year ago, but he came on strong down the stretch of the year. He managed to record three interceptions, five passes defended and three tackles for loss despite starting just one game, while also earning a 71.7 PFF run defense grade during the regular season. 

With Justin Reid out of the picture, the Washington State product will have a much bigger role in Kansas City this fall and could make a name for himself. 

Las Vegas Raiders: Edge Malcolm Koonce

A torn ACL just before the season opener robbed Koonce of building on his impressive 2023 performance. He finished the campaign with eight sacks in the Raiders’ final nine games, while also showing growth as a run defender with an above-average 66.3 PFF run defense grade. 

Now that the 2021 third-round pick is healthy and playing for a long-term contract, he’s in for a big year as a complement to Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins.

Los Angeles Chargers: Edge Tuli Tuipulotu

Joey Bosa was a salary cap casualty this offseason, and the Chargers likely felt comfortable letting Bosa go because of Tuipulotu’s play over the last two years. The USC product has racked up 13 sacks during his tenure in the NFL, including 8.5 last season.

He earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie team in 2023, and more honors should be on the way as the second-round pick takes on a bigger role in Los Angeles. 

NFC West

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Arizona Cardinals: LB Mack Wilson

Wilson’s tenure with the Browns didn’t work out as his playing time decreased every year after his rookie season. However, the 2019 fifth-round pick has revived his career over the past two years with the Patriots and Cardinals.

In 2024, the Alabama product became a full-time starter for the first time since his initial campaign, and he produced 75 total tackles, three sacks and five passes defended.

Los Angeles Rams: LT Alaric Jackson

Heading into last season, left tackle was considered a potential weak spot for the Rams. However, Jackson ended up having a career year protecting Matthew Stafford’s blind side, surrendering just 22 total pressures on 502 snaps in pass protection and earning a 78.3 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

As a result, the organization rewarded the former undrafted free agent with a three-year, $57.75 million contract in the offseason.

San Francisco 49ers: WR Jauan Jennings

San Francisco’s receiving corps was a mess last year between Deebo Samuel’s declining production, Brandon Aiyuk seeking a new contract and then suffering a season-ending knee injury, and Ricky Pearsall beginning the campaign on the NFI list after getting shot in the chest.

But the silver lining is that it paved the way for Jennings to have a breakout performance.

In the three years prior to 2024, the 2020 seventh-round pick had 78 catches for 963 yards and seven touchdowns. But he managed to double his career production last season with 77 grabs, 975 yards and six scores. That sets up for Jennings to be a quality WR3, at the least, now that Samuel is in Washington.

Seattle Seahawks: Edge Boye Mafe

The Seahawks have a deep collection of pass-rushers, and Mafe is a big factor in the equation. He’s logged 15 sacks and has 105 total pressures, per PFF, over the last two regular seasons. The 2022 second-round pick is also coming off a campaign where he posted an impressive 77.8 PFF grade as a run defender.