Every NFL Team's Most Promising Building Block Entering 2025

Some of the NFL’s ascending players aren’t All-Pros or Pro Bowlers and have yet to sign massive contracts, but their production is evidence of a promising career.

It’s easy to pick out the household names and rookies who reached stardom with distinctive accolades, but what about the third-year player who improved year after year? 

How about the player who hasn't quite translated his potential into a breakout season? 

Don't forget the productive No. 2 starter at a position on the depth chart.

Before training camps open in a few weeks, we highlighted a player who’s the most promising building block on every NFL roster. 

These players aren’t All-Pros or Pro Bowlers, and they’re all on rookie deals—some deserve a pay raise.

Teams can build around these players as future cornerstones. For now, they’re up-and-comers who need to work on a few things or establish high-level consistency.

Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr.

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Based on what Marvin Harrison Jr. accomplished at Ohio State as the only player in school history to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in multiple terms, he had a disappointing first year in the pros. Despite that, the former Buckeye finished fifth among 2024 rookies in catches (62) and receiving yards (885) and tied for second in touchdown receptions (eight).

Though tight end Trey McBride broke out with 111 receptions for 1,146 yards and two touchdowns last season, the Arizona Cardinals' passing attack can feature two pass-catchers with 1,100-plus receiving yards.

After an inefficient first year in the desert with a 53.4 percent catch rate, Harrison has bulked up, and he's ready to outmuscle defenders for 50-50 balls thrown his way.

Moreover, Kyler Murray knows he must develop a stronger rapport with Harrison. They will be one of the league's most dynamic quarterback-receiver duos in 2025.

Atlanta Falcons: WR Drake London

AP Photo/Mike Stewart

The Atlanta Falcons have exercised the fifth-year option in Drake London's deal, and they should ramp up negotiations on a multiyear extension.

Last year, despite quarterback Kirk Cousins' struggles in the pocket and Michael Penix Jr.'s inexperience, London broke out with 100 receptions for 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns.

After a couple of decent but underwhelming years for a former top-eight overall pick, London showcased his full potential even with instability under center. Clearly, the No. 1 receiver in Atlanta and an ascending playmaker, he could make the NFC Pro Bowl roster if Penix makes a second-year leap as the Falcons' full-time starting signal-caller.

Atlanta should offer London a pay raise before the price for his extension goes up next offseason.

Baltimore Ravens: CB Nate Wiggins

AP Photo/Nick Wass

The Baltimore Ravens signed two-time Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander, though that shouldn't impact Nate Wiggins' playing time when the defense lines up in nickel alignment with three cornerbacks.

Marlon Humphrey and Alexander have experience in the slot. Wiggins should have opportunities to make plays on the boundary as he did in his rookie campaign.

While on the field for 68 percent of the defensive snaps last season, Wiggins recorded 13 pass breakups and an interception while allowing a 50 percent completion rate and a 66.7 passer rating in coverage.

With Alexander's recent injury history, missing 10 games in back-to-back seasons, don't be surprised if Wiggins is the Ravens' second-most reliable cornerback this year. Wiggins and Humphrey are a top-two cornerback duo.

Buffalo Bills: WR Keon Coleman

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

In February, the Buffalo Bills rewarded their most consistent wideout, Khalil Shakir, with a four-year extension. Keon Coleman may have greater upside than the speedy slot receiver, though.

As a rookie last season, Coleman caught 29 passes for 556 yards and four touchdowns. He missed four games because of a wrist injury. If the big-play wideout stays healthy in the upcoming term, he can lead the team in multiple receiving categories.

Coleman critiqued himself and plans to sharpen up on small nuances of playing his position.

"You gotta be more efficient here," Coleman said. "You gotta get out of this break. You got to stack your DB. You got to give Josh more room to throw the ball. You gotta catch that."

General manager Brandon Beane fired back at critics concerned about the Bills' receiver room. The Bills' executive will have the last word on that matter if Coleman turns more of his potential into production.

Carolina Panthers: QB Bryce Young

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

The Carolina Panthers should hope that Bryce Young is the most promising building block on their roster. If he meets the expectations of a former No. 1 overall pick, the Panthers can challenge for a division title in the upcoming campaign.

Young provided a reason for optimism last season. In Week 3, head coach Dave Canales benched him, but he regained the starting job after Andy Dalton sprained his thumb in a car accident. Young made the most of another chance to lead the offense.

Initially, Young struggled with poor accuracy and posted modest passing numbers in his return to the starting lineup, though in his last three outings, he threw for seven touchdowns without an interception, completing 65 percent or more of his passes in two of those contests.

This offseason, the Panthers drafted Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth overall pick. Young could benefit immensely from having a big-bodied 6'5", 212-pound wide receiver as his go-to target.

Chicago Bears: QB Caleb Williams

AP Photo/Matt Ludtke

Caleb Williams struggled early in his rookie year but showed improvement in the second half of the campaign despite turnover within the Chicago Bears' coaching staff.

In 2024, the Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus weeks apart. Yet Williams posted respectable passing numbers, throwing for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 62.5 percent completion rate.

For context, Williams threw for 11 touchdowns and an interception with an interim offensive play-caller, Thomas Brown, between Weeks 12 and 18.

This offseason, the Bears hired Ben Johnson, who's a first-time head coach but a proven offensive play-caller who led the Detroit Lions' top-five scoring attack over the last three years. Williams is going to take a significant second-year leap in a well-designed system, throwing to DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland.

Cincinnati Bengals: RB Chase Brown

AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar

The Cincinnati Bengals offense is built around quarterback Joe Burrow and the aerial attack, though the team may have to slow down the pace in games that the defense struggles to make stops and force turnovers.

In 2024, Zack Moss opened the campaign as the Bengals' starting running back and finished it on injured reserve with a neck injury.

In Week 6, Chase Brown took over the starting job and made the most of his opportunities. In Moss' absence, he became the featured tailback and racked up 1,350 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns.

Brown won't be the focal point in a Burrow-led offense, but he can still be a key contributor because of his pass-catching ability. Last season, he caught 54 passes for 360 yards and four touchdowns.

Entering the 2025 campaign in a lead role, Brown could eclipse 1,500 scrimmage yards as one of the league's top dual-threat running backs.

Cleveland Browns: WR Cedric Tillman

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Last season, Cedric Tillman flashed when the Cleveland Browns needed a spark in the passing game.

After Week 6, the Browns traded wideout Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, which allowed Tillman to slide into a starting role and see a consistent number of targets in the passing game.

In Cleveland's first three games without Cooper, Tillman hauled in 21 of 32 targets for 255 yards and three touchdowns. Late in November, he suffered a concussion, and the team eventually placed him on injured reserve.

Despite Tillman's small sample size in an expanded role, the Browns have taken note of his intriguing upside. The Athletic's Zac Jackson wrote that the third-year receiver is "locked in as a starter."

As a top target in the Browns' aerial attack, Tillman could take a significant leap in production this year.

Dallas Cowboys: C Cooper Beebe

AP Photo/Gareth Patterson

Over the past several years, the Dallas Cowboys have seen multiple starters at center, a once-stable position when Travis Frederick lined up in that spot. Following a few years with Joe Looney and Tyler Biadasz, Cooper Beebe has shown signs he can be the long-term starter in the middle of the offensive line.

As a rookie last year, Beebe earned the starting job. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed three sacks and committed three penalties while on the field for 1,059 snaps.

Beebe can improve his pass-blocking, but he has sound technique and fared well as a run-blocker, which is important to help the Cowboys balance their offensive attack and take some pressure off quarterback Dak Prescott.

All-Pro guard Zack Martin retired. So, Dallas has a young trio on the interior of its offensive line. Tyler Smith is an established two-time Pro Bowler who can also line up at left tackle if Tyler Guyton continues to struggle as a starter. Tyler Booker is a rookie first-rounder who has to showcase his potential this year. Beebe could be the all-important centerpiece of that triumvirate.

Denver Broncos: QB Bo Nix

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Last offseason, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton raised eyebrows when he compared Bo Nix to former 13-time Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees.

Nix still has a long way to go to measure up to those comparisons, but in his first year, the Oregon product proved he can handle an accomplished and demanding head coach who knows how to turn a quarterback into a league star.

Nix led all rookie quarterbacks in passing yards (3,775) and touchdown passes (29) and tacked on 430 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. He's dynamic, accurate and off to a strong start among his peers from a loaded quarterback class.

If Nix can build on a promising rookie campaign, the Broncos have found their franchise quarterback. In a conference stacked with elite signal-callers like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, he may struggle to earn All-Pro and Pro Bowl accolades, but his production will tell the full story about his ceiling as a pro.

Detroit Lions: LB Jack Campbell

AP Photo/David Dermer

In the NFL, a three-down linebacker can make plays against the run on early downs and man shallow zones in coverage. Jack Campbell still needs to improve as a defender on passing downs, but he's coming along well as a starter in the middle of the Detroit Lions defense.

Campbell told reporters he needs to be "consistent with mundane things" in his development. If the third-year pro can make more of those routine plays, he can become one of the better players at the position and meet the expectations of a first-round draft pick.

Linebacker Alex Anzalone's status is questionable ahead of training camp. After skipping organized team activities, he made a cryptic post on Instagram. If the Lions see Campbell as their long-term starter at linebacker, it could impact how they handle a potential contract dispute with Anzalone.

In 2024, Campbell led the team in tackles with 131, but he allowed a 114.4 passer rating in coverage. If he flashes as a pass defender in the summer, Anzalone could be expendable in the near future.

Green Bay Packers: TE Tucker Kraft

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

This offseason, the Green Bay Packers selected Matthew Golden in the first round of the draft to address the need for a go-to receiver. While he has potential, it's clear the Packers have a budding pass-catching tight end who can create mismatches all over the field.

In 2023, Green Bay double-dipped at tight end, taking Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft in the second and third rounds of the draft, respectively. While Musgrave has dealt with injuries, Kraft saw a significant uptick in production in two years.

Last season, Kraft finished second on the team in catches (50) and receiving yards (707) and led the Packers in touchdown receptions (seven).

Typically, you don't hear about tight ends as building blocks in an offense, though if Packers wide receivers aren't able to consistently produce big plays in crucial moments of games, Kraft could become the go-to target, especially in the red zone.

Houston Texans: CB Kamari Lassiter

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

In the Houston Texans' cornerback room, All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. is the star, and Kamari Lassiter is the budding building block. They're arguably the league's best boundary duo.

As a standout at Georgia, Lassiter registered one interception in three collegiate terms; he logged that takeaway in his 2021 freshman campaign. Yet Lassiter recorded three interceptions along with 10 pass breakups in his rookie season.

Lining up opposite Stingley in the secondary, Lassiter could see more targets in the upcoming year, which may result in an increased number of takeaways.

Though it's too early to consider Lassiter a ball hawk, he's shown the ability to become one in coverage. The 6'0", 180-pound cover man is also consistent, allowing a 64 passer rating and a 43.8 percent completion rate in coverage.

Performing at that level, Lassiter could follow in Stingley's footsteps, earning a market-setting extension after three seasons of quality play.

Indianapolis Colts: LT Bernhard Raimann

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

The Indianapolis Colts have two key roster building blocks in Bernhard Raimann and Kwity Paye, though they could let the latter walk in free agency next offseason. Raimann, who's also in the final term of his current contract, plays a non-rotational position, which raises his value a little higher than the team's top pass-rusher.

Because of the scarcity of quality left tackles around the league, the Colts will likely sign Raimann to an extension before his contract expires in 2026.

Still a bit green as an offensive lineman who didn't grow up playing football, Raimann has a lot of room for growth. That said, he has shown significant development over the last three years, particularly as a pass-blocker.

In 2024, Raimann allowed just four sacks while on the field for 471 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus. The Colts picked up a steal when they drafted him in the third round of the 2022 draft.

Jacksonville Jaguars: EDGE Travon Walker

AP Photo/John Raoux

Surprisingly, Travon Walker hasn't earned a Pro Bowl nod with back-to-back double-digit sack seasons, though his production deserves recognition and a pay raise.

The Jaguars have exercised the fifth-year option in Walker's deal. While it remains to be seen if he gets a new contract, his stock has been on the rise.

Walker has increased his total sacks and tackles for loss every year in the league. The 2022 No. 1 overall pick has star potential and could be in line for his most productive year in 2025.

Jaguars head coach Liam Coen told reporters that the team has had extension discussions with Walker's camp. Jacksonville should get it done this offseason, because if the ascending pass-rusher puts together a Pro Bowl campaign, his market price could skyrocket in 2026.

Kansas City Chiefs: EDGE George Karlaftis

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

When the Kansas City Chiefs defense takes the field, three-time All-Pro Chris Jones garners most of the attention at the line of scrimmage. However, George Karlaftis has earned respect with 93 pressures and 24.5 sacks in three seasons.

After a 10.5-sack campaign in 2023, Karlaftis saw a slight drop-off in sack total with eight in the previous year, but he maintained an active presence in the pass rush, logging a career-high 37 pressures.

Karlaftis isn't generating the same amount of buzz as fellow 2022 first-rounders Travon Walker and Aidan Hutchinson in terms of extension talks. That said, he's taken some attention away from Jones as an effective three-down defender who can get to the quarterback and stop runs behind the line of scrimmage.

Las Vegas Raiders: C Jackson Powers-Johnson

AP Photo/David Becker

Jackson Powers-Johnson can lead the Las Vegas Raiders' rebuilt offense by the way he plays and approaches the game as a leader.

While on "The Rush" podcast with teammate Maxx Crosby, Powers-Johnson told a story about how he demanded to play center in place of then-injured starter Andre James during the previous season. Remember, the young offensive lineman made that call as a rookie who missed a chunk of the offseason.

At center, Powers-Johnson plays a position that breeds leaders, and he's shown that tangible quality in his short time with the Raiders.

Furthermore, Powers-Johnson has the versatility to play three different positions. He lined up at both guard spots and center last year. He fared well as a pass-blocker, allowing just two sacks while on the field for 633 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus.

Eighth-year left tackle Kolton Miller is the elder statesman within the Raiders' offensive line group, though Powers-Johnson may be the outspoken centerpiece who holds the unit together.

Los Angeles Chargers: WR Ladd McConkey

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Like the Detroit Lions, the Los Angeles Chargers can build their passing attack around a primary slot wide receiver. Ladd McConkey didn't have a major workload at Georgia, but he showed the playmaking ability to be the Chargers' go-to target in the aerial attack, hauling in 82 passes for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns last year.

The Chargers have bolstered their pass-catching group. They signed tight end Tyler Conklin, drafted wideout Tre Harris in the second round and brought back Mike Williams, who has a strong rapport with quarterback Justin Herbert.

Still, McConkey will likely lead the Chargers in most receiving categories in back-to-back years. With an impressive 73.2 percent catch rate, he's earned Herbert's trust as a reliable target, and his inside-outside versatility allows him to stay on the field for most of the offensive snaps.

Heading into Year 2, McConkey is on a Pro Bowl-All-Pro trajectory.

Los Angeles Rams: DL Kobie Turner

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

On the Los Angeles Rams roster, you can take your pick among Kobie Turner, Byron Young and Braden Fiske who qualify as building blocks without a Pro Bowl or All-Pro season.

Among the three, Turner stands out because of his versatility and sack totals in two seasons. Edge-rushers are expected to rack up pressures and take down quarterbacks. Next offseason, Turner could be one of the highest-paid defensive tackles because of his pass-rushing production.

In two campaigns, Turner has registered 17 sacks and 42 pressures while lining up in various spots across the defensive line. Whether he's lined up at nose tackle or defensive end, the multiskilled defender can make plays in the most impactful way for linemen on passing downs.

Turner has made his presence felt alongside Aaron Donald and filled an interior void after the star defensive tackle retired last offseason.

Miami Dolphins: RB De'Von Achane

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

In 2024, De'Von Achane led the Miami Dolphins with 1,499 scrimmage yards. Because of his speed and production in the passing game, he could rack up over 2,000 yards this year.

According to Dolphins assistant head coach and running backs coach Eric Studesville (via NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe), the team is "preparing" to increase Achane's workload.

Jaylen Wright could see an expanded role following Raheem Mostert's departure in free agency. Seventh-year veteran Alexander Mattison and rookie sixth-rounder Ollie Gordon II could contribute to the rotation, but Achane will be the most explosive player in the Dolphins backfield.

Remember, Achane averaged an impressive 7.8 yards per carry in his 2023 rookie campaign. He's registered double-digit touchdown totals in back-to-back years.

Now due for a more significant workload, Achane is a strong candidate to be one of the league leaders in scrimmage yards and touchdowns.

Minnesota Vikings: WR Jordan Addison

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

The Philadelphia Eagles have shown that it's possible to build an offense around two wide receivers, even with their dominant ground attack. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith eclipsed 1,065 receiving yards in 2022 and 2023. Minnesota Vikings wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison could post similar numbers together.

Jefferson has established himself as a star receiver, winning the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year award and earning two All-Pro nods. Addison may not achieve those accolades, but he can stack 1,000-plus-yard receiving seasons.

Already one of the league's top No. 2 receivers, Addison has racked up 133 catches for 1,786 yards and 19 touchdowns in 32 contests.

In all three of his seasons as Vikings head coach and offensive play-caller, Kevin O'Connell has fielded a top-six passing attack, which bodes well for Addison's production outlook in a complementary pass-catching role.

New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Last season, Drake Maye showed flashes despite a weak supporting cast.

The New England Patriots didn't have a player who eclipsed 1,000 scrimmage yards in 2024. Hunter Henry, a 30-year-old tight end, led the club with 674 receiving yards and tied slot receiver DeMario Douglas for a team-leading 66 catches.

Still, Maye threw for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 66.6 percent of his passes. The dynamic signal-caller also ran for 421 yards and two touchdowns.

This offseason, the Patriots bolstered their receiver unit with Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins and rookie third-rounder Kyle Williams, and added running back TreVeyon Henderson, an explosive three-down playmaker.

Maye will benefit from those additions and a new offensive coordinator.

Remember, play-caller Josh McDaniels worked well with a less athletic quarterback in Mac Jones during the 2021 term. Jones had his best season (a Pro Bowl year) under McDaniels before he became a journeyman backup.

In 2025, Maye should be able to put his arm talent and improvisational skills on full display.

New Orleans Saints: WR Chris Olave

AP Photo/Rusty Jones

Regardless of who starts at quarterback in New Orleans, he will look for Chris Olave as his top target downfield. Olave eclipsed 1,041 receiving yards in 2022 and 2023, but he suffered multiple concussions, which cost him nine games last season.

If healthy, Olave should lead the Saints in most receiving categories. Even though the team's quarterback situation following Derek Carr's retirement could cap his numbers, he will be one of the few bright spots in the offense.

Like New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson this year, Olave could be a candidate for early extension if he remains consistent despite a revolving door under center.

That said, Olave must make a more significant impact in scoring. He has 10 touchdown receptions in 39 games, with five as his single-season career high.

New York Giants: LB Micah McFadden

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Wide receiver Malik Nabers made the 2024 NFC Pro Bowl roster. So, he doesn't qualify as a building block who has yet to earn a notable achievement.

Micah McFadden is far from a household name, though he's worked his way into a full-time starting role. The New York Giants should give him a multiyear extension in the near future.

McFadden makes stops all over the field. He led the Giants with 107 tackles last season. More importantly, the downhill linebacker has registered 26 tackles for loss in three seasons as an impactful run-stopper. McFadden must be more consistent in pass defense, but he has six pass breakups over the last two years.

As Bobby Okereke enters his age-29 term, the Giants can lock McFadden into a long-term deal. The fourth-year linebacker is the present and future centerpiece for Big Blue's defense.

New York Jets: WR Garrett Wilson

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

For now, Garrett Wilson is still on his rookie deal, though the New York Jets could give him a pay raise within the next few months. He's earned it.

Despite the Jets' unstable quarterback situation, Wilson racked up 1,042-plus receiving yards in each of his three seasons, catching passes from Zach Wilson, Mike White, Joe Flacco, Chris Streveler, Trevor Siemian, Tim Boyle, Tyrod Taylor and Aaron Rodgers.

Wilson will reunite with his former Ohio State teammate, Justin Fields, who signed a two-year deal with the Jets. If they can rekindle chemistry from their collegiate years, Wilson could post receiving numbers that are indicative of his true production ceiling.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt believes Wilson could set franchise records in targets and receptions this year.

Philadelphia Eagles: CB Quinyon Mitchell

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

The Philadelphia Eagles have two promising second-year players in their secondary. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean finished within the top four in Defensive Rookie of the Year votes.

As defensive coordinator Vic Fangio ponders a more versatile role for DeJean, who could see more snaps at safety in the upcoming term, Mitchell is locked into a starting role at a premium position.

After five years in Philadelphia, Darius Slay signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency. So, Mitchell, in his second season, is the Eagles' top cornerback.

Last season, Mitchell tied for second on the team in pass breakups with 12. Though he didn't log an interception in the regular season, he forced a couple of takeaways in the playoffs.

Mitchell came up short on votes for top rookie defender, but he'll earn accolades as a Pro Bowl or All-Pro player early in his career.

Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Joey Porter Jr.

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Joey Porter Jr. is one-half of a top-three cornerback duo ahead of the 2025 season. At 6'3", 193 pounds with 4.46 speed, he has the physical tools to match up with different types of receivers.

In two years, Porter has surrendered just one touchdown in coverage. Eventually, quarterbacks may purposely avoid his side of the field if he starts to force more turnovers.

Porter only has two interceptions on his resume, which was a shortcoming in his playmaking ability at Penn State. He only recorded one interception on the collegiate level.

If Porter improves that area of his game, he will be an All-Pro cornerback. For now, he's still a valuable asset against high-powered passing attacks.

San Francisco 49ers: G Dominick Puni

AP Photo/Rick Scuter

In San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan's run-heavy offense, Dominick Puni made a strong first impression.

General manager John Lynch heaped praise on the 2024 third-round pick who started in all 17 games last season.

"I think it shows that our process worked there, but I would say he really exceeded our expectations," Lynch said. "We thought we got a good player. I think he showed us a little more than that."

As left tackle Trent Williams enters his age-37 campaign, someone on the 49ers' offensive line must take the baton to become the lead force within the unit and help maintain the hard-nosed identity of the ground game. Puni could eventually become a leader among San Francisco's offensive linemen.

Seattle Seahawks: LB Tyrice Knight

Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini

As a rookie, Tyrice Knight settled into a starting role after the Seattle Seahawks released Tyrel Dodson. He made the team look smart for making the midseason move.

In 16 outings (nine starts), Knight registered 88 tackles, three for loss, two pass breakups and 1.5 sacks. As the unquestioned starter alongside Ernest Jones IV, the second-year pro could lead the team in tackles and help supplement the pass rush.

According to former NFL linebacker David Wyman of 710 Seattle Sports, Knight is a tick faster in diagnosing what he sees on the field.

"You could almost see a thought bubble above his head last year when things would happen, and he would react just a step slow," Wyman said. "And he (still) got the job done. But this year, with his movement around the field and everything, you see confidence."

With four seasons under his belt, Jones is a known commodity, though Knight's upside could grab your attention at the linebacker spot in Seattle this year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB Bucky Irving

AP Photo/Jerome Miron

As a rookie last season, Bucky Irving took over the lead role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers backfield. He led the team in rushing (1,122) and scrimmage yards (1,514).

Irving was more productive and efficient with his carries than Rachaad White, averaging 5.4 yards per carry compared to 4.3 yards per rush attempt for his running mate. The two tailbacks posted similar numbers in catches and receiving yards, but White recorded six touchdown receptions.

Nonetheless, White seems like he's already eyeing free agency with the thought that the upcoming term will be his last year in Tampa Bay.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield will be throwing to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka and Cade Otton in a potentially explosive passing attack. Still, Tampa Bay's offense needs balance. Irving has shown he can be the featured tailback in a top-four rushing attack.

If White moves on in free agency next offseason, Irving could handle 300-plus touches in 2026 and beyond.

Tennessee Titans: G Peter Skoronski

AP Photo/George Walker IV

In two seasons, Peter Skoronski hasn't played up to first-round expectations. He's an average run-blocker who's yet to move the needle for an offensive line that's undergone significant changes over the past few years.

However, Skoronski made strides in pass-blocking last season. According to Pro Football Focus, he only allowed four sacks while on the field for 661 pass-blocking snaps.

Even as a guard, Skoronski's development in that aspect bodes well for rookie quarterback Cameron Ward, who will need solid pass protection to elevate the Tennessee Titans offense.

Skoronski must reduce his penalties from last year (eight), but he possesses the technical tools, particularly in his light feet, to make notable strides in 2025.

Washington Commanders: S Quan Martin

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Quarterback Jayden Daniels has already established himself as the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowler. Quan Martin deserves recognition as the unheralded building block on the Washington Commanders roster.

Martin plays at an undervalued position, but he's made a meaningful impact on the back end of the Commanders defense, logging seven pass breakups, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. In 2024, he allowed a 75.3 passer rating and a 50 percent completion rate in coverage.

While it's too early for Martin to sign an extension, he may be in line for a new deal next offseason. Martin has worked his way into a starting role and doesn't have strong competition for the lead position.

Martin made strides between his rookie and second seasons. As the Commanders' deep safety, he could force more takeaways in his second year as a full-time starter. Typically, teams are willing to pay big bucks to ball-hawking safeties. In 2026, Martin could earn a massive pay raise.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.