Every NFL Team's Most Promising Building Block Entering 2026

There's plenty for fans to get excited about as NFL training camps approach. They'll soon get their first extended looks at promising rookies and prized veteran additions. They'll also get the chance to check in on established stars, perennial Pro Bowlers, and faces of the franchise as they prepare for a new season.

Between the flashy offseason acquisitions and the known commodities reside the young building blocks who are on the cusp of being franchise cornerstones and future stars. Every team has at least one, even those that are in the early stages of a rebuild.

Now's the perfect opportunity to check in on who the most promising up-and-comers around the league are.

The following players haven't yet earned a Pro Bowl or All-Pro nod, and each is still awaiting a lucrative second contract. And while they still have plenty to prove, they've compiled the production, flashed the potential, and given every indication that they can be franchise fixtures for years to come.

Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

The Arizona Cardinals may not have their quarterback of the future on their current roster, though they'll likely audition rookie third-round pick Carson Beck this season. What the Cardinals do have is a promising supporting cast to aid whoever said long-term QB ends up being.

Players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, rookie Jeremiyah Love, and Trey McBride make for quite the impressive skill group. Of Arizona's non-Pro Bowl support players, though, Paris Johnson Jr. may prove to be the most important building block.

The Cardinals picked up Johnson's fifth-year option this offseason, and it's easy to see why. The Ohio State product has started 43 games for Arizona in his three seasons, including 26 at left tackle over the past two seasons, and he's played well. Pro Football Focus graded him 20th overall among all tackles in 2025.

Johnson might not be a Pro Bowler yet, but he's shaping up to be a franchise tackle, and his next contract will likely reflect that.

Atlanta Falcons: LB Jalon Walker

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

The Atlanta Falcons have a trio of exciting skill players in Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson. However, two of them have made the Pro Bowl, while London—who made last year's list—recently received a contract extension.

So, we'll pivot to the defensive side of the ball and second-year linebacker Jalon Walker. The Georgia product impressed as a rookie, tallying 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and nine QB hits. While he was largely used as an edge-rusher last season, the Falcons envision him being more of an all-around defender in the mold of former standout Kaden Elliss in Year 2.

"We're going to ask him to do a lot," defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said, per Daniel Flick of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "He is one of those guys that's going to be in a similar role that Kaden had last year."

Expect Walker to continue growing into a prominent role as one of Atlanta's top defenders.

Baltimore Ravens: CB Nate Wiggins

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins made our list last year, and since he still hasn't earned a Pro Bowl nod, there's little reason to pull him from it. If anything, the Clemson product was more impressive in Year 2 than he was as a rookie.

Wiggins saw a slight dip in coverage efficiency, as he allowed an opposing passer rating of 66.7 in 2024 and 76.6 in 2025. However, he also saw a significantly expanded role. After playing 68 percent of the defensive snaps as a rookie, Wiggins played 91 percent of the snaps in 2025 while starting all 17 games.

What might be most impressive is the fact that, according to Wiggins, he had been playing at about "60-70 percent" before undergoing an undisclosed surgery this offseason.

"They're going to see a big transition this year. How I move, all that," Wiggins told The Journey Media (h/t Kevin Eck of the Ravens' official website).

If Wiggins is healthier than he's ever been as a pro, and he adapts quickly to Jesse Minter's defense, he should go from being a promising building block to a fully fledged foundational piece this season.

Buffalo Bills: S Cole Bishop

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman showed enough promise as a rookie to earn a spot on last year's list. Over the past year, however, safety Cole Bishop has overtaken Coleman as Buffalo's centerpiece star of the future.

A second-round pick out of Utah in 2024, Bishop appeared in 16 games as a rookie but made only four starts. He started all 17 games this past season, though, and performed extremely well.

Bishop tallied 85 tackles, two sacks, seven passes defended, and three interceptions while playing 91 percent of the defensive snaps. He also allowed an opposing passer rating of only 65.6 in coverage. He also filled multiple roles on the defense, seeing time at free safety, in the slot, and in the box.

If Bishop can build on his impressive sophomore campaign, he'll cement himself as a mainstay in the secondary and one of the faces of Buffalo's defense.

Carolina Panthers: QB Bryce Young

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

The first overall pick in the 2023 draft, Bryce Young was expected to quickly address the Carolina Panthers' need for a long-term quarterback. While he hasn't quite established himself as a true franchise quarterback just yet, Young has shown himself to be a very promising building block.

The Alabama product took a massive step forward in 2025, finishing with a career-best 87.8 quarterback rating and leading Carolina to an NFC South title. While he clearly has room for continued development, he showed enough promise this past season to land on the NFL's Top 100 list.

Young could be in store for another jump in Year 4.

"Bryce is playing on a different level," tight end Tommy Tremble told Scott Fowler of The Charlotte Observer. "I'm excited to see him. He's gonna ball out. And it's gonna get him paid."

If Young makes positive strides this season, he'll likely earn a new contract and serious Pro Bowl consideration.

Chicago Bears: QB Caleb Williams

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

It may feel as if Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has already arrived. He did make a huge jump under first-year head coach Ben Johnson this past season, led Chicago to an NFC North title, and got himself on the cover of Madden NFL 27.

However, Williams isn't a finished product just yet. While he was significantly more efficient than he was as a rookie and led an astonishing seven fourth-quarter comebacks in 2025 (including playoffs), he was far from perfect.

Williams actually saw a drop in completion percentage—from 62.5 to 58.1—and his quarterback rating (90.1) ranked just 22nd in the league among qualifying signal-callers and fell just below the league average.

The important thing to remember is that Williams has finally begun to meet the expectations that came with being the first overall pick in 2024. The USC product can be better, and he's still waiting to earn Pro Bowl consideration, but he's well on his way to being Chicago's franchise quarterback.

Cincinnati Bengals: OT Amarius Mims

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

The Cincinnati Bengals don't have a great recent track record of developing offensive linemen, much to the chagrin of fans who would prefer to see Joe Burrow upright. However, Cincinnati may have itself a gem in third-year tackle Amarius Mims.

Mims, a 2024 first-round pick out of Georgia, has made 32 appearances with 30 starts in two seasons. While he's had his ups and downs, he also showed a lot of growth in his second season, as Pro Football Focus' Bradley Locker noted when placing Mims on his 2026 all-breakout team:

"Mims really hit his stride in the second half of 2025, earning an 81.0 overall grade from Weeks 12-18. In those seven weeks, Mims didn't give up a sack and produced a 76.6 PFF run-blocking score."

The Bengals have struggled to find true building blocks along their offensive line pretty much throughout the Burrow era. If Mims can take more positive strides in Year 3, however, he should become a long-term anchor in Cincinnati.

Cleveland Browns: LB Carson Schwesinger

AP Photo/Eric Gay

It almost feels unfair to include reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger on this list. However, the UCLA product didn't earn a Pro Bowl invite or an All-Pro nod this past season, so, technically, he still qualifies as "promising."

And, to be perfectly honest, Schwesinger will likely have a hard time replicating his rookie success now that Myles Garrett is no longer at the heart of the Cleveland Browns' defense.

Still, it's impossible to ignore the production, versatility, leadership, and impact Schwesinger had this past season. He suffered a quad injury late in the year and landed on injured reserve ahead of the season finale. Yet, he managed to rack up 156 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and two interceptions in 16 games.

Schwesinger has already shown that he can do a little bit of everything at a high level. With Garrett gone, he may become the new face of the Browns' defense as early as this season.

Dallas Cowboys: Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku

AP Phot/Adam Hunger

The Dallas Cowboys defense was a liability last season, ranking 30th overall and 32nd in points allowed. Understandably, Dallas put a lot of effort into rebuilding the unit this offseason.

Improving the pass rush was a top priority, and the Cowboys traded for Rashan Gary and drafted Malachi Lawrence in the first round. Those two will get plenty of attention this year, but fans shouldn't sleep on second-year edge-rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku.

Ezeiruaku, a 2025 second-round pick out of Boston College, only recorded two sacks as a rookie. However, he also logged nine tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, and 26 quarterback pressures. He appeared in all 17 games but underwent surgery in January to repair a torn hip labrum in January.

While Ezeiruaku missed the early offseason, he's expected to be healthy by training camp. He's also expected to be a cornerstone player in the new 3-4 defense being installed by incoming coordinator Christian Parker.

Gary and Lawrence will be worth tracking this season, but no one should be surprised if Ezeiruaku ends the year as Dallas' sack leader.

Denver Broncos: QB Bo Nix

AP Photo (AP Photo/Bart Young

It may be time to give Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix the ol' Joe Flacco treatment.

Is Nix an elite quarterback or just the product of great coaching and a championship-caliber supporting cast? He's probably closer to the latter than the former—which may be why he didn't earn a Pro Bowl nod despite having strong numbers with the AFC's best team.

Still, it's impossible to ignore just how much better the Broncos have been since using a first-round pick on Nix two years ago. Denver has made two playoff runs, won the AFC West once, and came within a few plays of reaching Super Bowl LX since the Oregon product arrived.

Had Nix not suffered an ankle fracture in the divisional round, we might well have seen the Broncos in the Super Bowl.

While Nix still has room to grow as a passer and has exhibited an uneven level of play, his numbers over the last two seasons—7,706 passing yards, 786 rushing yards, 63 combined touchdowns, 90.5 QB rating—and results are undeniable. Don't be shocked if he gets a second contract as soon as he's eligible next offseason.

Detroit Lions: G Tate Ratledge

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

The Detroit Lions are undergoing an offensive-line makeover this offseason. They parted with longtime left tackle Tayler Decker early in the spring, drafted Blake Miller in the first round, and are moving Penei Sewell over to left tackle.

While the tackle shuffling is noteworthy—and the Lions appear to have a new center in Cade Mays—fans should keep an eye on Tate Ratledge, who provides some stability at right guard.

Ratledge, a 2025 second-round pick out of Georgia, started all 17 games as a rookie and played a whopping 99 percent of the offensive snaps. He was arguably the steadiest player on Detroit's offensive interior and was ranked 24th overall among all guards by Pro Football Focus.

Fans should expect to see Ratledge hold down the right guard spot in 2026 and moving forward, which will be great for the Lions. His presence should help both Mays and Miller make a smooth transition to playing in Detroit.

Green Bay Packers: TE Tucker Kraft

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File

If tight end Tucker Kraft hadn't suffered a torn ACL after only eight games last season, there's a good chance he would have earned his first Pro Bowl nod. Before the injury, the South Dakota State product essentially served as the Green Bay Packers' No. 1 target, and he was well on his way to a career year.

Tucker was plenty impressive in 2024, too, which is why he landed on last year's list. However, he was on pace for a 1,039-yard, 13-touchdown season in 2025 before the injury cut his season short.

Naturally, Kraft's recovery will be a major discussion topic at Packers camp. Fortunately, he appears on schedule for an early return.

"With how I feel, I would say I'm gonna get all the conditioning I need in camp to start Week 1 on no pitch count," Kraft said in June, per The Athletic's Matt Schneidman.

If Kraft is back to 100 percent early in the year, he should have a chance to establish himself as one of the top tight ends in the conference.

Houston Texans: LB Henry To'oTo'o

AP Photo/Wally Skalij

The Houston Texans have plenty of well-known standouts on their star-studded defense. From Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter to Azeez Al-Shaair and newly minted Pro Bowler Kamari Lassiter, Houston has plenty of building blocks.

Fourth-year linebacker Henry To'oTo'o might not have the profile of those aforementioned players yet, but he's had a very productive first three seasons and has begun to embrace the leadership role.

"Being able to be where I am and helping the younger guys, and whatever knowledge that I have that I gained for these last three years, I try my best to give it to them as much as I can," To'oTo'o said, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC-2 Houston.

Since being drafted in the fifth round out of Alabama, To'oTo'o has amassed 261 tackles, four sacks, two fumble recoveries, an interception, and 18 tackles for loss. He's entering the final year of his rookie contract, and it'll be a mild surprise if he doesn't get a new deal in the coming months.

Indianapolis Colts: Edge Laiatu Latu

AP Photo/David J. Phillip

The Indianapolis Colts identified some offensive building blocks this past season, locking up both wide receiver Alec Pierce and quarterback Daniel Jones early in the spring. They've also worked to reload a defense that ranked 23rd overall last season.

While Indy did add several new pieces to its defense this offseason—including first- and second-round picks  CJ Allen and A.J. Haulcy—it has at least one promising defensive building block in Laiatu Latu.

Latu, a 224 first-round pick out of UCLA, showed flashes during his rookie season but wasn't a consistent difference-maker. However, he became that in 2025, finishing the year with 45 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 20 quarterback hits.

Now established as a disruptive edge-rusher and a full-time starter, Latu is potentially poised to make another jump. If players like Allen, Haulcy, and Arden Key can help boost Indy's overall defensive efficiency, Latu should have a shot at double-digit sacks and Pro Bowl consideration.

Jacksonville Jaguars: CB/WR Travis Hunter

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Let's be honest. Travis Hunter's rookie campaign was a disappointment. While his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball last season was impressive, the Colorado product did not play up to the expectations of being the second overall pick in the draft.

Hunter recorded just 298 receiving yards and a touchdown to go with 15 tackles and three passes defended. Then, a torn LCL ended his rookie season after seven games.

Of course, it's Hunter's ability to play both ways that makes him such a promising building block for the Jags. He did show big-play potential as a receiver, and he was mostly solid as a cornerback (68.3 opposing passer rating) when he was tested.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported early in the offseason that Jacksonville plans to make Hunter a full-time cornerback and a part-time receiver this season after giving him more of an offensive focus as a rookie. If he adapts quickly and can stay healthy, Hunter has the potential to be a true superstar.

Kansas City Chiefs: CB Nohl Williams

AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

Before this past season, the Kansas City Chiefs had done a ridiculously good job of staying in title contention. A big, not-so-secret part of their success was their ability to successfully reload the roster through the draft.

This year, Kansas City will need to reload its cornerback room in a big way. The Chiefs traded starter Trent McDuffie before losing another starter, Jaylen Watson, in free agency.

In camp, expect plenty of eyes to be on rookie first-round pick Mansoor Delane, whom the Chiefs selected sixth overall after trading up. However, second-year corner Nohl Williams might become a defensive headliner even before Delane.

In fact, the promise that Williams consistently showcased last season might be why Kansas City was comfortable moving McDuffie.

A third-round pick out of Cal, Williams appeared in all 17 games as a rookie and performed extremely well. He finished the year with 48 tackles, a sack, and seven passes defended, and he allowed an opposing passer rating of just 82.9 in coverage.

Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty

AP Photo/John Locher

The Las Vegas Raiders certainly hope that rookie quarterback and first overall pick Fernando Mendoza will become a franchise building block in the not-too-distant future. With Kirk Cousins also in the fold, that may not happen this season. However, there's a good chance that 2025 first-round pick Ashton Jeanty will emerge as a star this year.

Jeanty, who was taken sixth overall out of Boise State, was expected to be a difference-making do-it-all running back in the mold of Saquon Barkley or Bijan Robinson. He did plenty for the Raiders in his rookie season, recording 975 rushing yards and 346 receiving yards. However, he had a hard time making much of a difference for an offense that lacked efficiency and direction overall.

Things should be different this season. Las Vegas hired an offensive-minded coach in Klint Kubiak, upgraded the quarterback position, and reloaded the interior offensive line.

Jeanty can very much still be the sort of centerpiece running back the Raiders can build their offense around. That will make life much easier on Mendoza whenever Las Vegas decides it's time to hand him the keys.

Los Angeles Chargers: RB Omarion Hampton

AP Photo/Wally Skalij

Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton was limited to just nine games as a rookie last season by injury. He played at the beginning and end of the season but missed the middle half of the campaign with a fractured ankle.

Both before and after the injury, though, Hampton showcased a ton of upside.

In his nine appearances, the first-round pick out of North Carolina tallied 545 rushing yards, 192 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. That would put him on pace for a 17-game season of 1,392 scrimmage yards and 10 scores.

Hampton's numbers were impressive enough on their own, but it's worth remembering that he was playing behind a banged-up offensive line. This year, he could be in store for a truly special season.

Tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater should be healthy, and Los Angeles reloaded its offensive interior. It also brought in a creative offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel, who should help maximize Hampton's ability as a runner and a receiver.

Los Angeles Rams: DL Kobie Turner

AP Photo/John Froschauer

The Los Angeles Rams made the ultimate splash move by trading for Myles Garrett last month. While the move should cement Los Angeles as a Super Bowl contender, it did cost the Rams promising young pass-rusher Jared Verse.

The good news is that L.A. still has some tremendous young talent in its defensive front seven. Edge Byron Young hit double-digit sacks in 2025 while earning Pro Bowl honors. Defensive lineman Kobie Turner continues to look like a true defensive building block.

Turner, a 2023 third-round pick out of Wake Forest, has given the Rams a legitimate difference-maker on the defensive interior. He isn't quite the game-wrecker that Aaron Donald was, of course, but few players are. However, he's done a very admirable impression.

In three seasons, Turner has already compiled 167 tackles, 24 sacks, nine passes defended, an interception, two fumble recoveries, and 62 quarterback pressures. With Garrett consistently commanding offensive attention, Turner may produce the numbers needed to finally get that Pro Bowl nod.

Miami Dolphins: Edge Chop Robinson

AP Photo/Doug Murray

The Miami Dolphins spent the early offseason tearing down their roster in preparation for a fresh start. Gone are former standouts Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Bradley Chupp.

Running back De'Von Achane might be the only legitimate star left on Miami's roster, and he was rewarded with a four-year extension this offseason.

Edge-rusher Chop Robinson might not draw the attention that Achane does, but the third-year defender is shaping up to be a defensive building block. A first-round pick out of Penn State in 2024, Robinson made just four starts in his first two seasons, but Miami is hoping for more.

"Hopefully he becomes an every-down player," coach Jeff Hafley said, per ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. "I think the easy answer is his pass rush, his get off, his ability to affect the quarterback."

With 10 sacks and 32 quarterback pressures already on his resume, Robinson is poised to be the new headliner of Miami's pass rush.

Minnesota Vikings: Edge Dallas Turner

AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Unfortunately, quarterback J.J. McCarthy didn't make the necessary Year-2 strides to establish himself as a promising building block, which is why the Minnesota Vikings brought in Kyler Murray this offseason. However, fellow 2024 first-round pick Dallas Turner did.

The Alabama product flashed potential as a rookie, finishing his inaugural campaign with 20 tackles and three sacks. However, he was even better last season, tallying 66 tackles, eight sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 24 quarterback pressures.

Entering Year 3, Turner has the chance to become the face of Minnesota's pass rush. He already led the team in sacks in 2025, but with Jonathan Greenard, Javon Hargrave, and Jonathan Allen gone, Turner may quickly become the focal point of Brian Flores' defensive front seven.

A few more positive steps should push Turner toward double-digit sacks, and possibly, Pro Bowl consideration. It'll certainly help if Murray can spark the offense enough to leave opposing teams passing often.

New England Patriots: RB TreVeyon Henderson

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

One thing became clear during the New England Patriots' run to Super Bowl LX. Quarterback Drake Maye, who was an MVP finalist, is unquestionably the team's franchise quarterback.

Another thing that became apparent during the season was the fact that rookie first-round pick TreVeyon Henderson has the potential to be a special offensive building block. The Ohio State product regularly showcased his breakaway ability while proving to be a very capable pass-catcher.

Henderson finished his rookie season with 911 rushing yards, a 5.1 yards-per-carry average, 221 receiving yards, and 10 combined touchdowns.

While Henderson wasn't as efficient in the postseason (2.5 YPC), it's worth noting that New England's offensive line also struggled against playoff competition. If new additions Alijah Vera-Tucker and Caleb Lomu can boost New England's line, Henderson should be just as electric, if not more so, in Year 2.

New Orleans Saints: QB Tyler Shough

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

After what we saw down the stretch in 2025, it's impossible to go with anyone other than Tyler Shough for the New Orleans Saints.

The rookie second-round pick out of Louisville didn't open the season as New Orleans' starting quarterback. However, he took over in Week 9 and never looked back. He led the Saints to four wins in their final five games while showcasing his ability to be a special dual-threat signal-caller.

In just 11 games with nine starts, Shough tallied 2,384 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 91.3 passer rating. He also added 186 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

If Shough can make positive strides this offseason, he'll remove any questions about his ability to be New Orleans' long-term answer behind center. With the Saints adding Travis Etienne Jr. and Jordyn Tyson to his supporting cast, there's a good chance that Shough will do exactly that.

New York Giants: QB Jaxson Dart

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Like Tyler Shough, New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart became a sensation during his rookie season. The 2025 first-round pick out of Mississippi exhibited a reckless running style but proved himself as a playmaker early and often.

While Dart went just 4-8 as a starter, he tallied 2,272 passing yards, 487 rushing yards, 24 combined rushing and passing touchdowns, and a 91.7 quarterback rating.

Now in his first offseason as the unquestioned starter, Dart is poised to build on what he accomplished as a rookie.

"I think Jaxson's taken the next step in his game, and he's understanding the defense a lot better," center John Michael Schmitz told Giants Huddle (h/t Jake Boico of Giants Wire).

Dart will need to do a better job of protecting himself moving forward, but he has the potential to make New York's offense truly special.

New York Jets: OT Olu Fashanu

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

Though the New York Jets did take a fourth-round flier on Clemson's Cade Klubnik, they probably won't have their quarterback of the future until 2027. Next year's draft is shaping up to be deep at the position, and New York already owns three first-round picks.

Whenever the Jets do find their long-term signal-caller, they'll be able to provide him with an excellent young blindside protector in Olu Fashanu.

A first-round pick out of Penn State in 2024, Fashanu didn't become a full-time starter until late in his rookie season. Once he got the gig, though, he ran with it. Fashanu started all 17 games this past season and was ranked 39th overall and 27th in pass protection among all offensive tackles, according to Pro Football Focus.

Fashanu still has room to grow as a pro, but he's already shown the potential to be New York's left tackle for the next decade. Now, the Jets just need to find the same sort of stability at quarterback.

Philadelphia Eagles: G Tyler Steen

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

In recent years, the Philadelphia Eagles have earned a reputation as a team that drafts, develops, and fields excellent offensive linemen. Third-year guard Tyler Steen serves as a great recent example.

Drafted in the third round out of Alabama in 2023, Steen was largely a depth piece over his first two seasons. He took over for Mekhi Becton at right guard in 2025, and he quickly became a dependable piece of a line that was embattled by injuries.

Steen started all 17 games for the Eagles this past season and played 96 percent of the offensive snaps. Pro Football Focus ranked him 17th overall and 11th in pass protection among all guards in 2025.

Entering a contract year, Steen has a great opportunity to build on last season and earn that lucrative second contract. If the rest of Philly's line can stay healthy in 2026, expect Steen to have an even more impressive campaign than he had last season.

Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Joey Porter Jr.

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

2023 second-round pick Joey Porter Jr. has been a starter early in his rookie season, and he's become one of the league's better cover corners. While the Penn State product does have a penchant for picking up penalties, he's big, physical, and sticky in coverage.

Over three seasons, Porter has allowed an opposing passer rating of just 71.2 in coverage. This past season, he allowed a career-low 57.2 rating.

A Pro Bowl for Porter feels inevitable, as does a very lucrative second contract.

Chris Mack of Kaboly and Mack (h/t Nic Bodiford of NBC Sports) believes that Porter could be eyeing $30 million per year, which would put him near the very top of the cornerback market. Assuming Pittsburgh is willing to pay that, Porter should be a defensive building block for the foreseeable future.

San Francisco 49ers: G Dominick Puni

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

San Francisco 49ers guard Dominick Puni earned a spot on our list last year following a terrific rookie season. The former third-round pick out of Kansas was just as impressive, if not more so, in his second season.

Puni has started all 17 games and played 100 percent of the offensive snaps in each of his two seasons. While his level of play seemed to take a hit last season, the way he battled through a nagging knee injury was inspiring.

"He fought through it and played through it, which was awesome, but the problem is he didn't maybe practice quite the way he could have," offensive line coach Chris Foerster said, per Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. "Stuff just wasn't as good."

Despite the injury, Puni was still ranked 25th overall among all guards by Pro Football Focus in 2025. As long as he can stay healthy, Puni should be a mainstay along the offensive line.

Seattle Seahawks: S Nick Emmanwori

AP Photo/Scot Tucker

Just as it felt a bit unfair to include reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger on our list, it almost feels like cheating to include Seattle Seahawks safety and nickel back Nick Emmanwori.

The second-round pick out of South Carolina was sensational during Seattle's Super Bowl season. Emmanwori tallied 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 11 passes defended, and an interception during the regular season. He also started all three playoff games. While he didn't earn All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors for his efforts, he did finish second in DROY voting.

The Athletic's Ted Nguyen recently named Emmanwori one of the NFL's 10 most versatile players.

"Emmanwori is the skeleton key to the best defense in the league," Nguyen wrote.

If Emmanwori can replicate his remarkable rookie campaign, there's virtually no way he'll be snubbed for the Pro Bowl again. We're obviously just a year into his career, but the 22-year-old already looks like a future face of Seattle's defense.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Emeka Egbuka

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were unable to retain longtime star Mike Evans this offseason, as he departed for San Francisco in free agency. However, the Bucs are equipped to succeed post-Evans due to the presence of second-year wideout Emeka Egbuka.

The Ohio State product flashed early and often during his rookie campaign last season. While he did cool off a bit later in the season—as did the entire Bucs offense while injuries mounted—he still finished with 938 yards and six touchdowns. Now, Egbuka is poised to potentially step into the No. 1 receiver role this season.

"He's prepared, he understands what to do, and he's excited for the opportunity," Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles told reporters (beginning at the 4:50 mark).

The Bucs have stayed competitive in the post-Tom Brady era, largely because they've continually found young contributors in the draft. Egbuka certainly isn't the only promising young up-and-comer on Tampa's roster, but given the importance of replacing Evans long-term, he gets the nod here.

Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward

AP Photo/Stew Milne

Like every team with a young signal-caller, the Tennessee Titans hope that their most promising building block is their quarterback. While Cam Ward didn't solidify himself as a centerpiece as a rookie, he showed enough flashes to offer hope .

The Miami product was surrounded by one of the most lackluster supporting casts in the NFL, and he posted an underwhelming 80.2 quarterback rating. However, he periodically showcased the arm talent and passing acumen that made him a coveted 2025 draft prospect.

"The combination of arm talent, mobility/athleticism, and accuracy is what the NFL is looking for in potential franchise QBs," Dame Parson of the B/R Scouting Department wrote of Ward before last year's draft. "He has superstar potential if he can cut down on mistakes/risky decisions."

Ward didn't have the pieces around him to be a rookie superstar. However, with a (hopefully) improved offensive line and new skill players like Wan'Dale and Robinson Carnell Tate at his disposal, Ward will creep toward star status in Year 2.

Washington Commanders: CB Trey Amos

AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

The Washington Commanders have their young offensive centerpiece in quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was a rookie Pro Bowler in 2024. They're still searching for defensive building blocks, and they just might have one in second-year corner Trey Amos.

The second-round pick out of Mississippi had an up-and-down rookie campaign (104.6 opposing passer rating) before suffering a fractured fibula. However, Washington's defense was bad overall, and, as Pro Football Focus' Bradley Locker noted, Amos showcased a ton of upside.

"He reflected his talent by earning at least a 68.5 coverage grade in five of his 10 contests, and his 51.43% lockdown rate was 26^th among all cornerbacks. Further, Amos broke up an eye-catching 17.6% of his targets."

This offseason, Washington made a sew of new additions to a defense that ranked 32nd overall last season. It will feature several new starters, but Amos should soon entrench himself as a star in the secondary.

*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.