The Hidden Gems: 8 Players Poised for Star-Making 2025 Seasons
While everyone debates whether Patrick Mahomes can three-peat or if the Eagles can repeat as champions, the real magic of the 2025 NFL season might come from players you’ve barely heard of. History shows us that breakout seasons often emerge from the most unexpected places—remember when Cooper Kupp went from decent receiver to Offensive Player of the Year, or when Dak Prescott transformed from fourth-round rookie to franchise quarterback?
This year’s crop of potential surprise stars includes a fascinating mix of overlooked veterans, situational beneficiaries, and players finally getting their shot. Here are eight players who could steal headlines and transform their careers this season.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Why He’s Flying Under the Radar: After a disappointing 2024 campaign, many have written off Lawrence as a bust. He’s “flying under the radar and is still available late in fantasy drafts, with an ADP of QB20” despite significant upgrades to his supporting cast.
The Breakout Case: New offensive coordinator Press Taylor has completely revamped Jacksonville’s system, emphasizing Lawrence’s mobility and arm strength. With improved weapons and a rebuilt offensive line, Lawrence has all the tools to remind everyone why he was the #1 overall pick. His rushing upside adds another dimension that could make him a top-10 quarterback.
David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns
Why He’s Flying Under the Radar: Tight end is such a thin position that even solid performers get overlooked. The 29-year-old is coming off the best per-game season of his career, finishing as the TE4 in Fantasy points per game, yet he’s barely being discussed in preseason analysis.
The Breakout Case: With Cleveland’s receiving corps still developing, Njoku could become Joe Flacco’s security blanket. His athleticism at 6’4″ makes him a matchup nightmare, and if he stays healthy (he missed seven games last year), he’s positioned for a career year in targets and production.
Riley Moss, CB, Denver Broncos
Why He’s Flying Under the Radar: Playing opposite a superstar like Pat Surtain II means Moss rarely gets the spotlight, but that’s exactly what could fuel his breakout.
The Breakout Case: Playing opposite Pat Surtain II means plenty of balls will be thrown Moss’ direction — which should give him opportunities to make those picks. ESPN’s bold prediction has him recording at least five interceptions in his third-year campaign. Quarterbacks will test him, and if he’s ready for the challenge, Moss could become a household name.
Jaydon Blue, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Why He’s Flying Under the Radar: Behind Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle on the depth chart, Blue isn’t getting much preseason buzz. But Dallas has a history of finding diamonds in the rough at running back.
The Breakout Case: Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue is being projected as a breakout candidate by CBS Sports’ expert analysis. His combination of speed and vision could make him the perfect complement to Dallas’s established runners, and if injuries strike or performance dips, Blue could be ready to seize a major role.
Bhayshal Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Why He’s Flying Under the Radar: The Virginia Tech product will begin the season behind Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby on the Jacksonville depth chart, but his home run ability gives him intriguing upside that most analysts are missing.
The Breakout Case: Tuten’s explosive athleticism and fresh legs could make him the perfect change-of-pace back. In today’s NFL, running back situations are fluid, and his big-play potential could quickly earn him touches in Jacksonville’s revamped offense.
Justin Fields, QB, New York Jets
Why He’s Flying Under the Radar: After bouncing from Chicago to Pittsburgh and now New York, Fields seems like damaged goods to many observers. Fields is finally paired with an offensive coordinator who appears to understand his specific skill set.
The Breakout Case: The Jets represent Fields’ best opportunity yet. With Aaron Rodgers’ future uncertain and the team desperately needing a spark, Fields could get meaningful playing time in a system designed for his strengths. His dual-threat ability could unlock the Jets’ offense in ways that traditional pocket passers cannot.
Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants
Why He’s Flying Under the Radar: Reliable 2025 Fantasy football rankings can help managers target polarizing prospects like Cam Skattebo, but most casual fans have never heard of him.
The Breakout Case: Skattebo is in a tough backfield with Tyrone Tracy, but he could be a great change of pace back for the G-Men. Skattebo was a beast at Arizona State, and I would not be shocked if he continued to have success in Brian Daboll’s offense.
Jack Bech, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Why He’s Flying Under the Radar: polarizing prospects like Cam Skattebo, Jaydon Blue, and Jack Bech are being mentioned as deep sleepers, but Bech’s name recognition is minimal outside of scouting circles.
The Breakout Case: The Raiders got a receiver with exceptional route-running ability and reliable hands. In an era where rookie receivers are making immediate impacts, Bech has the skill set to surprise in his debut season.
The X-Factor: Opportunity Meets Preparation
What unites all these players isn’t just talent—it’s positioning. Each sits in a situation where circumstances could rapidly elevate their profile. Injuries, performance slumps, or scheme changes could turn any of these “sleepers” into household names by October.
The beauty of the NFL lies in its unpredictability. While we obsess over the marquee matchups and established stars, the league’s next breakout story is probably warming the bench right now, waiting for their moment to shine.
Keep these names in your back pocket. By season’s end, at least a few of them will have you saying, “I can’t believe I didn’t see that coming.”
(Aspiring NFL Writer | Children’s Author | Chicago Bears Devotee in Chiefs Territory)