Offense and Defense
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, there are a good number of second-year players who will play important roles for their respective teams. Three players on offense and three on defense who have displayed potential and are poised to further their development next season are enumerated below.
Offensive Breakout Candidates
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals
Selected fourth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Marvin Harrison Jr. had a solid rookie year with the Arizona Cardinals. He had 62 receptions for 885 yards on 8 scores, 14.3 yards per catch to boot, and played 17 times. Harrison’s production proved he had it to bring his game to the next level, and now being experienced, he should be the focal point of the Cardinals offense.
Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots
Taken 3rd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Drake Maye had difficulty with the NFL adjustment curve playing on a rebuilding Patriots offense. Despite the team’s record, Maye had flashes of his potential, going 66.6% passing for 2,276 yards and 15 scores through 13 contests. With his rookie season now behind him and development along the offensive line and through the passing group, Maye is positioned for a monster step forward in year two.
Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills
2024 Second-round selection Keon Coleman showed his promise playing his debut season with the Bills. Over 13 contests, he had 29 receptions for 556 yards and 4 scores, averaging 19.2 yards per catch. The big-play capability and chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen are reassuring indicators for Coleman to become a Bills passing attack cornerstone in the future.
Defensive Breakout Candidates
Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Washington Commanders
Jer’Zhan Newton, the 2024 NFL Draft’s 36th overall selection, started out promisingly with the Washington Commanders. The rookie had 44 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in 16 games. His stats indicate the promise he has to become the team’s game-breaker on the defensive line and is ready to break out with further development.
Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers rookie inside linebacker Edgerrin Cooper had playmaking ability and range. Cooper had 87 total stops, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble in 14 contests. Cooper is an up-and-comer on the Packers’ side of the ball with his athleticism and instincts, and his playing time should increase next season
Laiatu Latu, DE, Indianapolis Colts
Laiatu Latu, the 15th overall selection of the 2024 NFL Draft class, became an immediate contributor to the Indianapolis Colts defensive unit as a rookie. He posted 32 total tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles across 17 contests. The pass-rushing ability and turnover-producing talent of Latu are the factors behind the expectation for him to break out this year and continue to hone his skill set.
These sophomore players have already proved to possess the skill set and potential needed to play significantly for their teams. These players are going to become staples in the NFL universe as they continue to develop and acclimatize to the professional level.
Works Cited
“Marvin Harrison Jr. Stats Summary.” NFL.com, https://www.nfl.com/players/marvin-harrison-jr/stats/.
“Drake Maye Stats Summary.” NFL.com, https://www.nfl.com/players/drake-maye/stats/
“Keon Coleman Stats Summary.” NFL.com, https://www.nfl.com/players/keon-coleman/stats/.
“Jer’Zhan Newton Stats Summary.” NFL.com, https://www.nfl.com/players/jer-zhan-newton/stats/.
“Edgerrin Cooper Stats Summary.” NFL.com, https://www.nfl.com/players/edgerrin-cooper/stats/.
“Laiatu Latu Stats Summary.” NFL.com, https://www.nfl.com/players/laiatu-latu/stats/.