- Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts has flashed elite talent, but inconsistent quarterback play, injuries, and lack of red zone production have raised questions. As a former top-five pick, this season is critical for Pitts to prove he can be a dominant, go-to weapon and live up to his draft status in an offense that needs more from its stars. I expect Pitts to have a great connection with year two quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and he will earn himself a long-term extension with the team.
- Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
After an injury-shortened rookie season, followed by a disappointing sophomore season, Richardson must prove he can stay healthy and be the long-term answer in Indy. With his rare athletic gifts and several offensive weapons around him, this is his chance to silence the haters and show that he can translate his weapons and skills into wins. I expect Richardson to have another disappointing season with Indy, but I believe he should be in a different system in the future. He will more than likely be traded away after this season to another team in hopes he can succeed elsewhere.
- Treylon Burks, WR, Tennessee Titans
Burks has struggled to stay healthy and carve out a consistent role, especially with the arrival of veterans like DeAndre Hopkins (not on the team anymore), Calvin Ridley and now Tyler Lockett. Entering Year 4, he needs to step up or risk being buried on the depth chart and labeled a bust from the A.J. Brown trade fallout. I expect Burks to be released at the latest of next offseason. The Titans have brought in Lockett and two rookie WR’s who I feel will be seeing more playing time than Burks.
- Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Etienne was a great dual-threat back in his rookie and sophomore season, but struggled with consistency, short-yardage success and last season was a huge falloff. With Tank Bigsby and the newly drafted Bhayshul Tuten breathing down his neck, the team aiming to take a leap forward, Etienne needs to cement himself as the clear feature back. I believe Etienne will have a solid season when he is on the field, but I truly believe the team wants to move on from him. I expect Etienne to get traded by the deadline.
- Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers
After a rough rookie campaign filled with poor protection and limited weapons, Young entered his sophomore year with a new coaching staff and improved offensive line. Now with him in his third year, he has more weapons to throw the ball to with a top 10 OL unit blocking for him. As a former No. 1 overall pick, he must show real development to give Carolina faith in their franchise quarterback. I expect Young to have an outstanding year in Carolina, and they will give him a nice contract extension.
- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders
Wilson had a quiet rookie season with limited impact despite being a top-10 pick and a quiet sophomore season as well. With Maxx Crosby needing a reliable pass-rushing partner, Wilson must prove he can be a disruptive force and live up to his draft pedigree. I expect Wilson to have his best season yet, earning himself the right to ask for a contract extension.
- Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Green Bay Packers
Van Ness showed some flashes in limited snaps the first two seasons, but the Packers need more consistency and impact from him as a first-round pick. With Rashan Gary already established, Van Ness must emerge as a reliable edge presence to round out the defensive front. I expect Van Ness to be another first-round bust and he will not earn himself a contract extension with the team.
- Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, New York Giants
Thibodeaux had a good 2023 season with 11.5 sacks, but his play-to-play impact remains inconsistent. As a former top-5 pick and now a leader on the Giants’ defense, he needs to develop into a game-wrecking force to justify his role as a franchise cornerstone. I expect Thibodeaux to have himself a great year with the Giants who are very “loaded” on defense, earning himself a hefty contract extension.
- Deebo Samuel, WR, Washington Commanders
After being traded from the 49ers, Deebo has to prove he’s more than just a system player. The Commanders are banking on him to be a tone-setter and elite weapon for Jayden Daniels, and he must produce at a high level to validate the investment. He has been working non-stop this offseason with his personal trainer who even stated that he is 220 pounds but only 8% body fat. He has also been working with social media star “the route god” showing flashes of hard work and skills that we have never seen from him before. I expect Deebo to have himself the best year of his career, earning him a contract extension alongside Terry McLaurin.
- Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawrence had a disappointing 2024 season after getting injured, struggling with turnovers and inconsistency. As he enters his fifth year, the pressure is on to show he’s the elite franchise quarterback the Jaguars expected when they drafted him No. 1 overall. I believe he will have himself a bounce-back year throwing the ball to superstars in Brian Thomas Jr., this year’s number one overall draft pick Travis Hunter and newly signed FA Dyami Brown.