Projected NFL breakout players range from an overlooked running back to an impressive all-rookie cornerback and a first overall pick’s best friend
All 32 teams have players who are primed to have a breakout season, and these nine players fit the bill.
NFL teams are already starting to report to training camp, and there will be numerous players taking a big step this season. I set out to identify players who could break out in 2026, but I wanted to set guardrails. Anyone can project a year two first-round pick to take the next step, but it’s more interesting to look deeper than that.
- Under 700 snaps
- Third round pick or later
- Three or fewer vested years
- No rookies
After looking at all 32 teams, I identified nine players who fit the bill.
Quincy Riley, CB, New Orleans Saints
Anyone who has followed me for a while knows how big a fan I am of Riley. I gave him a high second-round grade, ranking him 28th in the 2025 NFL Draft, the highest of anyone in the industry. It’s pretty simple: Riley’s a good football player.
The Saints selected him at the end of the fourth round at 131st overall and it was arguably the steal of the draft. Riley made multiple all-rookie teams with his play. He had 592 snaps, with 1 interception and eight passes broken up on just 58.8% completion percentage. He was already great as a rookie, but he hasn’t gotten the recognition he deserved. This year, everyone will know who Riley is.
Elijah Williams, DT, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings did a lot to address the defensive line this offseason with the selections of Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange. They moved on from Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, and likely won’t start two rookies on the defensive line.
Last season, Elijah Williams made a big impact in rookie minicamp and it landed him a contract. He was one of the best players during training camp and made the 53-man roster. He wsa a 6-3 273 pound tweener coming out of Morgan State, and now he looks to be 305-31o pounds. That’s huge for him and the Vikings, as Williams could end up earning a starting spot to start the year.
JuJu Brents, CB, Miami Dolphins
I may be the only one left who still believes in Brents, as he was on the 2023 All-Forno team, but he’s got all the tools. From his 6-3 and 198-pound frame with over 33″ arms to running a sub-4.4 40-yard dash, it’s all there for him to be successful.
Unfortunately, he’s dealt with a lot of injuries in his career, including just 68 snaps in 2024 and 11o in 2025. Even so, the Dolphins don’t have a lot of talent, leaving the door open for him to finally have that breakout season.
Isaiah Davis, RB, New York Jets
Davis was a star for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, helping them win a national title. He’s been buried on the depth chart, but The Athletic’s Zach Rosenblatt thinks he can win the RB2 job over Braelon Allen.
This isn’t so much a “competition” like the others on this list since both backs will get opportunities to play.
However, I will be interested to see who falls second in the pecking order behind Hall once the season starts.
Allen was a summer star in each of his first two NFL seasons, though that hasn’t translated to the regular season. He looked like he was starting to build some momentum last season before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 4, but he’s completely healthy now and (according to him) stronger and faster than ever.
Davis isn’t a flashy player, and he’s not as big or strong as Allen, so their skill sets will be applied differently. However, Davis seems to get the job done when given the opportunity. He’s averaged 5.6 yards on 73 career carries and caught 30 of 40 passes thrown his way.
Early favorite: Davis
Zach rosenblatt
The Athletic
Davis played well last year in limited action. On 43 rushes, he averaged 5.5 yards per carry, and a whopping 3.65 yards after contact. He’s not going to be an elite receiver out of the backfield, but is capable of handling screens and checkdowns.
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, Dallas Cowboys
I was very high on Revel going into the last NFL Draft, ranking him No. 6 overall on my big board. Things didn’t go well for Revel as a rookie, but it didn’t go well for anyone on the Cowboys’ defense.
With just 334 snaps played across seven games, Revel flashed high-end coverage ability, but allowed 21 catches for 295 yards and two touchdowns on just 31 targets. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s scheme will do Revel very well, and he could see a huge jump in production.
Justin Walley, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Last year, Walley was one of my favorite players in the class, and it boiled down to a simple element: he was a physical ball hawk. At Minnesota, he was a four-year starter who played all over the back end for the Golden Gophers. Unfortunately for Walley, he tore his ACL during training camp last year and missed his rookie season.
This year, Walley projects to be the nickel cornerback for the Colts, and his skillset will allow him to thrive.
LeQuint Allen, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
With Travis Etienne going to the Saints this offseason, there are running back snaps available for the taking. The likely scenario is Chris Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten getting the lion’s share of snaps, but don’t sleep on Allen.
He only played 46 snaps last year, rushing for 97 yards on 24 carries, but his real value comes as a receiver, where he can be a lethal weapon, along with playing at a high level as a pass protector. Allen is also a dynamic runner in his own right, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him thrive in that role.
Gunnar Helm, TE, Tennessee Titans
Helm had a disastrous NFL Scouting Combine that dropped him to the fourth round, but the Titans may have found a gem. Our own Austin Stanley at A to Z Sports has been on the sidelines watching him and believes he can be a breakout player.
Going back to the early OTA practices in May, two guys stood out to me when watching the way the Titans catch the football. We all know the sound of a baseball popping into a glove. We all know what it sounds like when guys catch footballs thrown hard. Gunnar Helm and rookie Carnell Tate had several moments in those OTA practices where the ball just arrived in their hands with no sound. That kind of natural catching ability is uncoachable.
The awareness, the soft hands, the way they track the ball in the air. You can’t teach that.
Austin stanley
A to Z Sports
He played just 54 snaps as a rookie, but all of the tools are there. With Cam Ward set to take a step in his own right, Helm could play a big part in the ascension of the Titans.
Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Los Angeles Chargers
I love a good nose tackle, and Caldwell is one of my favorite studies. He pairs his stout frame with plus athleticism for his size, and can slyly maneuver around blockers. Caldwell played a whopping 525 snaps as a rookie, providing a solid base for Jesse Minter’s defense. With Dalvin Tomlinson and Teair Tart next to him, Caldwell will have a lot working in his favor to take the next step.
