Young talent across the NFL is more important than ever and every season, teams hope upside can turn into on-field production. It’s often a coin flip, determined by the players’ work ethic, the quality of coaching they receive and in-game factors like personnel matchups and opposing schemes. In this article, I predict four NFL players for the 2025 season who are set to cement themselves as integral pieces going forward in their franchise’s plans. For more NFL offseason content, check out my profile HERE.
NFL Players on Breakout Watch in 2025
1. Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers WR
There’s no doubt Jayden Reed is among the NFL’s most talented young receivers. He’s served as the Green Bay Packers‘ primary pass catcher the last two seasons and showcased game-breaking agility and speed immediately, trailing only Tyreek Hill for 30+ yard receptions his rookie year. Reed’s problem has largely been his availability, as he missed time throughout the 2024 season for multiple injuries.
It is important to note that Head Coach Matt LeFleur has yet to fully utilize his talents, due to a deep receiver room, but the Packers’ head man recently encouraged Reed to lead the group, giving insight into his plans for Reed’s larger use. Additionally, Green Bay added Texas standout Matthew Golden in the first round, giving Reed the most talented running mate he’s ever had. Assuming Reed stays healthy, Golden will draw defenses’ attention, giving Reed more space to thrive and his first 1,000-yard season.
2. Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings RB
In one of the most under-the-radar transactions this NFL offseason, the San Francisco 49ers traded running back Jordan Mason in exchange for late-round draft compensation. For a six-game stretch last year, Mason shone in Christian McCaffrey‘s absence, rushing for 609 yards, including three 100+ yard performances. That would be the best stretch of Mason’s season, as McCaffrey’s return and the decline in offensive line play took away from Mason’s hot start.
In Minnesota, he’s set to be the backup for the often-injured and aging Aaron Jones, however, Mason provides a dimension of power and goalline effectiveness that no running back on the Vikings’ roster can match. Offensive genius Kevin O’Connell will have a plan to involve Mason whether or not Jones is healthy, plus, he’ll run the ball more this season with the inexperienced J.J. McCarthy set to take over at quarterback.
3. RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos RB
Everyone knew Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos were going to take a running back in the 2025 NFL draft, the only question was when. That was answered when they took UCF standout RJ Harvey with the 60th pick in the second round. In Orlando, he demonstrated great ability to be an every-down back in the modern NFL with a rare combination of speed, agility and power, though he’s not your traditional power back, as he ran a 4.40 40-yard dash.
The 2024 First Team All-Big 12 selection enters a room with more one-dimensional players, as Audric Estime flashed some ability as a powerback, but didn’t show he can catch the ball well. Behind him is Jaleel McLaughlin, who’s the exact opposite of Estime. Harvey might not take the reins of the entire workload to start, but towards the end of the 2025 season, he’ll likely be getting the top volume.
4. Gervon Dexter Sr., Chicago Bears DT
Capping off the list is third-year defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr., who’s set to be a core defensive player for the Bears going forward. He’s shown great improvement throughout each of his seasons, both as a run-stuffer and pass-rusher. Dexter Sr. started to put it all together in 2024, totaling five sacks and using his 6’6 310 pound frame to control blockers, often multiple at once.
The free agent signing of Grady Jarrett provides opposing offensive lines another interior pass rush presence to consider and a great mentor to learn from. Don’t be surprised if Dexter Sr. blossoms into one of the best young defensive tackles in the league under one of the NFL’s best defensive coordinators in Dennis Allen.
Main Image: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
