The Athletic’s NFL writers have spent the summer examining every roster ahead of training camp, pondering unanswered questions, identifying newcomers to watch and more.
Now, our staff considers who’s next. Our picks for a breakout player on every NFL team in 2026 include a few familiar names and others who haven’t yet achieved leaguewide notoriety. Either way, these players could help make or break their teams’ seasons.
Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT
The Cardinals’ 2025 first-round draft pick, Nolen played in six games last season (only 169 snaps) because of injuries. The explosiveness he showed in that limited time was impressive, enough to suggest he could be a future star. The Cardinals last season gave up 28.7 points per game, which ranked 29th in the league. Safety Budda Baker is a perennial Pro Bowler. Josh Sweat is coming off a career season. But they need someone else to emerge. Someone on the defensive front. If Nolen stays healthy, he could be a difference-maker the defense needs. — Doug Haller
Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Dorlus, DT
Dorlus had six sacks and 22 quarterback pressures in his final eight games last season. It was the type of jump the Falcons had been hoping for when they picked him in the fourth round in 2024, but it looked like it might never come. He only played 19 snaps as a rookie and then totaled 1.5 sacks in his first seven games last year. The Falcons traded his close friend and linemate Ruke Orhorhoro in the offseason but added more beef around him up front, ostensibly freeing him up to chase the quarterback even more this season. — Josh Kendall
Baltimore Ravens: Mike Green, OLB
A second-round pick last year, Green had 3.5 sacks as a rookie while playing more than expected following the Odafe Oweh trade. However, new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver believes Green could have very easily had a 10-sack season and showed the player a video cut-up of all his near misses to prove it. With head coach Jesse Minter and Weaver now leading the defense, the addition of veteran Trey Hendrickson and second-round pick Zion Young on the edge and the potential return of interior disruptor Nnamdi Madubuike, Green could benefit in a big way. — Jeff Zrebiec
Buffalo Bills: Deone Walker, DT
The 2025 fourth-round draft pick started every game after the season opener, making a strong impression at a position of need. Walker’s offseason mission has been conditioning to play all three downs. He said in June he had slimmed from last year’s playing weight of 338 pounds to 328 pounds. By a large margin, he led all Bills defensive linemen with 37 run stops. Walker recorded two half-sacks with 16 pressures. His eight tackles for losses finished behind only edge rusher Joey Bosa, and his four pass breakups tied for fourth behind three defensive backs. Walker, who just turned 22 in March, added two more pass breakups and snagged his first interception in the playoffs. — Tim Graham
Carolina Panthers: Devin Lloyd, LB
The Panthers gave edge rusher Jaelan Phillips the most lucrative contract in franchise history last March, while getting Lloyd on a three-year, $45 million deal that may prove to be a steal if Lloyd repeats his Pro Bowl form from 2025. Lloyd made plays at every level of Jacksonville’s defense, averaging 109 tackles while collecting nine interceptions, including a career-high five in ‘25. Lloyd also showed he could be disruptive as a blitzer, something the Panthers have lacked at the inside linebacker spot since Ejiro Evero took over as defensive coordinator. — Joseph Person
Chicago Bears: Luther Burden III, WR
“I’m buying Luther Burden stock right now.” That was the heartfelt endorsement offered in May by the visionary of the Bears’ offense, Ben Johnson, who referred to the receiver’s spring growth as “electric.” As a rookie, Burden came alive down the stretch, posting 40 catches, 547 yards and a touchdown over his final 10 games, including the playoffs. Now, he has increased confidence, heightened trust from his play caller (Johnson), growing chemistry with his quarterback (Caleb Williams) and continued praise from his teammates. Said tight end Colston Loveland, a fellow Year 2 breakout candidate: “He’s the truth, man. And nothing but the truth.” — Dan Wiederer
Why Ben Johnson is buying Luther Burden’s stock
Jayna Bardahl
Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT
Those paying attention might say Mims already broke out last year as he didn’t allow a hit or sack of Joe Burrow from the moment the QB returned to the lineup on Thanksgiving through the conclusion of the season. The 6-7, 340-pound raw first-round pick out of Georgia in 2024 officially has matured. He looks ready to play at an All-Pro level this year. He’s quickly become the anchor of an offensive line that’s far better than previous editions and has continuity next to him at right guard with Dalton Risner. Bet on Mims to be the next well-compensated star on this offense. — Paul Dehner Jr.
Cleveland Browns: Quinshon Judkins, RB
Judkins missed all of training camp last summer while dealing with an assault charge that was eventually dropped. He started in Week 2, just eight days and three practices after signing, and immediately showed why the Browns consider him such a big part of their future. A fractured fibula and dislocated ankle last December ended his first NFL season, but he was ahead of his rehab schedule in the spring and figures to be featured in new coach Todd Monken’s offense. Judkins has to be healthy and has to learn to play on the pass downs he couldn’t last year due to his summer absence, but he’s going to get plenty of chances to prove he’s an explosive and reliable runner at the game’s highest level. — Zac Jackson
Dallas Cowboys: Shavon Revel Jr., CB
Had it not been for a torn ACL in his final college season, Revel might have been a first-round pick in last year’s draft. Instead, he fell to the third round where the Cowboys selected him 76th overall. Recovery from the knee injury prevented him from appearing in a game last season until Week 11. Now fully healed, Revel is in position to compete for a starting cornerback spot. He has the ideal size (6-2, 200), strength and athleticism to be a quality outside corner. Cornerback is one of the biggest question marks on the roster. Revel should get a lot of valuable training camp work going against CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. — Jon Machota
Denver Broncos: Que Robinson, OLB
Robinson, a 2025 fourth-round pick out of Alabama, played sparingly as a rookie on Denver’s deep defense, but he made a lasting impression during his appearance in the AFC Championship Game by chasing down Drake Maye and pulling down the Patriots quarterback by the shoulders for a sack. Robinson was already trending toward a bigger role on the edge in Year 2, but that will especially be the case if Jonathon Cooper faces an NFL suspension following two June arrests. — Nick Kosmider
Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT
The easy answer is probably Isaac TeSlaa — a player who caught everything his way (with one hand) as a rookie last year. But think about this Lions offense. TeSlaa will have to compete for targets with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs. His ceiling is somewhat limited, which is ultimately a good problem to have. Instead, I’ll go with an even easier choice in Williams, a 2025 first-round pick who paid his dues as a rookie and steps into a full-time starting role. The Lions moved on from DJ Reader this offseason and are now relying on Williams. He’s an instinctive player who’s light on his toes for a 330-pounder. He’s not flashy like TeSlaa, but if he can eat double teams and emerge as a run-stuffing nose tackle, the Lions will be pleased with his progress. — Colton Pouncy
Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR
The Packers’ 2025 first-round pick didn’t have the season anyone thought he would. Golden ranked tied for 85th among wide receivers last season with 44 targets, tied for 84th with 29 catches and 78th with 361 receiving yards, according to TruMedia. He didn’t score his first career touchdown until the playoffs. With the offseason departures of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, the Packers have a defined top three wide receivers of Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Golden, who should get plenty more opportunities in the passing game with a year in Green Bay’s offense under his belt. — Matt Schneidman
Houston Texans: Jayden Higgins, WR
As a rookie, the 6-4, 215-pound wide receiver impressed, contributing 41 catches, 525 yards and six touchdowns on 68 targets. Look for his role to only expand as he and quarterback C.J. Stroud further refine their connection and Higgins’ understanding of coverages also improves. Increased production from Higgins will help ease pressure on Nico Collins, who led the team with 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns on 120 targets. — Mike Jones
Indianapolis Colts: Josh Downs, WR
Downs is already an established receiver, who’s shown he can be a playmaker in the NFL. However, the 2023 third-round pick is coming off a career-low 566 receiving yards in 2025. The departures of wideouts AD Mitchell and Michael Pittman Jr., who were traded to the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively, should open up more opportunities for Downs as Indy’s No. 2 receiver behind the speedy and newly paid Alec Pierce. Downs is entering a contract year, so it would behoove him to have a career year in 2026 if he plans on cashing in next offseason. — James Boyd
Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB
Dual-threat Travis Hunter had impressed the Jaguars in limited action as a rookie before his season-ending knee injury in an October practice. Hunter needs to be an important part of Anthony Campanile’s defense, as the Jags’ vulnerabilities in the secondary were on full display during their playoff loss to the Bills. Hunter will get his chances on offense, too, but the Jaguars really need him to be special on defense if they’re going to win their first playoff game in four years. — Jeff Howe
Jacksonville Jaguars dual-threat star Travis Hunter might need to make more of an impact at cornerback to progress in 2026. (Mike Carlson / Getty Images)
Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR
If the Chiefs had a summer practice MVP, it would’ve been Worthy, who flashed consistent chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Worthy also checks many other boxes for a potential breakout player. The third-year wideout just turned 23 (he’s actually two months younger than Chiefs rookie receiver Cyrus Allen), and there’s also an obvious reason for Worthy’s limited production in 2025: injury. Worthy played through a torn labrum last season, and coach Andy Reid said the ailment led the team to limit his route tree. Worthy should be back to full strength for Week 1 after offseason surgery. — Jesse Newell
Las Vegas Raiders: Jalen Nailor, WR
Nailor was surprisingly the lone premium addition the Raiders made at receiver this offseason after trading away top target Jakobi Meyers in November. While that may leave many scratching their heads, it gives Nailor an opportunity to produce like never before. The fifth-year veteran had a solid final two seasons in Minnesota, but was always a tertiary option behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He comes into Las Vegas carrying established chemistry with quarterback Kirk Cousins and head coach Klint Kubiak from their Vikings days and with no solidified WR1 ahead of him. All signs point to Nailor having a chance to post career numbers in his first season with the Raiders. — Sam Warren
Los Angeles Chargers: Charlie Kolar, TE
The Chargers made Kolar a priority addition during free agency, signing the former Raven to a three-year, $24.3 million deal. Kolar was an elite run blocker in Baltimore and will continue to fill that role for the Chargers. Kolar also has a ton of untapped potential as a pass catcher, and that is where the breakout could happen in Los Angeles. Kolar was playing behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely with the Ravens. He will get more opportunities in the passing game for the Chargers. Kolar has never caught more than 10 passes in a season. His career high in receiving yards is 142. Kolar is poised to surpass those figures handily in 2026. — Daniel Popper
Los Angeles Rams: Terrance Ferguson, TE
The Rams spent their top draft pick a year ago on a tight end they were mostly planning to stash for a potential 2026 breakout. It grew frustrating for fans when Ferguson barely saw the field in the first half of his rookie season, but that said more about the difficult transition at tight end, the complexity of Sean McVay’s playbook on young players and the need for Ferguson to add blocking technique and weight to hold up in the run game. Los Angeles found a way to insulate him by midseason by running two- and three-tight end sets at the highest rate in the league, and Ferguson saw a second-half breakout, catching 10 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns over the final 10 games. His 21 yards per catch would have ranked second in the NFL last season on large volume, and though that will likely come down with a boost in volume, Ferguson should be very difficult for defenses to account for with the attention they have to give to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. — Nate Atkins
Miami Dolphins: Greg Dulcich, TE
In fantasy circles, Dulcich has been a trendy sleeper pick multiple times throughout his short career. And while the now-26-year-old tight end has never lived up to the (preseason) hype before, there’s reason to believe he might this year. Why? Let’s start with the obvious: Who else is QB Malik Willis going to throw to? The wide receiver cupboard is bare, and if the Dolphins are as bad as many expect, Willis will be throwing a lot late in games. The new Dolphins regime clearly likes Dulcich, as it paid him $3.25 million to stay in Miami. That keeps Dulcich tied to offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who was promoted to OC after being Miami’s pass game coordinator last year. No one is saying he’s going to catch 100 passes this year, but Dulcich looks like a name to watch for those targeting a late-round tight end. — Jim Ayello
The NFL is viewing the tight end position differently in 2026
Robert Mays
Minnesota Vikings: Jalen Redmond, DT
Redmond played for the Arlington Renegades in the formerly-named XFL. The Vikings signed him on a whim. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores took to his intensity and commitment almost immediately, and Redmond has shown why in the last couple of seasons. He holds the point of attack against the run. He wins with quickness in one-on-one pass-rush situations. Because the Vikings got rid of veteran defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, they’re relying on Redmond to set the standard for a unit of talented youngsters like Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange. — Alec Lewis
New England Patriots: Craig Woodson, S
Last season, Woodson was quietly great as a rookie for the Patriots during their Super Bowl run, capable of both helping stop the run from the back end and covering up plenty as a deep safety. Now, he’s again entering the season overshadowed, this time after the Pats signed veteran Kevin Byard, who led the NFL in interceptions last season, to play next to Woodson. But it won’t be a surprise if it’s actually Woodson who stands out the most this season in New England. — Chad Graff
New Orleans Saints: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB
It’s taken until now for McKinstry to be deemed the Saints’ top cornerback after being a second-round pick in 2024. He started every game last season and intercepted three passes. But he also surrendered eight touchdowns and yielded a 100.5 passer rating, via Pro Football Reference. The Saints have moved on from names like Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor the past few years, intent on having McKinstry eventually become the team’s No. 1 corner. It’s no guarantee that he breaks out, but the chance is there for him. — Larry Holder
New York Giants: Isaiah Likely, TE
This needs to be Likely for the Giants. The three-year, $40 million contract the Giants gave Likely was the richest handed out by the team in new coach John Harbaugh’s first offseason. No one batted an eye at the Giants making Likely the fourth highest-paid tight end in the league because his receiving talent is evident. But Likely never topped 42 catches or 477 yards in four seasons with the Ravens while operating in three-time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews’ shadow. Now Likely is the Giants’ unquestioned No. 1 tight end after following Harbaugh from Baltimore, and the team needs his production to match his compensation. — Dan Duggan
New York Jets: Adonai Mitchell, WR
He was a standout in the spring as his chemistry grew with Geno Smith — in the practices media attended, Smith looked his way even more than Garrett Wilson’s. Everyone in the NFL has known about his significant potential as an elite athlete, with the size and athleticism to both run past defensive backs and jump over them to make catches. It just never really came together in Indianapolis. He showed flashes in a half-season as the Jets’ de-facto No. 1 receiver — and with terrible quarterback play. Now, for the first time in his career, he’ll enter a season locked in as a starter. It can’t hurt that the Jets are flush with pass catchers to draw attention away from him, too, between Wilson, Breece Hall and rookies Omar Cooper and Kenyon Sadiq. — Zack Rosenblatt
New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (15) begins his first full season with the team in 2026. (Vincent Carchietta / Imagn Images)
Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell, LB
The Eagles let Nakobe Dean leave in free agency with the plan of turning over the starting spot to Campbell, a 2025 first-round pick. Campbell’s hard-to-find physical tools stand out in the middle of the defense, where his 6-3, 235-pound frame and 4.52-second 40-yard dash offer a different flavor than Dean. Campbell has the length and range to be a force in coverage, and the Eagles think there’s a burgeoning pass-rush skill set. Campbell started 10 games last season and played 63 percent of the defensive snaps, but the defense was clearly better with Dean on the field. With a full year in the scheme and adjusting to the NFL, Campbell could make strides in Year 2 next to Zack Baun. He missed offseason workouts while recovering from shoulder surgery, but he’ll return in time for the season. The opportunity is present for a breakout. — Zach Berman
Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT
A preseason MCL sprain delayed Harmon’s NFL debut until Week 3, and a separate knee injury caused him to miss three more games. However, when healthy, the 6-4, 313-pound defensive tackle lived up to his draft position as a first-round pick. The Steelers gave up an average of 166 rushing yards in the games Harmon missed and just over 90 in the games in which he played. As these stats suggest, Harmon’s quick hips and strong hands allow him to get off blocks and make a difference in the run game. His challenge will be to stay healthy and add more as a pass rusher. The Steelers plan to have Harmon spend time in training camp working with new OLBs coach C.J. Ah You to add more moves to the DT’s pass-rush repertoire and improve upon his three-sack rookie season. — Mike DeFabo
San Francisco 49ers: Alfred Collins, DT
His spring was wiped out due to after-season shoulder surgery, but Collins should be back for the beginning of training camp. The 49ers were encouraged by the big man’s rookie campaign, which while not spectacular, did include nearly 500 snaps, four quarterback hits and perhaps San Francisco’s top play of 2025 — Collins’ forced fumble against the Los Angeles Rams on the 1-yard line late in a Week 5 overtime win. This year he’ll be paired with veteran Osa Odighizuwa, creating a pick-your-poison situation for opposing offensive lines. The 49ers need both Collins and fellow 2025 draft pick Mykel Williams to take big steps forward in their second seasons. — Matt Barrows
Seattle Seahawks: Rashid Shaheed, WR
A running back — Jadarian Price, Zach Charbonnet or George Holani — would be the obvious choice here, but that position has been the focus for most offseason questions, so let’s branch out a bit. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had his breakout campaign in 2025, so defenses will be gearing up to stop him. Cooper Kupp is still a reliable veteran, but he’s getting older and missed at least five games in the three seasons before last year. Shaheed has established himself as an electric returner, but he hasn’t hit his potential as a wide receiver. In his four NFL seasons, he’s never had 60 catches or 1,000 yards receiving in a campaign. New offensive coordinator Brian Fleury is taking over after seven years in San Francisco under Kyle Shanahan, where he’s seen how dynamic weapons can be maximized. — Saad Yousuf
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR
If Egbuka produces for 17 games as he did for the first nine games of his rookie season last year, the first-round pick will have 1,278 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. His production fell off drastically in the last eight games of 2025 due to a combination of factors that built a rookie wall. Among them were a hamstring issue, an undefined role and probably a spinning head. Egbuka had to learn and play every receiver position last year partly because Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan weren’t always healthy. This season, new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson says he is making Egbuka a full-time Z receiver. And the departure of Evans means Robinson and Baker Mayfield will be looking to establish a new No. 1 receiver. — Dan Pompei
Tennessee Titans: Kevin Winston Jr., S
The Titans got Winston in the third round of the 2025 draft even though some thought he was closer to a first-round talent, which is what happens sometimes with players coming off serious injuries. A partially torn ACL cut Winston’s 2024 season short at Penn State and limited him to 10 games in 2025. Now, he’s healthy and looking primed for a breakthrough. He’s playing next to Amani Hooker, which was a good thing for years for former Titan Kevin Byard. The Titans appear solid at corner. But maybe best of all, the front seven looks like it could be ferocious in Robert Saleh’s first year, and that’s especially true if a young edge or two can step up. A front seven like that is a rangy playmaker’s best friend. — Joe Rexrode
Washington Commanders: Daron Payne, DT
The 2018 first-round pick has been a staple of the Commanders’ defensive line for eight years, but his sack numbers have lagged since he signed his four-year, $90 million contract in 2023. Coincidence or not, Payne has a track record of elevating his play in contract seasons, and adapting to Daronte Jones’ scheme could land him another payday — in Washington or elsewhere. Payne’s versatility, explosiveness and run-stopping ability make him a strong fit for Jones’ system that features more position-agnostic players. Said coach Dan Quinn: “What’s so much fun about coaching Daron is he’s big enough to be a 3-4 end — you guys saw some of that here early on — and he’s got the strength that can play inside at nose tackle and quickness to move. … Because (the defensive tackles) are versatile, it gives Daronte even more options in how to deploy and how to match up guys. So, it’s a big deal for us.” — Nicki Jhabvala
