Each year, there is a crop of NFL players who have a breakout season. Breakout players come in many forms: a sophomore breakout, a player on a new team, or even a veteran who is finally given his opportunity to excel.
In the weeks leading to training camp, Blitz Sports Media’s NFL team will assist me in determining who the potential breakout candidates on each team are for the 2025 season. Each week, we’ll post breakout candidates by division.
Do you agree or disagree with our selections? Let us know on X @JLSports24 or @BlitzSM_
Baltimore Ravens
Rashod Bateman | WR
Contributed by Andrew Kim (RavensBlitzSM), Baltimore Ravens affiliate for Blitz Sports Media
Although the arrival of DeAndre Hopkins may take away a few catches, Bateman was the go-to deep threat for Lamar Jackson in 2024. The former first-round pick had a career season with 45 catches, 756 yards, and 9 TDs, but still has room to grow.
Last offseason’s contract extension has paid off well for Baltimore and GM Eric DeCosta. Look for more downfield shots to the 25-year-old Bateman from Action Jackson, with defenses keying in on Derrick Henry to continue into 2025 as their answer to stacked boxes. Even with Zay Flowers and new free agent veteran DeAndre Hopkins, that could open up even more opportunities in single coverage.
Both receivers also haven’t had the best bill of health as of late, including Bateman, but if either guy above him is out, then Rashod could take advantage. Also, tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely will garner attention, making Bateman’s matchups likely the softest against opposing defenses.
Lamar Jackson has all the tools to turn in another MVP-type season in 2025, which bodes well for Bateman, who is only becoming more and more trustworthy in the Ravens offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Payton Wilson | LB
A year of NFL experience and increased playing time in 2025 will help Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson reach new levels with his playmaking ability.
The second-year man out of North Carolina State has carved himself out a full-time starter’s role on the Steelers’ defense. Wilson impressed in his rookie season with an overall grade of 74.6, which was 30th among all linebackers, according to Pro Football Focus. Although he suffered in run defense (63.4 98th/189), his outstanding coverage ability (76.0 10th/189) makes it difficult to take him off the field in today’s heavy NFL.
He turned Steelers fans’ heads with a splash play against the rival Ravens, as many young Steelers do
It comes as no surprise to the Steelers front office, which selected him in the 3rd round of the 2024 NFL draft. Wilson battled injuries throughout his college career, which affected his draft status, but the Steelers did not hesitate to pull the trigger on the 2023 All-American and Butkus award winner, given to the best linebacker in college football each year.
With a clear-cut starting role carved out, Wilson has the opportunity to excel on a star-studded Steelers defense. Look for Payton Wilson to become a household name and the next great Steelers linebacker.
Check out our very first team-based Podcast, the Steelers Blitz Podcast by Steelers_Blitz
Cincinnati Bengals
Dax Hill | DB
Dax Hill‘s young NFL career has been anything but smooth. Being forced to sit behind veterans, facing positional changes, and injuries have slowed his progression and impact.
As a rookie safety, Hill was viewed as a developmental player, drafted to learn behind the veteran duo of Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates III, who were coming fresh off a Super Bowl appearance. The following season, in 2023, Hill finally got his opportunity. The one time Michigan Wolverine started all 17 games at safety, but with mixed results. Although he recorded two interceptions, he also allowed a 114.8 passer rating when targeted, which resulted in a 43.0 coverage grade from PFF.
After the failure at safety, the Bengals decided a switch to cornerback was in order for 2024. Dax Hill had found his home, until a week 5 torn ACL abruptly ended his season. Through rigorous physical therapy, Hill has pushed himself to be ready for the 2025 season and to seize his opportunity once again at cornerback.
His career-best PFF grade of 68.2 is something to build on for the young defender. New defensive coordinator Al Golden brings a new system, which allows Hill to prove himself and become a playmaker for the Bengals defense, which desperately needs them.
Cleveland Browns
Cedric Tillman | WR
Cedric Tillman returns to the Cleveland Browns lineup in 2025 and should see added opportunities as the WR2. Before a concussion cut his season short in ’24, Tillman had caught fire with an impressive five-game stretch where he combined for 26 catches, 330 yards, and 3 TDs.
Returning to the lineup and paired with receiving talents such as Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku should offer Tillman plenty of opportunities. The 6’3″, 213-pound receiver has a rare size/speed combination while paired with his 4.54 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL combine. He’s a perfect fit for the Browns’ downfield play-action pass game.
Although the Browns have an open competition for who they’re starting QB will be in 2025, the assumed winner will be Joe Flacco. Even at 40 years old, Joe Flacco still has one of the strongest arms in the NFL and is more than capable of making explosive plays with Tillman at his disposal.
Tillman has all the tools to become a legitimate upside starting wide receiver, which is why he is my final breakout player candidate for the 2025 NFL season.
