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_
Detroit Lions
Jack Campbell | LB
Third-year middle linebacker Jack Campbell looks to continue his ascent as an impact player in the Detroit Lions’ defense. He enters his second season as a full-time starter under new Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who served as Campbell’s position coach for the last two seasons.
Sheppard’s familiarity with Campbell could afford him more freedom and playmaking opportunities on the defense going forward. Those opportunities have been earned, as Campbell made a sizable leap in ability from his first NFL season to his second. According to Pro Football Focus, Campbell improved on his rookie grades in run defense, tackling, pass rush, coverage, and, of course, overall defense.
The Detroit Lions have Super Bowl aspirations once again. Although former Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn left to be the Head Coach of the New York Jets, the defense shouldn’t skip a beat. They return healthier and more motivated than ever behind the leadership of Kelvin Sheppard and Jack Campbell.
Minnesota Vikings
Jalen Nailor | WR
Jalen Nailor had his best season as a pro in 2024 due to some added opportunities – opportunities he’ll likely receive again in 2025. The former Michigan State Spartan was selected in the 6th round in 2022 and started seven games last season after just one start in his first two NFL seasons.
Two of his best games in 2024 came in weeks 2 and 3, when he combined for 8 targets, 6 catches, 85 yards, and 2 touchdowns, while replacing Jordan Addison in the lineup. He may once again be called on to step up at Addison faces a potential disciplinary suspension from the league
Although the Vikings drafted wide receiver Tai Felton in the third round of the 2025 draft, Nailor should be first in line to receive the added reps once an Addison suspension is finalized. An excellent opportunity for Nailor, who is in the last year of his 4-year rookie contract signed in 2022. In an attempt to seize that opportunity, the usual lean Jalen Nailor has bulked up this offseason, building on his usual 190-pound frame.
Opportunity and effort are in Nailor’s corner when it comes to breakout potential for 2025. Time will tell if he is able to seize the opportunity with the Super Bowl hopeful Vikings.
Green Bay Packers
Lukas Van Ness | DE
Breakout players come in many forms; some are late-round picks working towards an opportunity, while others are first-round picks who have squandered their opportunities. Former 13th overall pick Lukas Van Ness falls into the latter category.
Heading into his third season in the NFL, Van Ness enters a make-or-break season with the Packers. The “5th-year option” is decided on after a first-round pick’s third season, putting Van Ness’ future in Green Bay in doubt.
In two seasons, Van Ness is yet to earn an NFL start, playing all 793 of his NFL snaps as a rotational player. The former Iowa Hawkeye has logged 38 career pressures and 9 sacks, but largely grades poorly, per PFF. His 53.8 overall grade in 2024 was 161st of 211 defensive ends – hardly good enough for a former 13th overall pick.
In order to sustain his career with the Green Bay Packers, Van Ness will need to impress in what could be viewed as a make-or-break season for the first round pick.
Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams | QB
Few players head into just their second season in the NFL under as much pressure as the Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. The former first overall pick showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, but was largely viewed as a disappointment. Williams did not take the heat alone, as the Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator were both fired mid-season in 2024.
The Chicago Bears then hired former division rival OC Ben Johnson to be their new Head Coach. Johnson had been the hottest HC candidate over the last several years, turning down many past opportunities. Johnson accepted the Bears’ offer, largely due to QB Caleb Williams.
Johnson’s ability to maximize a QB’s potential is evident, having coached the once-cast-off Jared Goff to his best seasons as a pro. He will look to take Caleb Williams short career to new heights as well.
With a revitalized offensive line and added skill position players such as first and second-round picks Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III, the Bears have an impressive arsenal of weapons, including the incumbents Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, and D’Andre Swift.
This collection of talent, including Williams, led by one of the top offensive minds in football, is expected to take a giant leap together. Williams has all the tools necessary for a big season, making him one of the most anticipated breakout player candidates of 2025.
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