Each year, new breakout players emerge throughout the NFL, whether it’s a sophomore success, a player on a new team, or a veteran who finally got his chance to shine. Each week leading up to training camp, I will post an article with potential breakout players for every team, division by division.
Connect with me on X to let me know how you feel about my selections, or to announce your own breakout players. @JLSports24
Philadelphia Eagles
The 31st overall pick in the 2025 draft had to wait his turn, but it’s his year to shine as a full-time starting linebacker of the Philadelphia Eagles.
In his rookie year, the Alabama product started 10 games for the injured Nakobe Dean. He played well, so well that the Eagles allowed Dean to walk as a free agent, cementing Campbell as a starter in 2026. In 10 games started and another 7 played, Campbell compiled 712 snaps with 76 tackles and only 6 misses all season.
In year 2, Campbell will man the center of the legendary Vic Fangio’s defense with former All-Pro Zack Baun. Fangio, who entered the NFL as a linebackers coach in 1986, has a strong reputation for taking linebackers’ careers to the highest levels. The Saints’ famous “Dome Patrol” rose to its heights under the tutelage of Fangio. In 1992, the Saints’ four starting linebackers, Sam Mills, Rickey Jackson, Vaughan Johnson, and Pat Swilling, all made the Pro Bowl together. He also coached Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman as the defensive coordinator of the 49ers.
Jihaad Campbell’s talent, paired with Vic Fangio’s ability to coach the linebacker position, sets the new starter up for immediate success as a breakout star for the Eagles in 2026.
Dallas Cowboys
Donovan Ezeiruaku | EDGE
Contributed by NFL writer, D.T. Sensei. Connect with him on X @DClevelandjr
The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2026 offseason knowing they needed more from their pass rush, and they will begin that search with the second-year man out of Boston College.
Ezeiruaku had a solid first year in the NFL. He played every game, started nine, and made 40 tackles. He also had nine tackles for loss, hit the quarterback 12 times, and got two sacks.
A new defensive scheme under Christian Parker could be a strong fit for Ezeiruaku, making his role worth watching closely. He is being given a big role, and it’ll be interesting to see how he does. With the new scheme and better personnel, Ezeiruaku might be able to reach his full potential and make a bigger impact on the field.
If Donovan Ezeiruaku turns pressure into sacks and holds up better against the run, he could become one of the NFC East’s top young pass rushers in 2026. That kind of jump would give the Cowboys the breakout defender they need.
Washington Commanders
Chigoziem Okonkwo | TE
Contributed by Commanders writer, D.T. Sensei. Connect with him on X @DClevelandjr
Chigoziem Okonkwo arrives with an opportunity to become the next emerging talent at the tight end position.
At 6’3 “, 238 pounds, he flashed explosiveness and speed after dealing with four years of quarterback incompetence and offensive game-planning. Now he will join Jayden Daniels in the Nation’s Capital to prove he was worth the money.
He will replace Zach Ertz, who was a safety valve for Daniels, having 89 catches for 881 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns in 24 games.
Okonkwo will provide an athleticism they have not seen at the tight end position since the days of Jordan Reed and an aging Vernon Davis. He can take it over the top, be split out wide, in the slot, in the backfield, and in many other spots on offense.
Along with the uncertainty around the wide receiver room outside of Terry McLaurin, Okonkwo could be in for a major breakout season.
New York Giants
Isaiah Likely | TE
New head coach John Harbaugh came over from the Ravens and wasted no time bringing his former tight end with him, signing Isaiah Likely to a 3-year, $40M contract during free agency. During their time together in Baltimore, Likely amassed 135 receptions, 1,568 yards, and 15 TDs, though he never caught more than 42 passes, 477 yards, or 6 TDs in a single season. Likely was always TE2 behind Mark Andrews, but not anymore.
Isaiah Likely will be TE1 with the Giants and will receive a lion’s share of the targets ahead of the incumbent Theo Johnson. Entering a new era of Giants football, Likely arrives with Matt Nagy as offensive coordinator, who spent 4 seasons as OC of the Chiefs, and their future Hall of Fame tight end, Travis Kelce. Needless to say, Nagy is no stranger to drawing up plays for a talented tight end.
Bright offensive stars such as Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Malik Nabers make for an exciting Giants unit. Nabers will be Darts top target, but there are still questions regarding his health, which ended his season early in 2025. Until he returns, Likely will be the focal point of the pass attack, and will still remain an important piece once Nabers returns. With or without Nabers, I expect Isaiah Likely to have a breakout year in which his former career highs will be blown away.
