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_
Houston Texans
Kamari Lassiter | CB
Contributed by: Dan Loya
The Houston Texans drafted Kamari Lassiter with the 42nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. At the University of Georgia, Lassiter was a two-year starter, earning All-SEC Second Team honors in 2023. In addition, he was a key contributor on defense that led Georgia to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022.
In his first season with the Houston Texans, Lassiter had 58 total tackles, 10 pass breakups, and three interceptions. Overall, he played 906 defensive snaps; 83% of those were at wide corner opposite All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
Kamari Lassiter allowed the lowest completion percentage among defenders in 2024, with at least 50 targets faced, per NFL Pro. According to Pro Football Focus, Lassiter’s 77.5 advanced coverage grade ranked third among rookies, behind only Philadelphia Eagles cornerbacks Cooper Dejean and Quinyon Mitchell. Kamari Lassiter finished 10th in the 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
Kamari addressed the media recently and spoke on his driving force, which is his love for the game.
“I love football. Football has been the love of my life since I was 3 years old. Just the fact that I am living out my dream. I dreamed of this since I was a kid…Why would I not put every single thing that I have into it?”.
When asked what he learned the most about himself during his rookie year, the cornerback said
“One thing I learned about myself is that there is no limit for me…growing up, it was always my dream to be here, and I finally got here, and I’m like, “Okay, let me take the most advantage of it.” If I can continue to get better, continue to listen and do the things that are necessary to get better, I feel like there is no limit for how my career can go.”
Kamari Lassiter has been a standout during Organized Team Activities, per Aaron Wilson. The second-year pro had an “impressive practice” while holding his own against Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins. All signs are pointing up for Kamari Lassiter. He is a prime candidate for a breakout in 2025.
Indianapolis Colts
Laiatu Latu | DE
Selected as the first defensive player in the 2024 NFL Draft, Latu showed promise as a rookie with 38 pressures, four sacks, nine QB hits, and ranked 34th among 211 edge players in 2025, per PFF. Lou Anarumo was hired to take over as the Colts’ new defensive coordinator and brings a much more aggressive style, which will favor Latu.
Latu should improve on his 36 snaps per game from 2024, which could result in a giant leap in sack production. Double-digit sacks in 2025 are a very real possibility. The Colts’ defense has something to prove after finishing 24th in points allowed and 29th in yards allowed last season. Laiatu Latu has the talent and motor to help get the defense turned around in 2025.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jarrian Jones | CB
As a rookie slot cornerback, Jones was a bright spot on a struggling Jaguars defense. He needs to progress in his coverage, but is already a dominant run stopper and blitzer from the nickel corner position. As a rookie, he ranked 23rd with a 74.7 pass rush grade and 6th among all corners with a stellar 88.5 run defense grade.
In coverage, he ranked 93rd with a 62.5 grade that obviously needs improvement. The addition of generational CB/WR Travis Hunter to the defensive backfield gives Jones a much-improved supporting cast, which only increases his opportunity for success.
The Jaguars’ poor 2024 defense is looking to take giant strides under new leadership in 2025. Jarrian Jones has all the tools to help the Jaguars turn around their defense and become an impact player for 2025 and beyond.
Tennessee Titans
Peter Skoronski | OG
A 2023 first-round pick, Peter Skoronski improved in his second season, posting a 76.3 PFF pass-blocking grade, ranking 12th among 136 guards, per PFF. The Titans’ offensive line upgrades, including Kevin Zeitler’s elite run-blocking (fourth-highest PFF grade among guards in 2024) and the addition of left tackle Dan Moore, should reduce pressure on Skoronski. Bill Callahan, highly regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in all of football, returns for his second season with the Titans and will continue to work with Skoronski.
Protecting first overall pick QB Cam Ward is objective number one, and Skoronski’s continued development is paramount in doing so. With the new additions along the offensive line, Skoronski will have the opportunity to become the cornerstone the Titans intended when they made him the 11th overall pick.
Special thanks to Dan Loya of Blitz Sports Media for his contributions to the Houston Texans’ breakout player for 2025. Check out more of his content on X: DLoya_NFL
