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_
Buffalo Bills
Ray Davis | RB
Second-year running back Ray Davis is a prime breakout candidate for the 2025 season. His versatility proved useful in the Bills‘ rejuvenated run game last season. In 2024, Davis rushed for 442 yards and three touchdowns while adding 189 receiving yards and three scores, despite sharing touches with James Cook and Ty Johnson.
James Cook’s cloudy contract situation could linger into the season, which would likely create more opportunities for Davis. The Bills’ top-10 rushing offense provides a fertile ground for Davis to thrive, whether he’s sharing the load or not. During his rookie year, Davis averaged 4.8 YPC in the three games he received double-digit carries. As his workload increases, it appears he becomes more effective.
His ability to contribute as a receiver and handle a heavier workload makes him a perfect fit for Buffalo’s offensive scheme. If given more opportunities, Davis could emerge as a dynamic playmaker, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the Bills’ backfield.
Miami Dolphins
Jaylen Wright | RB
Jaylen Wright, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had a modest-at-best start to his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins. In his rookie year, he carried the ball only 68 times for 249 yards. His 3.7 YPC didn’t match his 4.38 40-time; however, at 5’10” and 210 pounds, he runs a little differently than most sub-4.4 running backs. Wright’s 3.25 yards after contact is the perfect backfield complement to the speedy De’Von Achane.
After finishing 6th in rushing yards and 1st in rushing TDs and YPC in 2023, the Dolphins’ run game regressed to 21st, 23rd, and 28th in 2024, respectively. Not coincidentally, they won three fewer games and missed the playoffs. If the Dolphins want to get back to the playoffs, the run game will need to once again be the focal point of their offense.
Raheem Mostert, who accounted for 1,290 rushing yards and 20 TDs for the Dolphins over the last two seasons, was released, opening up a bigger share of touches for Jaylen Wright. Jaylen Wright could become the “1B” to Achane’s “1A” in 2025 with a recommitment to the run game by Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel.
New York Jets
Olumuyiwa Fashanu
Olu Fashanu, the New York Jets’ 2024 first-round pick, is slated to start at left tackle in 2025 and is a prime candidate for a breakout season. Selected 11th overall, Fashanu had an up-and-down rookie year, playing in eleven games but starting only seven. After making appearances at both tackle positions and guard in his rookie year, the former Nittany Lion should be able to settle into left tackle on a Jets offensive line that has high expectations.
New Head Coach Aaron Glenn is expected to bring toughness to the Jets and a running game, making good offensive line play a priority. The Jets added right tackle Armand Membou to the line in the draft, selecting him 7th overall. They also added John Simpson via free agency, who is slated to start at left guard. Simpson earned a respectable 77.3 grade from PFF, including a 79.2 run blocking grade, which was 13th among all guards in the NFL.
Alijah Vera-Tucker returns at guard, and Joe Tippmann at center, creating an offensive line that consists of three 1st round picks, a second-round pick, and a quality free agent signing. With these pieces in place, Fashanu will be the major benefactor, being able to focus on a single position and being surrounded by players and a Head Coach who sets him up for success. I look for Olu Fashanu to establish himself as a quality left tackle in 2025.
New England Patriots
Drake Maye | QB
The 2024 third-overall pick showed promise as a rookie, throwing for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with an 88.1 passer rating. Now, having Josh McDaniels, one of the best Offensive Coordinators of all time, in his ear, the sky is the limit for Drake Maye.
The supporting cast will be much better for Maye this season after Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams and TreVeyon Henderson were added in the offseason. An improved offensive line, including first-round pick Will Campbell, should provide stability, allowing Maye’s arm strength and mobility to shine in a more dynamic offense.
Expectations are not high for the Patriots, but there’s a buzz about Drake Maye and the explosive season he could have in 2025. He’s seemingly on the verge of a major breakout, which could return the Patriots to prominence.
