Second-year players are among the top breakout candidates year after year in the fantasy football community. In this article, I am tackling some middle-to-late-round second-year players who could be poised for a breakout season this year in fantasy football. Let’s take a look at my five second-year breakout candidates in 2025.
Trey Benson (RB, Arizona Cardinals)
2024 Stats: 63 carries, 291 yards, 1 TD; 6 receptions, 59 yards
Fantasy Stats: 47.0 points, 3.6 FPTS/G, RB64
2025 Outlook: Trey Benson enters his second year with the Arizona Cardinals as a high-upside backup behind James Conner, who, at 30 years old, has a history of injury concerns. As a third-round pick in 2024, Benson showcased his talent in limited action, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and displaying elite athleticism with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash (97th percentile). The Cardinals’ offense faces the third-easiest schedule for running backs in 2025, setting the stage for Benson to capitalize on any opportunities. Head coach Jonathan Gannon mentioned he was impressed with Benson this offseason and potentially sees two starting running backs in Arizona.
His size (6’0”, 216 pounds) and speed make him a three-down back prototype, and his Relative Athletic Score (RAS) ranks 47th among running backs since 1987, highlighting his elite physical tools. If Conner misses time, Benson could seize the lead role in a run-heavy offense, potentially delivering RB2 production or better. Fantasy managers should target him in the late rounds as a high-upside pick with the potential to become a more consistent option if the Cardinals deploy a timeshare in the backfield.
Keon Coleman (WR, Buffalo Bills)
2024 Stats: 29 receptions, 556 yards, 4 TDs
Fantasy Stats: 111.5 points, 8.6 FPTS/G, WR55
2025 Outlook: Keon Coleman flashed significant potential as a rookie, highlighted by a 125-yard breakout game in Week 7 and a +136 receiving yards over expected (recYOE), ranking third among rookie wide receivers since 2018. He was also 34th ranking in fantasy points per target and eighth in average depth of target (ADOT), showcasing his abilities as a deep threat. Coleman was starting to trend in the right direction halfway through the season before a wrist injury killed the momentum and fantasy production down the stretch.
Coleman currently projects as a starter for the Bills this year, and with no significant additions to this receiver room, a full offseason could lead to a sneaky season. His 6’3” frame and red-zone presence make him a prime target in Buffalo’s pass-heavy offense. While he needs to improve his catch rate (50.9%), his role within Buffalo’s offense as their primary deep threat is secure. Coleman is a mid-round draft target with the upside to deliver more consistent fantasy production in 2025.
Drake Maye (QB, New England Patriots)
2024 Stats: 225/338, 2,276 yards, 15 TDs, 10 INTs; 421 rushing yards, 2 TDs
Fantasy Stats: 177.1 points, 13.6 FPTS/G, QB24
2025 Outlook: Drake Maye’s rookie season showcased his dual-threat ability, averaging 18.7 fantasy points per game in nine starts where he played at least 90% of snaps, a pace that would rank him as QB11. Maye’s an incredibly good runner, finishing with 421 yards, 7.8 yards per carry, and a 10.79% scramble rate (second among QBs), which outpaced Josh Allen last year. The Patriots’ 2025 offense is significantly upgraded with additions like Stefon Diggs, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and a revamped offensive line providing Maye with better weapons and protection. This improved ecosystem should enhance his passing efficiency and overall production.
Maye’s 617-yard rushing pace over a full season highlights his fantasy upside, especially in leagues that reward mobile quarterbacks. Despite finishing as QB24 in 2024, his performance in limited starts suggests he’s undervalued outside the top-12 QBs in drafts. The Patriots’ commitment to building around him, combined with his elite rushing upside, should make fantasy managers target Maye as a high-upside mid-to-late round pick with significant breakout potential in 2025.
J.J. McCarthy (QB, Minnesota Vikings)
2024 Stats: Did not play (torn meniscus)
Fantasy Stats: 0 points
2025 Outlook: J.J. McCarthy enters 2025 in an ideal situation with the Minnesota Vikings, whose pass-heavy offense under Kevin O’Connell produced a QB9 finish for Sam Darnold in 2024. McCarthy’s college performance at Michigan,72% completion rate, 63.4% under pressure, and top-12 FBS rankings in multiple passing metrics, demonstrates his accuracy and poise. The Vikings’ skill players, including Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, combined with an improved offensive line, provide McCarthy with elite weapons to exploit defenses. His 237 rushing yards and three touchdowns in his final college season add a dual-threat element to his fantasy appeal.
O’Connell’s track record of elevating quarterbacks, with Vikings QBs averaging at least eight games of 23+ fantasy points over the past three seasons, bodes well for McCarthy’s breakout potential. Despite missing 2024 due to a torn meniscus, KOC will get him right and make him a high-upside QB1. Fantasy managers should consider McCarthy a late-round pick with the potential to deliver top-12 QB production in 2025.
Ricky Pearsall (WR, San Francisco 49ers)
2024 Stats: 31 receptions, 400 yards, 3 TDs; 3 rushes, 45 yards
Fantasy Stats: 93.5 points, 8.5 FPTS/G, WR57
2025 Outlook: Ricky Pearsall is a high-upside gamble I’m all in on; despite his injury at OTAs, he will be ready for training camp. With Deebo Samuel gone and Brandon Aiyuk’s return uncertain, Pearsall steps into a golden opportunity. The final two weeks he had: 21.7% target share, 30.4% first read share, 2.84 yards per route run, suggesting this could be the Ricky Pearsall we see in 2025. He’s a versatile, tall, lean slot weapon with a 42-inch vertical, ready to dominate the middle of the field of the 49ers.
The 49ers offense continues to produce from the receiver position, and Pearsall’s gadget-like role fits perfectly in this high-powered offense. Even when Aiyuk’s back, Pearsall won’t compete directly with Jauan Jennings and Aiyuk, who both play on the outside. At his current ADP, Pearsall represents a steal for fantasy managers seeking high-upside wide receivers. He’s a mid-to-late round pick with the potential to deliver WR2 production and occasional boom weeks in 2025.
