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
New England Patriots
Will Campbell | OT
Despite pre-draft questions about his ability to play tackle in the NFL, the Patriots’ 4th overall pick had a solid rookie season in 2025. Campbell largely went unnoticed by general football fans until the playoffs, where things didn’t go as well. In the final 3 games of the Patriots’ season, Campbell logged pass blocking grades of 16.5, 59.7, and an abysmal 32.9 in the Super Bowl, with the whole world watching.
Naysayers blasted Campbell, but head coach Mike Vrabel, stood by him.
Although the Patriots drafted left tackle Caleb Lomu in the first round of the 2026 draft, I would expect Campbell to get a shot at keeping his post on the left side. Regardless, Campbell will be playing tackle, and nobody was more disappointed in his Super Bowl performance than Campbell himself
“Obviously, it sucks, but it doesn’t suck for anyone more than it sucks for me.”
After a rough Super Bowl, which was played on a grade 3 MCL tear, Campbell will bounce back. Although current public perception is that he’s struggled at tackle, it’s not the case. He earned a 66.3 overall grade for the regular season, which is more than enough to build on. After an offseason of motivation, Campbell will come back confident, stronger, and healthy as the Patriots attempt to make another Super Bowl run.
I expect a strong, improved season for Campbell, who has the full support of his head coach and teammates, which is all that matters to a true professional.
Buffalo Bills
Dorian Williams | LB
Entering a contract year in Jim Leonhard’s new scheme, Dorian Williams is poised to take full advantage and have a breakout season in 2026. Entering the season at just 25 years old, the former 3rd round pick has a lot to prove.
Dorian Williams is a tough, physical linebacker, which bodes well for more playing time under Leonhard, who looks to bring added physicality to the Bills’ defense. A natural run stuffer, Williams is penciled in as a starter in early Bills’ depth charts.
The Bills’ defense will have a new look with a new coaching staff and personnel, offering ample opportunity for players to step up and claim their roles. Dorian Williams’ opportunity is as good as anyone’s to step up and earn a meaningful role in 2026, along with a new contract next offseason.
Miami Dolphins
Patrick Paul | OT
After a rough rookie year in 2024, Patrick Paul showed plenty of promise in 2025. At 6’7″, 326 pounds, the 25-year-old has the size and measurables to be an above-average starter, especially considering his 36 1/4″ arm length.
In 2024, he played only 338 snaps, but he trumped that number with 975 snaps in 2025. He improved his overall grade from 44.9 to 66.2 and had especially impressive progression in his pass blocking, where his grade rose from 55.8 to 74.4, per PFF.
The Miami Dolphins overhauled their front office, coaching staff, and roster, leaving ample opportunity for players to prove themselves and earn their playing time as monumental pieces of the team’s future. As a 2-time captain at the University of Houston, Paul has shown the ability to lead, which will be important on a very young Dolphins team.
First-round pick, Kadyn Proctor, joins the Dolphins’ offensive line, and with the contract extension of Devon Achane, Miami is building a bully run game. Paul struggled in the run game last year, posting a 58.5 grade, but with added emphasis from the coaching staff and playing alongside Proctor, the run game could thrive.
On a team devoid of star talent after the purge of their roster, the Dolphins have a prime candidate for a breakout player in Patrick Paul.
New York Jets
Jowon Briggs | DT
Jowon Briggs has truly earned his way into consideration for one of the top breakout players in 2026. A 7th round pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2024, Briggs played sparingly in his rookie season, logging only 133 snaps on defense. Early in the 2025 season, Briggs was traded to the New York Jets, where he would find his stride and eventually thrive.
In 588 snaps in 2025, Briggs compiled 38 pressures, 28 hurries, 6 QB hits, and 4 sacks. Briggs played in all 17 games last season for the Jets, but started the final 8. For the season, he earned a pass rush grade of 85.6, which was the 4th-best among qualified defensive tackles.
With momentum from last season and the added personnel to the Jets’ defense, Briggs has an opportunity to shine in New York and could become a household name if he continues the progression he’s shown in his short career.
