The 2026 NFL Draft has left many fan bases excited about the upcoming season. While everyone is talking about the fallout from this year’s class, it’s a good time to take a trip back in time.
The 2025 class was loaded with talent, some of whom have yet to realize their potential. Here are some second-year NFL players poised for a breakout in 2026.
Emeka Egbuka was drafted 19th overall in 2025, and he started the year off hot. In his first nine games, he recorded 40 receptions on 76 targets for 677 yards and six touchdowns. Through the next eight, he recorded 23 receptions on 51 targets for 261 yards and no scores. His production fell off a cliff.
There are many reasons for Egbuka’s rookie-season fall-off. Baker Mayfield was dealing with injuries, the offensive line was banged up, and the receiver room became crowded. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and tight end Cade Otton became more available.
It’s also worth noting that Egbuka suffered a hamstring injury in Week 6 and struggled to fully recover down the stretch. Evans is now a San Francisco 49er, and Godwin is officially in the back half of his career. It’s time for the Ohio State standout to become Mayfield’s new favorite target.
After five weeks, Egbuka was on pace for 1,513 yards and 17 touchdowns. He has more than enough potential to be a top-10 wide receiver in the NFL. This is the year he achieves that.
The New York Giants are expected to take a leap under new head coach John Harbaugh. The key to that success is former 25th overall pick Jaxson Dart. He went through a gauntlet of bad luck in his rookie year and is now poised for a turnaround.
In Dart’s first game as QB1, superstar receiver Malik Nabers went down with a torn ACL. Despite that misfortune, the Giants looked like a real football team until breakout rookie running back Cam Skattebo suffered an ankle injury. Both of Dart’s best weapons were suddenly on the shelf in a matter of five weeks.
In his 12 games as the starter, Dart threw for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He rushed the ball 86 times for 487 yards and nine more scores. He established himself as a dangerous dual-threat QB.
The Giants have added receivers Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin through free agency, along with tight end Isaiah Likely. They followed that up by drafting offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa and receiver Malachi Fields.
The new-look Giants offense, along with a returning Nabers and Skattebo, gives Dart plenty to work with in his second year. This is his perfect opportunity to finally break out as a franchise QB.
Luther Burden’s rookie year showed a lot of promise, but he didn’t break out the way some expected. The Bears’ offense as a whole improved greatly under new head coach Ben Johnson.
Burden’s slow start could be attributed to an overhauled offense. Chicago’s entire strategy shifted, and Caleb Williams finally found his footing under center. He was also playing alongside DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, and Colston Loveland.
In 2025, Burden recorded 47 receptions on 60 targets for 652 yards and two touchdowns. With Moore headed to the Buffalo Bills, Burden’s role in Chicago will almost certainly expand.
Johnson is an offensive guru, and Burden is too talented not to be utilized. He and Odunze are now the leaders of the receiving corps, and his production will reflect that in 2026.
The Steelers surprised a lot of people when they drafted Derrick Harmon 21st overall in 2025. The Oregon product was certainly worth a first-rounder, but Pittsburgh ignored other holes for him.
Early in Harmon’s rookie year, it looked like the Steelers made the right call. In eight starts, he recorded 11 solo tackles, 27 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and three sacks. He came out swinging, until a sprained MCL nearly ended his season.
Harmon now finds himself on a defense with Jamel Dean, Jaquan Brisker, and Sebastian Joseph-Day. They’ve brought back Aaron Rodgers and made some offensive improvements as well.
Pittsburgh is still shooting for a deep playoff run, and Harmon will be back at full strength for the opening kickoff. He can now pick up where he left off before his MCL injury.
There were some huge names in the 2025 NFL Draft, but Ashton Jeanty was the belle of the ball. He was the clear number one option at running back, and some argued he should’ve won the Heisman Award at Boise State.
Jeanty’s rookie year wasn’t what Raiders fans hoped for, but he showed plenty of promise. Despite playing behind arguably the worst offensive line in the NFL, he still managed 975 yards and five touchdowns.
Along with his 266 rushing attempts, Jeanty also recorded 55 receptions for 346 yards and five more scores. The Raiders’ offense was abysmal last year, but he was the clear bright spot.
Vegas made Tyler Linderbaum the highest-paid center in NFL history. They added Jalen Nailor to the receiver room and signed Kirk Cousins to play QB. To cap it all off, they drafted 2026 Heisman winner and National Champion, Fernando Mendoza.
The Raiders’ offseason improvements were wildly impressive. They have a new head coach and have completely revamped the defense. They addressed the offensive line, and they’re on the right side of a rebuild. That rebuild revolves around Mendoza and Jeanty.
Some players have a breakout season right away, while others are a little delayed. These five players showed a ton of potential in situations that weren’t always ideal. They might now be in a position to take over the NFL.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
