2025 NFL Breakout Candidates to Watch: Falcons, Panthers, Saints, and Buccaneers Rising Stars Poised for Big Seasons.
In the always unpredictable world of the NFL, each season gives rise to a new batch of breakout stars—players who take a leap in performance and alter the trajectory of their teams. For the NFC South, a division in the midst of transformation, the 2025 season presents a golden opportunity for several young or unheralded talents to seize center stage. With the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all eyeing a return to contention, a handful of players on each roster stand ready to define themselves and lift their franchises in the process.
The Atlanta Falcons are coming into 2025 with a sense of urgency. After a few seasons of mediocrity and missed expectations, the organization is betting on the fresh energy injected by new coaching philosophies and a retooled roster. Perhaps no player is positioned to benefit more than second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Drafted in the first round in 2024, Penix spent most of his rookie year learning behind a veteran but now is set to be handed the reins. Armed with an impressive deep ball, poise under pressure, and a strong understanding of the game, Penix has the tools to revitalize Atlanta’s passing attack. With offensive weapons like Drake London and Bijan Robinson at his disposal, Penix could quickly blossom into a dual-threat playmaker. If he can stay healthy and limit turnovers, he has all the makings of a breakout quarterback who changes the Falcons’ outlook not just for 2025, but for years to come.
But it’s not just the quarterback position in Atlanta drawing attention. Defensive lineman Arnold Ebiketie, heading into his third season, is another Falcon who seems primed for a major leap. He’s shown flashes of edge-rushing brilliance but lacked consistency. That could change in 2025 as he continues to develop physically and mentally. With the Falcons investing more in their defensive front and adding complementary pieces to take pressure off him, Ebiketie might finally hit double-digit sacks and emerge as the anchor of Atlanta’s pass rush. If he can consistently win one-on-one matchups and bring down mobile quarterbacks, he’ll play a massive role in helping the Falcons stay competitive in a tough schedule.
Switching to Carolina, the Panthers are also in the middle of a significant rebuild. Bryce Young, the first overall pick in 2023, has had a turbulent start to his NFL career. However, 2025 could finally be the year he shakes off the early struggles and flourishes. With a new offensive coordinator tailored to his strengths, improved pass protection, and another year of NFL experience, Young has a chance to remind everyone why he was such a coveted draft prospect. His anticipation, quick decision-making, and deep understanding of coverages could be on full display this season. The Panthers have surrounded him with more reliable targets, including a healthy Jonathan Mingo and a new tight end acquisition that adds a dependable safety valve. If the offensive line holds up and the scheme works in his favor, Young could take a significant step forward and solidify himself as a franchise quarterback.
On the defensive side of the ball, Carolina fans should keep an eye on linebacker DJ Johnson. A third-round pick from Oregon in 2023, Johnson’s athleticism has always been his calling card. Now entering his third season, the game is starting to slow down for him. He’s bulked up, sharpened his instincts, and refined his tackling angles. As one of the most explosive defenders on the roster, Johnson could become the type of sideline-to-sideline playmaker the Panthers desperately need to keep pace in shootouts. With a new defensive coordinator who plans to feature him more in blitz packages and coverage responsibilities, Johnson’s versatility could shine in a big way. If he can put together a consistent stretch of high-impact performances, he’ll not only elevate Carolina’s defense but could also position himself as a Pro Bowl candidate by season’s end.
Over in New Orleans, the Saints have been riding a carousel of mixed results since the retirement of Drew Brees. Quarterback play has been inconsistent, but there’s growing belief that Jake Haener, a mid-round pick from the 2023 draft, could finally get his chance. Haener has been lauded for his football IQ, competitiveness, and timing. Though undersized, his efficiency in training camp and preseason action has sparked internal buzz. If he earns the starting job or is thrust into action due to injury or performance issues, Haener might surprise a lot of people with his poise and precision. In a system that values quick reads and accuracy, Haener could thrive and become one of the more intriguing underdog stories in the league.
Another name worth highlighting on the Saints roster is wide receiver A.T. Perry. At six-foot-five, Perry offers a massive catch radius and intriguing red-zone potential. Though his rookie season in 2023 didn’t produce gaudy numbers, he’s steadily worked his way up the depth chart and made major strides in his route running and hands. With Michael Thomas no longer in the picture and Chris Olave drawing the attention of top corners, Perry could see a significant increase in targets. If he can capitalize on his opportunities, particularly in contested catch situations and third downs, Perry might become a household name by the time the season ends. His size, athleticism, and improved timing with the quarterback could lead to a breakout campaign that helps revitalize the Saints’ passing offense.
Tampa Bay, fresh off a surprise playoff appearance in 2024, enters the 2025 season with plenty of momentum and a hungry roster. One of the biggest reasons for optimism is the continued development of Rachaad White. The third-year running back has already proven himself as a reliable weapon, but 2025 could be the year he becomes a full-fledged star. With increased volume, a stronger offensive line, and improved vision, White has the chance to eclipse 1,500 all-purpose yards. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss in open space makes him a dynamic weapon in any situation. If he maintains his durability and refines his red-zone efficiency, he could easily be one of the top dual-threat backs in the NFL this season.
Defensively, the Buccaneers are watching the emergence of edge rusher Yaya Diaby with great excitement. Diaby flashed his potential last season, finishing with six sacks in limited snaps. But it’s his explosiveness, high motor, and growing pass-rush toolkit that has coaches believing he could double that production in 2025. With more playing time and a better understanding of how to set up offensive tackles, Diaby might finally emerge as the cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s defensive line. Playing opposite a seasoned veteran gives him favorable matchups, and if he takes advantage of them, the Buccaneers will have found themselves a key defensive difference-maker.
The NFC South is wide open, and the path to the division crown is less clear than ever. That uncertainty opens the door for players like Penix, Young, Haener, White, and others to rise up and lead their teams. These breakout candidates aren’t just names on a list—they represent hope, potential, and the power of transformation. For a division that has often played second fiddle in recent years, these individuals could help usher in a renaissance.
It’s easy to look at superstars and perennial Pro Bowlers as the defining forces behind NFL success, but it’s often the rise of young talent that makes the real difference. Every season, players emerge from relative obscurity or mediocrity to alter their careers—and often, their teams’ fortunes. The NFC South may not boast the same top-to-bottom strength as other divisions, but it has no shortage of high-upside talent waiting to erupt. With the right blend of opportunity, coaching, and preparation, these breakout candidates could become the storylines everyone is talking about as the 2025 season unfolds.
