Sizzle or fizzle? For dozens of NFL gamers, it is time for them to lastly shine within the white-hot highlight.
Forward of coaching camps opening in late July, Yardbarker NFL writers establish a participant on every NFC crew who should get scorching this season.
NFC East
DALLAS COWBOYS | WR George Pickens | Dallas’ offense wants a complete lot extra from Pickens than the 59 catches and three touchdowns he had in Pittsburgh final season. Dallas needs its No. 2 receiver, behind CeeDee Lamb, to web at the very least 70 passes.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES | WR Jahan Dotson | The Eagles require extra from their third receiver than final season’s 18 catches. The 2022 Washington first-rounder has nice arms, however he has by no means developed right into a playmaker.
NEW YORK GIANTS | QB Russell Wilson | After enjoying on three groups in 4 seasons, the previous Tremendous Bowl champion could also be another mediocre season away from retirement. Wilson should play properly sufficient for first-rounder passer Jaxson Dart to be taught from the bench.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS | WR Luke McCaffrey | The 2024 third-rounder is best than his 18 catches as a rookie. McCaffrey flashed potential at instances, however one other lackluster season could imply falling off the roster in 2026. — Rick Snider
NFC West
ARIZONA CARDINALS | CB Will Johnson | The rookie’s draft inventory tanked due to accidents. Now tasked with being the CB1 in head coach Jonathan Gannon’s protection, the second-round decide should ship for the Cardinals to take the following step of their rebuild.
LOS ANGELES RAMS | QB Matthew Stafford | At 37, the crew has no nice contingency plan behind him if the harm bug bites. So, as Stafford goes, so go the Rams, however he can nonetheless elevate L.A. “When Stafford is locked in,” Pro Football Focus’ John Kosko wrote in May, “he’s nearly as good as anybody in soccer.”
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS | WR Brandon Aiyuk | After signing a four-year, $120M contract and struggling torn ligaments in his knee, Aiyuk has turn into one of many larger wild playing cards within the league. Along with his cap hit set to skyrocket in 2026 and his title consistently in commerce rumors, the previous second-team All-Professional should set up himself among the many NFL’s high wideouts to justify the big payday.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS | DE DeMarcus Lawrence | The 33-year-old signed a three-year, $32.5M deal to spearhead the line of defense, however with an opt-out following the 2025 season, Lawrence should show his price or be pressured into early retirement. After a subpar 2024 (4 video games), the 11-year veteran wants a bounce-back season within the worst means. — Sterling Bennett
NFC North
CHICAGO BEARS | QB Caleb Williams | There aren’t any excuses for Williams after the Bears added head coach Ben Johnson, tight finish Colston Loveland and broad receiver Luther Burden III and upgraded the offensive line this offseason. All of the items are in place for Chicago to turn into a playoff crew, however that gained’t occur except Williams lives as much as the hype.
DETROIT LIONS | DE Marcus Davenport | Davenport, who missed practically the whole 2024 season after struggling a torn triceps in Week 3, will likely be a key piece of the line of defense. The Lions desperately want somebody to step up within the pass-rushing division after no participant exterior of Aidan Hutchinson had greater than 4 sacks final season.
GREEN BAY PACKERS | CB Keisean Nixon | The Packers not too long ago launched CB Jaire Alexander, in order that they trust in Nixon to step up as a full-time beginning cornerback. QBs will likely be fast to focus on him as an alternative of security Xavier McKinney and CB Nate Hobbs, so Inexperienced Bay wants the 28-year-old to carry down his aspect of the sphere.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS | QB J.J. McCarthy | The Vikings have one of many extra loaded rosters within the NFL and a celebrity head coach in Kevin O’Connell. Nevertheless, none of that may matter except McCarthy performs properly in his first season as a starter. Minnesota will likely be a reputable Tremendous Bowl contender if the Michigan product exceeds expectations in 2025. — Jack Dougherty
NFC South
ATLANTA FALCONS | TE Kyle Pitts | The No. 4 total decide of the 2021 NFL Draft has been principally a non-factor since posting 1,026 receiving yards as a rookie. Taking part in on an expiring fifth-year rookie contract, Pitts should step as much as warrant a second deal in Atlanta.
CAROLINA PANTHERS | WR Xavier Legette |
Per ESPN Analytics, Legette tied for No. 99 of 116 broad receivers in total receiving rating final season. The evaluation elements in pass-catchers’ skill to get open, catch and achieve yards after a reception. After Carolina chosen Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth decide within the 2025 NFL Draft, Legette wants a giant season or dangers turning into an afterthought.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | OL Trevor Penning | It’s the final likelihood for Penning, the No. 19 total decide of the 2022 NFL Draft, to solidify himself as a starter on the offensive line after the crew declined to select up his 2026 fifth-year choice. The previous sort out has moved to protect underneath first-year head coach Kellen Moore and is optimistic it may result in a profession revival, telling The Times-Picayune in early June, “The issues I do properly, I believe match higher at guard.”
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS | DL Calijah Kancey | Regardless of posting 7.5 sacks in 12 video games final season, Tampa’s 2022 first-round decide (No. 19 total) has room for vital progress this season, his third within the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, Kancey was a below-average run defender in 2024, with a 25 p.c missed-tackle price, the third-highest amongst 146 inside defensive linemen with at the very least 200 defensive snaps. — Eric Smithling
