Gabriel Santiago

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Reigning Heisman Trophy-winner <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/travis-hunter/86060">Travis Hunter</a> has arrived in Duval County to make a real difference for the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/jacksonville-jaguars-depth-chart">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>. A one-of-one player, Hunter is taking on the unprecedented feat of starring on both sides of the football in the NFL.
His proven talents at the University of Colorado will bode well, as the 6-foot-1 athlete has astonishing ball skills. With the Buffaloes, Hunter produced 20 total touchdowns and nearly 2,000 receiving yards. On defense, he contributed 66 tackles, 16 pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He'll continue to dominate both ways until proven otherwise.
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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) hits the padded wall after a sucessful reception during the second mandatory minicamp at Miller Electric Center Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla.

1. JAX CB/WR Travis Hunter

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The <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/new-york-giants-depth-chart">New York Giants</a> have added another certified game wrecker to their fierce defensive front: enter <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/abdul-carter/86078">Abdul Carter</a>. A three-year bruiser for the Penn State Nittany Lions, Carter amassed 172 total tackles and 41 TFL in college. The 6-foot-3 defender also collected 24 quarterback sacks, 13 pass breakups, and one interception. The Football Giants will put Carter into a favorable spot alongside other first-round picks within the unit.

May 10, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51) participates in a drill during rookie minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

2. NYG LB Abdul Carter

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/chicago-bears-depth-chart">Chicago Bears</a> quarterback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/caleb-williams/69046">Caleb Williams</a> is preparing diligently for his sophomore campaign as a professional. Despite a turbulent 2024 season, Williams and a revamped Bears offense are garnering attention around the NFL. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner showed progress from start to finish as a rookie, and with improved protection going forward, we'll see what Williams can do as he enters his physical prime; he's only 23 years old. There is a fair chance he becomes Chicago's first-ever 4,000-yard passer in 2025.
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Jun 3, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

3. CHI QB Caleb Williams

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The <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/las-vegas-raiders-depth-chart">Las Vegas Raiders</a> — an organization with a rich history of talented tailbacks — appear to have their next home-run hitter in <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/ashton-jeanty/86054">Ashton Jeanty</a>. Raider Nation loves to run the rock, and I don't see that changing much with the current roster under Las Vegas head coach Pete Carroll. As advertised in a record-breaking season at Boise State, Jeanty has speed, power, agility, and endurance. He is the highest-drafted running back since 2018, and he'll look to justify that going forward. In July, Jeanty is FanDuel Sportsbook's <a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nfl?tab=rookies">favorite</a> to win the 2025 OROY.
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Jun 10, 2025; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs through a drill during Las Vegas Raiders Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

4. LV RB Ashton Jeanty

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/tennessee-titans-depth-chart">Tennessee Titans</a> quarterback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/cameron-ward/86061">Cameron Ward</a> has earned his way to the NFL through the road less traveled. After beginning his collegiate career at FCS Incarnate Word, Ward's efforts with the Miami Hurricanes landed him as the most recent No. 1 overall pick. 
His past three seasons in FBS showcased an 87-23 TD-INT ratio on 66% passing. On the ground, Ward provided 17 additional touchdowns throughout that span. Can he be the signal caller to finally turn the tables in Nashville? We'll find out soon enough. 

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Apr 25, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans first round pick Cameron Ward poses with former Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon during the Tennessee Titans press conference. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

5. TEN QB Cameron Ward

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/carolina-panthers-depth-chart">Carolina Panthers</a> wide receiver <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/tetairoa-mcmillan/86069">Tetairoa McMillan</a> has all the tools to be great in the NFL. Right off the bat, his 6-foot-4, 212-pound frame gives him a natural advantage over opposing defensive backs. From there, McMillan's incredible jumping ability, combined with 4.53 speed, makes him a dynamic threat. He averaged 16.1 yards per reception over three years with the Arizona Wildcats, which led to him being the highest drafted offensive player in U of A history.

Jun 11, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) during minicamp at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

6. CAR WR Tetairoa McMillan

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Linebacker <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/miami-dolphins-depth-chart">Chop Robinson</a> had an impressive rookie season for the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/miami-dolphins-depth-chart">Miami Dolphins</a> in 2024. Despite registering only one start, he logged 26 tackles, eight TFL, and six sacks. He also saw action in every game. Standing at 6-foot-3, 255 pounds, Robinson is poised to make improvements in Year Two with Miami defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. Robinson is strong, explosive, and a disruptive force.

Dec 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson (44) hits Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) breaking up the pass during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

7. MIA LB Chop Robinson

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Heading for the 2025 campaign, the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/baltimore-ravens-depth-chart">Baltimore Ravens</a> arguably have the strongest secondary in the league. Cornerback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/nate-wiggins/59765">Nate Wiggins</a> is a key cog of the defensive backfield, and he will continue to grow under Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Last year with Baltimore, the Clemson alum issued 33 total tackles, 13 pass breakups, and one forced fumble. He also returned his only NFL interception for a touchdown. Keep an eye on the speedy Wiggins in 2025.

Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) greets fans before warm up in an AFC wild card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

8. BAL CB Nate Wiggins

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There is certainly a world where rookie-quarterback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/jalen-milroe/86192">Jalen Milroe</a> winds up taking the majority of snaps for the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/seattle-seahawks-depth-chart">Seattle Seahawks</a> in 2025. He may be buried on the depth chart to start training camp, but that does not mean he will be cemented there. The 6-foot-2 Alabama alum boasts remarkable athletic traits, including a rocket-throwing arm and a 4.4-second 40-yard dash. Milroe is a true football player, so don't be surprised to see him on the highlight reel.

Jun 11, 2025; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) looks to pass as quarterback Drew Lock (2) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during mini-camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

9. SEA QB Jalen Milroe

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Similarly to Milroe, there is a scenario where <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/cleveland-browns-depth-chart">Cleveland Browns</a> quarterback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/shedeur-sanders/86346">Shedeur Sanders</a> is thrust into action. Neither signal caller ahead of Sanders on the depth chart appears to be a long-term solution in Cleveland, and Sanders proved at Colorado that he can accurately deliver footballs within an offensive scheme; he showcased a 71.8% completion clip over two campaigns with the Buffs. Do not rule out future success as a professional. 
Honorable Mention: <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/san-francisco-49ers-depth-chart">San Francisco 49ers</a> DL <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/mykel-williams/86071">Mykel Williams</a>.

Browns quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders (12), Kenny Pickett (8) and Joe Flacco (15) talk during minicamp June 10, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.

10. CLE QB Shedeur Sanders

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We are in the throes of summer, but football season is rapidly approaching. Have a glimpse at our growing list of potential breakout NFL stars in 2025.

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