NFL Futures: 50 Non-Stars Who Could Change The Odds

NEWSNFL
July 29, 2025

NFL Futures: 50 Non-Stars Who Could Change the 2025 Season

 

NFL rosters go far beyond their headline stars. While those elite players dominate fantasy drafts, TV panels, and NFL futures bets conversations, championships are often decided by the supporting cast. 

With NFL Odds shifting during training camp and preseason, understanding the hidden impact of lesser-known players can provide a serious edge. Whether it’s a breakout contributor or a dependable veteran stepping into a bigger role, every franchise has at least one X-factor. 

As teams settle their rosters post-NFL Draft, these 50 under-the-radar players are positioned to influence the 2025 season significantly.

 

  1. Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns: Flacco won NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2023 with Cleveland and is a good bet to start in Week 1 over Shedeur Sanders, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel. Even if he yields the job later, his steady play gives Cleveland a better look at its full roster during a transition season.
  2. Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts: While the Colts would love to see Anthony Richardson perform well enough this offseason to win the job, Jones was healthy for minicamp, giving him the lead. Jones has struggled over the past two seasons, ranking 32nd or worse among 34 qualified quarterbacks in yards per attempt, touchdown-to-interception rate, and sack rate, and he has played in just 16 of a possible 34 games. If he can keep the offense afloat, it’s a win for Indianapolis.
  3. Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys: Dallas ranked near the bottom of the league in explosive rushes last season. Blue brings burst and pass-catching upside as a rookie fifth-rounder out of Texas who ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash.
  4. Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars: Etienne had more yards from scrimmage than all but three backs between 2022 and 2023. After being overtaken by Tank Bigsby in 2024, he’s a top bounce-back candidate behind a revamped offensive line under new coach Liam Coen.
  5. Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders: Robinson was an efficient runner through Week 8 last season but struggled after a hamstring and ankle injury. With Washington not adding a serious backfield threat in the draft, Robinson is again the lead rusher.
  6. Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs: A broken leg derailed most of Pacheco’s 2024 campaign, and the Chiefs ranked 30th in explosive rush rate. When healthy, he leads a more dangerous run game that Kansas City needs to support Patrick Mahomes.
  7. Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers: After a breakout 2023 season with 1,154 scrimmage yards, Warren’s production dipped in 2024. Now with Aaron Rodgers under center, he should see more involvement, particularly as a receiver. He’ll split carries with rookie Kaleb Johnson.
  8. Marvin Mims Jr., Denver Broncos: Mims ended 2024 strong with 341 yards and five TDs over the final five games. He gives Sean Payton a versatile option with elite return skills and deep-threat potential.
  9. Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers: Jennings set career highs across the board in 2024 and adds physicality and blocking to the Niners’ scheme. With Brandon Aiyuk recovering from injury, Jennings could open the season with a significant role.
  10. Darius Slayton, New York Giants: A consistent deep-ball weapon, Slayton joins Russell Wilson, who thrives on vertical throws. He’s among four players with at least 200 catches at 15+ yards per reception since 2019.
  11. Tutu Atwell, Los Angeles Rams: With Davante Adams and Puka Nacua in place, Atwell projects as the Rams’ third receiver. In games with high snap counts, he’s averaged 71 yards and adds a vertical speed threat.
  12. DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots: Douglas impressed in 2023 and had a standout performance in Drake Maye’s first NFL start. Josh McDaniels has a track record of elevating slot receivers, which bodes well for the 2023 sixth-round pick.
  13. Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers: Coming off a 65-catch season and catching 83% of his targets, Freiermuth could be a top target for Aaron Rodgers, especially with limited wide receiver options.
  14. Terrance Ferguson, Los Angeles Rams: The Rams’ top draft pick ran the fastest 40-yard dash among tight ends. Sean McVay could build new wrinkles around Ferguson’s athleticism.
  15. Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers: Kraft became a reliable outlet for Jordan Love in 2024, catching 50 passes for 707 yards and 7 TDs. He led all tight ends in expected yards-after-catch differential.
  16. Christian Mahogany, Detroit Lions: Expected to start at guard following Kevin Zeitler’s departure. He played limited snaps as a rookie but now faces a big opportunity.
  17. Olu Fashanu, New York Jets: After limited snaps as a rookie, Fashanu is now set to protect Justin Fields’ blindside. He showed improvement down the stretch in 2024.
  18. Will Fries, Minnesota Vikings: After a leg injury shortened his 2024 season, Fries is being counted on to improve one of the NFL’s worst guard units.
  19. Zion Johnson, Los Angeles Chargers: The 2022 first-rounder is shifting to center. The Chargers hope the position switch unlocks his potential.
  20. Jonah Savaiinaea, Miami Dolphins: Drafted to play next to Paul, Savaiinaea is a powerful run blocker and part of Miami’s effort to toughen its line.
  21. Walker Little, Jacksonville Jaguars: With expectations rising under Liam Coen, Jacksonville needs more consistency from Little, who has struggled to lock down the left tackle spot.
  22. Peter Skoronski, Tennessee Titans: The 2023 first-round pick is a solid pass protector but struggled in the run game. Tennessee needs him to take the next step.
  23. Andrew Vorhees, Baltimore Ravens: Expected to replace Patrick Mekari at left guard, Vorhees missed all of 2023 with a combine injury and had mixed results in 2024. Baltimore hopes for consistency from the former seventh-rounder.
  24. Trevor Penning, New Orleans Saints: The 2022 first-rounder moves inside after failing at tackle. New Orleans hopes he can stabilize a shaky offensive front.
  25. Jaylon Moore, Kansas City Chiefs: The “Chiefs” gave Moore a $30 million deal to help stabilize their problematic left tackle position. First-rounder Josh Simmons is recovering from a knee injury, so Moore will see plenty of action.
  26. Ryan Neuzil, Atlanta Falcons: With Drew Dalman gone, Neuzil is in line to start at center and build chemistry with second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
  27. Patrick Paul, Miami Dolphins: A 6-foot-7, 332-pound tackle who struggled in 2024 but has elite physical traits. He’ll line up on Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside.
  28. Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions: Drafted for versatility, Ratledge could play guard or center following Frank Ragnow’s retirement. He and Christian Mahogany form Detroit’s new interior line.
  29. Darnell Wright, Chicago Bears: New head coach Ben Johnson hopes Wright can anchor the right side. The Bears invested heavily in the interior, but Wright’s development remains key.
  30. Christian Haynes, Seattle Seahawks: Haynes barely played in 2024, but the second-year guard will be thrown into a starting role on one of the league’s weakest lines.
  31. Olu Oluwatimi, Seattle Seahawks: After a limited role in 2024, Oluwatimi is expected to start at center in a rebuilt Seattle line. His development is vital for protecting Sam Darnold.
  32. Alfred Collins, San Francisco 49ers: Drafted to help stop the run, Collins brings size and physicality to a defense that struggled in rushing efficiency last year.
  33. Moro Ojomo, Philadelphia Eagles: Ojomo had a better pressure rate than some teammates despite no sacks. Philadelphia hopes he emerges from their D-line depth.
  34. Rashan Gary, Packers: Though he made the Pro Bowl in 2024, his production dipped. Green Bay needs him to return to form to anchor their pass rush.
  35. Bobby Brown III, Carolina Panthers: Brown joins Derrick Brown to plug the NFL’s worst run defense from 2024. The duo must deliver improvement.
  36. Leonard Floyd, Atlanta Falcons: Consistently productive, Floyd brings reliability to a team that’s lacked sack production. Atlanta will count on his veteran presence.
  37. Baron Browning, Arizona Cardinals: After a midseason trade from Denver, Browning posted a 15.5% pressure rate in Arizona. He could outproduce higher-profile teammates.
  38. Jalyx Hunt, Philadelphia Eagles: Hunt showed burst in limited snaps last year. He’s another candidate to step into the Eagles’ rotation.
  39. Daiyan Henley, Los Angeles Chargers: Henley went from a seldom-used rookie to a 147-tackle sophomore. He’s poised for a breakout.
  40. Marist Liufau, Dallas Cowboys: Pressed into action as a rookie, Liufau is expected to lead the linebacker corps with Overshown returning from injury.
  41. Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns: A second-round rookie, Schwesinger is a savvy tackler expected to start at middle linebacker.
  42. Christian Harris, Houston Texans: Harris flashed in 2023 but missed most of 2024. If healthy, he strengthens the middle of a loaded Houston defense.
  43. DJ Turner II, Cincinnati Bengals: Like Hill, Turner made strides in 2024 before a season-ending injury. The duo will be key in Cincinnati’s secondary.
  44. Cole Bishop, Buffalo Bills: A 2024 second-round pick, Bishop missed time due to injury but is expected to start at safety for a team desperate for help.
  45. Trey Amos, Washington Commanders: A rookie with ideal size and athleticism, Amos could play outside and allow Washington to shift Sainristil inside.
  46. Jeremy Chinn, Las Vegas Raiders: Coming off a 107-tackle season, Chinn signed a two-year deal with Vegas and brings physicality to the secondary.
  47. Daxton Hill, Cincinnati Bengals: Hill improved his coverage metrics before an injury cut his 2024 short. He returns as a starter under new DC Al Golden.
  48. Deonte Banks, New York Giants: Banks regressed in 2024 after a promising rookie season. With an improved secondary around him, he’s pivotal to the Giants’ success.
  49. Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa’s defense allowed far fewer yards and a lower passer rating with Dean on the field. He needs to stay healthy.
  50. Mekhi Blackmon, Minnesota Vikings: Blackmon is returning from an ACL tear and is in the mix for a starting role in Minnesota’s cornerback rotation.

Unlock the secret to championship success and winning betting strategies. While the spotlight shines on the NFL’s megastars, the true difference-makers often lurk in the shadows.

This in-depth look at 50 under-the-radar players reveals the hidden gems poised to explode in the 2025 season. From breakout contributors stepping into larger roles to dependable veterans ready to elevate their teams, understanding these X-factors gives you an unparalleled edge. Don’t miss out on identifying the next game-changers—they’re the key to dominating your massive payouts and making smarter NFL futures bets.

 

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