Defensive end Abdul Carter and Commissioner Roger Goodell pose after being selected third overall by … More
The combination of OTAs and minicamps is supposed to make up for the major changes to the makeup of training camp over the years. While the amount of practice and the tenor of coaching staffs throughout the NFL have made for a much easier experience overall, the quality of play in the first month of the regular season has taken a huge hit.
September games may count in the standings, but they are quite similar to the preseason and exhibition games of the 1980s and 1990s. Nevertheless, coaching staffs have been able to get key lessons across to players in the offseason work, and they often gain an excellent idea of which players are going to step up in the coming season.
Here’s a look at five players who are on track to have a huge impact in 2025.
Outside linebacker Abdul Carter, New York Giants
We are not going to sit here and tell you that Carter is about to become the next Lawrence Taylor because that would not be fair. There has been no “next” LT. However, Carter is going to dominate for the Giants as a rookie and should be one of the most impactful defensive players in the league.
Carter has immense strength at 6-4 and 250 pounds to go with the kind of speed needed to put opposing offensive linemen on alert. More than the measurables, Carter has the kind of instincts and hunger to punish opponents on nearly every play.
He also gets to play with Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, and that means the Giants are going to have an elite pass rush this season that could propel the team into playoff contention.
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals made Harrison the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He had a decent year with 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns. However the Cardinals look at Harrison as one of the elite receivers in the league, and he may reach that level this season.
He is bigger and stronger than he was a year ago, and he is more serious about his job. He has built a much stronger rapport with quarterback Kyler Murray. He appears to be more serious about his job and there may be no stopping Harrison from becoming one of the best receivers in the NFL
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has the responsibility of leading Kevin O’Connell’s offense in … More
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell have developed an excellent partnership through their first three seasons together. After winning 14 games last year, the Vikings addressed weaknesses on the interior offensive and defensive line in the offseason.
As a result, Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell believe they are handing a dynamic team to second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. He is a sharp athlete and a quick study, and he has a brilliant 1-2 punch at the wide receiver position with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
If O’Connell can answer McCarthy’s questions and fine tune his technique, the Vikings may be ready to have a championship season.
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
The big man in Kansas City has spoken. Head coach Andy Reid has seen the Chiefs’ defense take over the leadership role on the team. While it was good enough to give them a Super Bowl title following the 2023 season, the Chiefs were taken apart by the Eagles in last year’s Super Bowl.
Reid wants to see the Chiefs re-ignite their downfield passing game, and the player who could benefit the most is wide receiver Xavier Worthy. The 5-11, 165-pound speedster from Texas caught 59 passes for 638 yards and 6 touchdowns last year. He served notice for a big year in 2025 by catching eight passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns in the Super Bowl. There may be no stopping Worthy this season.
Defensive back Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles hit a home run when they selected Cooper DeJean in the second round a year ago. He did everything that Vic Fangio asked and did an outstanding job as a nickel back. Look for further growth from DeJean in 2025 when he becomes one of the best defensive backs in the league.
DeJean had 51 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 3 fumble recoveries and 6 passes defensed. DeJean becomes a full-time starter this season and he will likely be a Pro Bowl performer before the season is completed.
