Jihaad Campbell (30) celebrates a Philadelphia Eagles interception with linebacker Zack Baun (53). Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
By Michael Grant on

It’s not unusual for NFL rookies to struggle before making a significant jump in their second season. Here are five first-round picks from the 2025 NFL Draft who could be breakout stars as sophomores.

Note: This list includes players who did not place in the top five for Offensive or Defensive Rookie of the Year or were not named to the Pro Bowl.

5. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

Drafted: 31st overall

Key 2025 stats: 1 fumble recovery and 1 interception in 17 games

Nakobe Dean left as a free agent to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders, but the Philadelphia Eagles already seem to have his replacement. Jihaad Campbell will likely have more playmaking responsibilities after starting 10 games last season. His athleticism should give defensive coordinator Vic Fangio another chess piece to use. Having a linebacker who can cover a lot of ground quickly is always a plus. What’s particularly encouraging is that Campbell was ranked 15th among 88 qualified linebackers by PFF.

4. Josh Simmons, T, Kansas City Chiefs

Drafted: 32nd overall

Key 2025 stats: 2 sacks allowed and 18 pressures in 8 games

Josh Simmons had a somewhat odd rookie year. When he played, he showed promise, yielding just 18 pressures over 526 offensive snaps. But he missed nine games, including four because of what the team described as a family situation. Simmons has obvious talent and only slid in the 2025 draft because of injury concerns. His pass protection will be important at left tackle as Patrick Mahomes returns from a season-ending knee injury. Simmons bulked up in the offseason, and the added weight should help.

3. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Drafted: 2nd overall

Key 2025 stats: 28 catches for 298 yards, 1 touchdown  in 7 games

The Heisman Trophy winner entered the league as one of the most intriguing players ever. Could Travis Hunter be the two-way threat he was at Colorado? He was used mostly on offense before suffering a season-ending knee injury. In his second season, he’s expected to play more on defense. If he can be a top corner, that would boost the Jaguars’ chances of being a contender. They can always sprinkle him in for a few plays on offense, but playing both sides of the ball in the NFL takes too much of a toll.

2. Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Drafted: 22nd overall

Key 2025 stats: 545 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns in 9 games

Omarion Hampton’s rookie year was cut short by a season-ending ankle injury. The Chargers’ offensive line issues (ranked second-worst in the league in run blocking) didn’t help either. Now that Los Angeles presumably has a healthier offensive line and a new offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel, life should be easier for Hampton. The biggest question is whether Hampton will be the feature back or whether McDaniel will ride the hot hand in the backfield. Hampton seems too talented not to get the majority of the carries.

1. Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans

Drafted: 1st overall

Key 2025 stats: 3,169 passing yards, 15 touchdown passes, 7 interceptions in 17 games

A major downside of being a No. 1 overall pick is often ending up on a bad team. A lack of overall talent and proper organizational support hindered Cam Ward’s rookie development. As a second-year player, he should benefit from a veteran coaching staff and better-skilled teammates. New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll received plenty of credit for his work with Josh Allen. The Titans added wide receivers Carnell Tate (fourth overall in the 2026 draft) and Wan’Dale Robinson (signed as a free agent). Ward should have everything he needs to make a major jump.

About Michael Grant

Born in Jamaica. Grew up in New York City. Lives in Louisville, Ky. Sports writer. Not related to Ulysses S. Grant.

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