5 New Stars to Follow in the 2025 NFL Season

April 1, 2025 by Staff

Several new stars are ready to imprint themselves on the NFL in the 2025 season. Among the rookies who could explode, plus young guns looking for a breakthrough, fans have a chance to see how some of the best young talents are expected to show out. From a flashy wide receiver will be filling up the highlight reel to a slower, stronger-armed quarterback taking center stage to a shutdown corner that will be shutting down opposing offenses, these are the up-and-comings that are going to lead the NFL into the next few decades.

Xavier Worthy (WR) – Kansas City Chiefs

Xavier Worthy posted 59 catches for 638 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns as a rookie, along with 104 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Importantly, 392 of his receiving yards came during the final seven weeks of the season, signaling his developing chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In head coach Andy Reid's innovative play-calling, Worthy is in a good position for a breakout sophomore season.

The Chiefs will once again go into the new season as favorites according to popular NFL betting sites in the market analyzed by CheekyPunter, and coach Reid will bank on the new young guns to go all the way.

J.J. McCarthy (QB) - Minnesota Vikings

McCarthy didn't see the field during his freshman campaign because of a torn meniscus that cost him the season. Given Darnold's uneven play in this week's playoffs as Minnesota tries to shake off an ugly loss to San Francisco, Vikings QB plans are flexible before adjourning and there's always the chance they end up fuming over the missed opportunities of the Cousins bridge season. With head coach Kevin O'Connell, Justin Jefferson, and Jordan Addison surrounding him, McCarthy has an opportunity to step into the starting role in 2025 and help revitalize the Minnesota offense.

Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR) - Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr. went into the league with lofty expectations and had a very solid rookie season with 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns. Harrison also plays in a well-rounded offense that has Kyler Murray, Trey McBride, James Conner, and Michael Wilson, keeping defenders on their toes. Harrison enters Year 2 with better chemistry with Murray, and is certain to perform at a top level to cement himself as a top receiver in the NFL.

Quinyon Mitchell (CB) - Philadelphia Eagles

Coming from Toledo, Quinyon Mitchell contributed in the Eagles' secondary straight away. His skills in coverage helped Philadelphia reach the Super Bowl, even if he didn't end up with an interception during his rookie season. Mitchell is developing into the corner where the Eagles see him competing as one of the best in the game as he continues to grow, which only makes the defense better entering this next season.

Drake Maye (QB) - New England Patriots

Drake Maye showed promise in his rookie year with a 15 TDs, 10 INT season. A recent executive explained the offseason moves the Patriots have made thus far — signing head coach Mike Vrabel and OC Josh McDaniels, the No. 4 overall pick and plenty of cap space — and then declared this: "It sets Maye up perfectly." Maye will take over a New England offense in 2025 hoping to be contending for a top O-line and a bunch of new weapons.

These 5 players have shown a combination of skill and drive to belong in the NFL elite. Both players will make or break their respective squad's development in the upcoming 2025 season and fans will be watching closely.