The “sophomore slump” is real and gets talked about every offseason across nearly every sport. Nowhere does it carry more weight than in the NFL, where a second-year dip almost feels expected. Naturally, fans and analysts spend plenty of time trying to predict which second-year players are due to take a step back.
But not every Year 2 player regresses. Some go the other direction, moving from role player to starter or from solid contributor to true difference-maker.
Instead of focusing on who might fall off, this list highlights five players positioned to take that next step in 2026, along with a few honorable mentions just outside the top tier.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Raiders
Jeanty was a high first-round pick for a reason, and while his rookie production fell short of expectations, it had more to do with the environment around him than his own performance.
The Raiders’ coaching situation did not help. The offense lacked direction, the line struggled, and Jeanty never consistently got into a rhythm.
That should change in 2026. Klint Kubiak steps in with a more modern approach and a clearer offensive identity, which should put Jeanty in a much better position to succeed. A healthier offensive line, led by Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson, also raises the floor of the unit.
There will be plenty of hype surrounding rookie QB Fernando Mendoza, but Kubiak will likely open the season with veteran Kirk Cousins under center, which I think will only help Jeanty’s case in year 2.
If Kubiak can get similar production out of Jeanty as he has from backs in the past, including Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, the second-year leap is very much in play.
Travis Hunter, CB, Jaguars
That’s right, Hunter is now listed at cornerback.
The Jaguars made the decision this offseason to move him to a full-time role on defense, while still leaving the door open for limited offensive snaps.
Many evaluators viewed Hunter as a better corner than wide receiver coming out of college. While the two-way upside is real, sustaining that workload at the NFL level is a different challenge, especially from a durability standpoint.
Focusing on one side of the ball should accelerate his development. Jacksonville has answers on offense, but adding a true difference-maker in the secondary would change the ceiling of that unit.
Hunter has the talent and the mentality, and with a defined role and a full season ahead of him, the second-year leap should occur.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Buccaneers
In one of the bigger moves of the offseason, Mike Evans is no longer a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After 12 years in pewter and red, he heads to the San Francisco 49ers, leaving a massive void in the offense.
The Bucs may already have their answer though. Egbuka flashed early as a rookie, posting 40 catches for 677 yards and six touchdowns over his first nine games. The production dipped in the second half, but the early stretch showed what he can be in a featured role.
That opportunity should be there in 2026. With a full offseason to build chemistry with Baker Mayfield and a legitimate path to targets, Egbuka is positioned to take on a much larger role.
If the volume is there, as expected, a jump into the top 15–20 receiver range is well within reach.
Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Browns
Picking a Brown to have a breakout year feels like a risky move.
Still, Fannin Jr. is certainly worth a look. He started 13 games in 2025, catching 72 passes for 731 yards and six touchdowns. Selected 67th overall out of Bowling Green, he was viewed as a developmental prospect but quickly emerged as one of Cleveland’s more reliable targets.
That role should expand in 2026. With David Njoku no longer in the picture, Fannin steps in as the undisputed starter at tight end. Shedeur Sanders is expected to remain the starter, and his reliance on short, accurate throws should naturally funnel targets to Fannin.
There isn’t much competition on the offensive side of the ball, so opportunity alone gives Fannin a real chance for increased output.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Cowboys
Ezeiruaku was an underrated pass rusher coming out of college and felt like a strong value pick for Dallas in the second round.
The box score doesn’t jump out, with just two sacks as a rookie, but the underlying production tells a different story. He finished with 40 tackles, nine tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and 12 quarterback hits. The disruption was there, even if the sack totals didn’t follow.
That could change quickly in 2026. The addition of Rashan Gary gives Dallas a true edge presence who will command attention on the opposite side. With Ezeiruaku expected to start across from him, he should see more one-on-one opportunities.
If that happens, the numbers should take a significant step forward.
Honorable Mentions
Tyler Shough, QB, Saints - A full season as the starter could unlock real production, but there are still too many questions around the roster to fully buy in.
Luther Burden III, WR, Bears - With DJ Moore gone, targets are available, but it’s unclear if Burden will lead that group or share the workload with Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland.
Cam Ward, QB, Titans - The former No. 1 pick has star potential, but a new coaching staff and an unsettled roster make the situation difficult to project.
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