We’re just about a month away from the start of NFL training camps, specifically gearing up for the Hall of Fame Game featuring the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers. This game is only 44 days away from now, as of this moment.
As we anxiously await, we’re currently stuck in this sort of limbo that the NFL calls its off-season. It’s that time when my colleagues and I at NFL Media pull out our analytical tools and say things like, “Well, actually…” while you start questioning why we put ourselves through this. Naturally, we’ll say plenty of nice things about your favorite players, and sure enough, we become the heroes of EnterTeamNameHere.
This year, I’ve dusted off the All-Breakout Team concept, which I introduced back in 2023. We took a break last year, but I’m keen to make it a yearly ritual around this point in the off-season. Some past standout selections include players like Devon Ashen and Puka Nacua. I wonder, who might shine this season? Here’s the lineup for the 2026 All-Breakout teams:
QB: Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
Now, looking at Ward’s stats from the 2025 season, it’s not great—advanced analytics don’t do him any favors. However, when you consider the challenging circumstances he faced, it’s understandable that his metrics were below par. The previous coach, Brian Callahan, had his struggles, and let’s just say the receiving corps wasn’t exactly top-tier.
Anyone remember Chimera Dyke and Van Jefferson?
That said, Ward made noticeable strides, showing a better completion percentage towards the end of the season than some bigger names like Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff. With new talent arriving in the form of receivers Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson, as well as a new offensive coordinator in Brian Daboll, the sky could be the limit for Ward in his second year.
RB: Keaton Mitchell, Los Angeles Chargers
Mitchell’s speed will be crucial for the success of Mike McDaniel’s returning players—just look at Devon Ashen from last year’s breakout team. Now that he’s no longer sharing the backfield with Derrick Henry, expect more opportunities for him. He only managed 59 rushing attempts last season, yet he had the highest number of rushes at over 20 mph—seven in total.
He’s poised to become not just a key part of the running game but a reliable target in the passing game for Justin Herbert as well. I don’t think it’s far-fetched to say Mitchell might even emerge as the Chargers’ top skill position player in terms of yards and touchdowns next season.
WR: Isaac Tesla, Detroit Lions
Tesla was a standout during the 2025 preseason, catching three touchdowns and showcasing the potential I believe he has in 2026. He only managed 16 receptions in the regular season but scored six touchdowns, including a spectacular one-handed catch against the Packers in Week 1. Entering this season, he stands as the clear No. 3 receiver on the Lions, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he were to surpass Jameson Williams as the second option behind Amon-Ra St. Brown.
TE: Gunnar Helm, Tennessee Titans
Ward’s growth is linked to Helm’s expected rise as well. With Chig Okonkwo now playing for the Washington Commanders, Helm won’t have to battle for targets, and the addition of receivers should open avenues for this second-year tight end from Texas. I’d say it’s a good time to invest in Gunnar Helm.
OL: Spencer Fano, Cleveland Browns
The Browns are undergoing a complete overhaul of their offensive line, looking to bring in new starters across all positions. Fano is regarded as someone they see as the future left tackle of the franchise, and I expect he’ll find his way onto the All-Rookie team by the end of 2026.
DL: Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings
Redmond’s journey has been impressive—after not getting drafted in 2023, he flourished in the 2024 season with the Arlington Renegades, which eventually led to him joining the Minnesota Vikings. While he played a minor role previously, his snaps have increased significantly, and he recorded six sacks in 2025. His trajectory looks promising, and who knows, he might even be heading toward a Pro Bowl nomination soon.
Edge: Nick Herbig, Pittsburgh Steelers
It may sound a bit odd to highlight a player who just signed a $100 million contract as not having fully “broken out,” but that’s the case with Herbig. He hasn’t quite reached his top potential, mainly because he hasn’t seen enough playing time. I have a feeling that with the arrival of new leadership in Mike McCarthy and Patrick Graham, things might change. Even with limited snaps, he outperformed some pretty notable players in terms of sacks and pressure ratings.
LB: Jacob Rodriguez, Miami Dolphins
Rodriguez was a standout last year during the draft cycle and is, in my opinion, one of the best coverage linebackers coming out of college. He excels in run defense as well. With the Dolphins undergoing a defensive rebuild, he’s expected to make an immediate impact. It seems pretty obvious that a spot on the All-Rookie team is in his future, and I can’t help but feel that his future could include multiple All-Pro recognitions.
CB: Nolle Williams, Kansas City Chiefs
While all eyes might be on the rookie Mansour Delaine and returning Rajarius Sneed, it’s worth noting that Williams had a quietly impressive outing in 2025. His target EPA positioned him well above other notable corners. Plus, he allowed only a 51.4 percent catch rate on his targets. Should Delaine be slow to bounce back or Sneed struggle, I wouldn’t be surprised if Williams steps up as a starter early in the season.
S: RJ Mickens, Los Angeles Chargers
Mickens had a standout 2025 season. A sixth-round rookie from Clemson, he notched two interceptions and boasted an impressive catch percentage against him. In fact, he recorded a passer rating of zero as the nearest defender, a rare feat in today’s game. He should compete for playtime with Elijah Molden and the veteran Tony Jefferson, but with his performance, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be a fixture on the field.
