Many NFL careers climax in their second year. After a good or forgettable rookie season, players often elevate in their second year. Sometimes, it simply takes a year for players to round into form. Other times, an injury derailed their rookie year. In other situations, a player might simply not have gotten the opportunity and been stuck behind a star.
Any number of reasons could have made a player go under the radar in their first season. However, it’s not where one begins. It’s where one steps after one’s beginning. Here’s a look at the top players to keep an eye on as they enter their second seasons.
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Top 10 second-year NFL players on deck for big years
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#10 – Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Detroit Lions
Isaac TeSlaa was a preseason sensation in 2025, but the wide receiver largely fell to the side in the grand scheme of the NFL 2025. 2026 will offer a new opportunity to an offense that might need a few tricks up its sleeve.
With all eyes on Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs, TeSlaa could be the beneficiary of facing one-on-one matchups against lower-grade cornerbacks.
#9 – Jahdae Barron, CB, Denver Broncos
Jahdae Barron had a forgettable introduction to the NFL in Denver. The cornerback was viewed as the final piece of the defense coming into the year, but seemed to start slow as he got his feet wet for the first time.
Barron looked to be in better shape in the preseason, and with plenty of experience now under his belt, expect him to elevate in his second season. If Patrick Surtain II misses any time, expect Barron to become a star overnight.
#8 – Elijah Arroyo, TE, Seattle Seahawks
Elijah Arroyo was a star in Week 2 of the preseason, pointing toward a big year for the team’s tight end room. If the Seahawks lean on their tight end as much during the regular season as Drew Lock did in Week 2, Arroyo could be the team’s secret weapon as defenses look to dissect a subtly different-looking unit in 2026.
The much different running back room and different offensive coordinator could change everything for Arroyo and the rest of the tight end room, starting with a potential promotion heading into his second year after an impressive August.
#7 – Elic Ayomanor, WR, Tennessee Titans
Elic Ayomanor had his moments in 2025 with more than 500 receiving yards. With Cam Ward now well aware of the young wide receiver’s presence, expect the quarterback to pick up where 2025 left off.
Ayomanor received 10 targets in his final game of 2025, which means he could be a force this season for Tennessee with plenty of shootouts seemingly in the team’s future if the preseason is anything to go by.
#6 – Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
An injury derailed Omarion Hampton’s rookie season, but the running back is back at full strength heading into his second season. Jim Harbaugh could lean hard on the back, which would be great news for his production.
Hampton had two games with over five yards per carry, including one game with more than 10. As such, things could get crazy for the NFL running back this season.
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#5 – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Emeka Egbuka is dealing with a toe injury, according to Greg Auman via ESPN. However, the injury appears minor. In his rookie season, Egbuka managed to unseat Mike Evans as the leading wide receiver on the stat sheet.
As such, expect Egbuka to continue to roll heading into his second year with an angry Baker Mayfield incentivized to push the ball down the field as he chases a new contract to revitalize his NFL career.
#4 – Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough was written off by many, but he didn’t write back. Shough now has NFL momentum on his side after an impressive run to end his first season. The quarterback could be the best second-year player in his position if things go according to plan. Shough threw for 10 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2025 and went 5-4.
#3 – Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns
Harold Fannin Jr. might now be the best player on the team’s roster with Myles Garrett out the door. The tight end was a star in college and wasted no time translating that production into the NFL. Fannin racked up 72 catches for 731 yards last season. Even with questions at quarterback, Fannin could still end up being the team’s No. 1 receiver this season.
#2 – Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants
Cam Skattebo’s rookie season showed a flash and was done just as fast. However, this time around under the tutelage of John Harbaugh, Skattebo could be in line for the season his first year teased. Harbaugh is coming off years of watching Derrick Henry work, so expect an offense similarly dependent on Skattebo. The opportunities will be impressive.
#1 – Abdul Carter, LB, New York Giants
On the same roster, Abdul Carter wasn’t able to finish plays in his rookie season, but he was all over the passer with 23 quarterback hits. Expect him to complete more plays this season in a year that could give the NFL one of its most feared Giants pass rushers since Michael Strahan. If he can elevate, he should be on the short list for Defensive Player of the Year.
Edited by Ian Van Roy
