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The NFL's next superstar gunslinger? Why this QB could take the league by storm in 2025
Year after year, a group of players deliver breakout seasons that reshape the story of the NFL.
Last year, the 2025 rookie class stunned fans and analysts alike, as Washington Commanders' quarterback Jayden Daniels, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving, and Los Angeles Chargers wideout Ladd McConkey produced performances for the ages.
The year before, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Nico Collins built a connection that delivered fireworks.
The list goes on and on, dating back to the NFL's inception in 1920.
As we count down the days to the new season, which kicks off next week, I offer the first of three players I believe could follow in the footsteps of his predecessors and turn heads in 2025, starting with a quarterback in the AFC East.
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A promising rookie year despite facing adversity
Last year, the circumstances in New England were not conducive to offensive success.
The group of wide receivers was underwhelming at best, comprised of several early-round picks who failed to deliver on their early promise.
Alex Van Pelt, the offensive coordinator at the time, was heavily cricitised for his playcalling, even by his own head coach.
And the offensive line struggled mightily, ranking 26th in sacks allowed.
It would have been forgivable if New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had struggled, but he surpassed my expectations.
While still navigating the transition from college to the pros, he completed 66.6% of his throws, ranking 13th among all quarterbacks.
He also excelled as a runner, picking up 421 yards on the ground, whether escaping pressure or on designed runs.
2025 outlook
The 22-year-old enters his sophomore year with a new head coach in Mike Vrabel and will have to endure the difficulties in picking up a new offensive system under Josh McDaniels.
Despite the uneasiness that wholesale changes bring, I believe Maye will build on his promising rookie campaign and thrive in his second year.
The Patriots have brought in star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who, not without his troubles this offseason, appears ready to play in Week 1.
New England also spent their top three selections addressing needs in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Their early haul included Will Campbell, the most talented offensive tackle in the class, running back TreVeyon Henderson, who has been incredible throughout camp and the preseason, and Kyle Williams, a yards-after-the-catch demon who was underrated in the pre-draft process.
The additions don't stop there. The Patriots also added a new starting guard late in the third round, picked up two veteran offensive linemen in tackle Morgan Moses and center Garrett Bradbury, and UDFA signing Efton Chism III has far exceeded all expectations during training camp and the preseason.
Crucially, McDaniels should encourage a more vertical style of offense, which held Maye back last year.
Under Van Pelt, Maye finished among the bottom-10 quarterbacks in average depth of target.
When you compare that with Maye's efficiency with deep throws in college, which ranked in the 89th percentile among all quarterback prospects since 2017, it really highlights how his potential remains largely untapped.
Maye is still learning to adapt to the NFL and will undoubtedly take time to adjust to a new offensive system, but I firmly believe he'll be one of this year's breakout candidates at quarterback.
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