The 2025 NFL season has been both shocking. Some players are slowly emerging and taking on a significant role on behalf of their team. These young prospects have already demonstrated adequate promise in the first half to make you believe that they are merely warming up. As this trend continues, their strong performances in the second half may alter the fantasy football landscape and even influence the push towards the playoffs by specific teams.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Emeka Egbuka is selected as the No. 19 pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Tampa Bay rookie receiver, Emeka Egbuka, appears to be the best candidate on the list. He has remained steady, despite the Bucs having injuries to veteran Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Tampa is currently enjoying a strong standing at the top of the NFC South. The bye week provides Egbuka with an opportunity to start afresh.. He has the trust of his quarterback and feels like someone catching fire at just the right moment.
Travis Hunter, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) high-fives fans after the game of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Travis Hunter is beginning to look like a serious weapon for Jacksonville. His speed and ability to find open space have started to stand out. One AFC executive recently mentioned that he expects Hunter’s breakout to “happen soon,” calling him a “special” kind of player. As his snap count grows and the Jaguars’ passing attack continues to expand, Hunter could quickly become a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Houston Texans
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Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten (RB30) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Houston’s Bhayshul Tuten has quietly been knocking on the door of a breakout. A shoulder issue limited him early. With veteran Travis Etienne historically wearing down late in seasons, Tuten’s explosiveness and lateral burst could earn him a larger slice of the backfield. The Texans’ offense has shown flashes of balance this year. Tuten looks like the kind of back who could keep drives alive and add some punch down the stretch.
Jaylin Noel, WR, Houston Texans
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Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa State wideout Jaylin Noel (WO35) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Another Houston youngster worth watching is rookie wideout Jaylin Noel. He’s quietly putting together a solid case for more playing time, even with Christian Kirk’s return and Nick Caley’s conservative play-calling tendencies. A 30% target rate per route and consistent yardage gains hint that Noel’s chemistry with his quarterback is real. If Houston’s offensive scheme opens up just a bit more in the coming weeks, Noel could be one of those rookies who suddenly becomes a weekly fantasy starter and real-life difference-maker.
Yaya Diaby, EDGE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby (0) is introduced before a game against the Denver Broncos at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
On the defensive side, keep Yaya Diaby’s name in mind. After getting four sacks at midseason, Diaby is clearly improving. Being with Haason Reddick has enabled him to play more aggressively. He has been making chaos and generating key pressures that change the course of Tampa Bay’s defense.
Whether it’s rookies like Egbuka and Noel stepping up or developing defenders like Diaby reaching new heights, these stories make the second half of an NFL season all the more enjoyable. Don’t be surprised if, by December, these names aren’t so “under the radar” anymore.