Opta picked apart the 2025 season
No quarterbacks. No rookies. Opta Analyst published its list on Wednesday of the NFL players most likely to take a real step forward this season, and the six names it landed on cover one key position each.
The method blends usage, production and efficiency from 2025, then projects the expected volume of chances in 2026. Running back, receiver, tight end, pass rusher, linebacker, defensive back.
The timing works out nicely. The regular season starts next week.
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Corum and Boutte are waiting for their shot
Blake Corum put up 746 yards and six touchdowns on just 145 carries for the Rams last year. He had 114 fewer than Kyren Williams in the regular season, 180 fewer once the playoffs are included. Opta expects something close to a 50-50 split this season.
The numbers back up the buzz. Among 49 running backs with at least 100 carries, Corum finished fifth in yards per carry and fourth in yards before contact. His weak spot is yards after contact, where he ranks 40th.
Kayshon Boutte, meanwhile, is moving on. He has gone from the Patriots to the Texans, and the receiver posted a 68.2% burn rate, topped only by Zay Flowers, George Pickens and Marvin Harrison Jr. among 78 qualified receivers. He dropped just one pass all season. He now slots in as the No. 2 behind Nico Collins.
Seattle puts two men in the frame, Kansas City leans on Williams
The Seahawks, reigning champions, have two contenders in the mix. First up is AJ Barner, the tight end, with 52 catches, 519 yards and six touchdowns in his second season. He caught all four of his targets in the Super Bowl, including a touchdown. His 69.3% burn rate ranks sixth among 43 qualified tight ends.
Then there’s Drake Thomas. The linebacker started 14 games after not starting a single one in his first two seasons. He was Seattle’s second-leading tackler with 89 stops, including 10 for loss, and added 3.5 sacks.
For the Chiefs, Nohl Williams is in line for a starting role after the departures of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. The cornerback posted the league’s best allowed burn rate in 2025 at 31.4%, from a sample of 177 defensive backs.
That leaves Jalyx Hunt in Philadelphia. The pass rusher logged 6.5 sacks last season and his 26% pressure rate puts him 12th in the league at his position. Competition with the Eagles is still fierce, though.
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