The 2025 NFL offseason has been filled with unexpected developments, from Shedeur Sanders' draft-day fall to Aaron Rodgers' move to Pittsburgh. Beyond these headline-grabbing moves, several under-the-radar players have been making waves during OTAs and minicamps, positioning themselves for key roles in the upcoming season.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills LB Joe Andreessen After a rookie year primarily spent on special teams, Andreessen has emerged as a standout during mandatory minicamp. His increased reps and notable plays, including an interception of Josh Allen, have put him in contention for the backup middle linebacker role.

Miami Dolphins LB Grayson Murphy Murphy has made splash plays in the backfield during spring practices, despite the presence of established pass rushers like Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips. His ability to provide situational pass-rush depth could be crucial for the Dolphins.

New England Patriots WR Efton Chism III The undrafted free agent from Eastern Washington has quickly earned the trust of his quarterbacks, showcasing his spatial awareness and sure hands. With 12 receivers on the roster, Chism is making a strong case for one of the final spots.

New York Jets WR Josh Reynolds Reynolds has solidified himself as the clear-cut WR2 for the Jets, separating from Allen Lazard and others. His strong offseason performance has been a bright spot for New York's receiving corps.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens WR Devontez Walker The 2024 fourth-round pick has been the most consistent wide receiver during spring practices, making acrobatic catches and showing potential to become a bigger part of the passing game.

Cincinnati Bengals WR Jermaine Burton After a disappointing rookie year, Burton has made all the right moves this offseason, earning praise from coaches and teammates. His ability to become a big-play option could be a game-changer for the Bengals.

Cleveland Browns WR Jamari Thrash Thrash has taken advantage of opportunities in an unproven receiver room, establishing himself as a reliable option for all the Browns' quarterbacks. His intelligence and versatility have been key to his success.

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Calvin Austin III With George Pickens traded to Dallas, Austin has stepped up as the potential No. 2 wide receiver. His chemistry with Aaron Rodgers will be crucial, but his performance in OTAs and minicamp has been promising.

AFC South

Houston Texans WR Jayden Higgins The second-round rookie has made noise during spring practices, flashing his down-field ability and positioning himself to compete for a starting role.

Indianapolis Colts CB Justin Walley Walley has been turning heads with his aggressive coverage and impressive instincts, showing potential to have a significant role in the defense as a rookie.

Jacksonville Jaguars CB Montaric Brown Brown has consistently made plays throughout the offseason, including end-zone pass breakups in red zone drills. He has the advantage heading into training camp.

Tennessee Titans LB Cody Barton Barton has shown he could be the savvy veteran the Titans' inside linebacker group needs. His vocal presence and mentorship of young linebackers have been invaluable.

AFC West

Denver Broncos WR Pat Bryant The rookie has shown physicality and precision in route running, earning comparisons to Michael Thomas from head coach Sean Payton.

Kansas City Chiefs RB Brashard Smith Smith's versatility and speed have been on display during offseason practices, with the Chiefs showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple roles.

Las Vegas Raiders WR Dont'e Thornton Jr. The fourth-round pick has made a strong case to be a Day 1 contributor, with his size and speed making him a threat in the intermediate and deep passing game.

Los Angeles Chargers TE Oronde Gadsden II Gadsden has become a favorite target of Justin Herbert, showing potential to be a receiving threat and help the Chargers' passing offense.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys CB Kaiir Elam Elam has flashed during OTAs and minicamp, showing the ability to run with receivers and make plays. His role could be crucial given the uncertainty at cornerback.

New York Giants S Dane Belton Belton has been making plays seemingly every practice, showing potential to have a role as the third safety.

Philadelphia Eagles WR Danny Gray Gray has made an impression with his speed and ability to stretch the field, positioning himself to compete for a roster spot.

Washington Commanders DT Daron Payne Payne has stood out for his leadership and focus, showing potential to make a bigger impact in the pass rush.

NFC North

Chicago Bears LB Ruben Hyppolite II Hyppolite has shown improvement and versatility, making early impressions on the coaching staff.

Detroit Lions DB Avonte Maddox Maddox has looked good during the offseason program, bringing experience and playmaking ability to the Lions' secondary.

Green Bay Packers C Jacob Monk Monk has shown potential as a valuable backup, getting the bulk of the work with the starters during the offseason.

Minnesota Vikings CB Isaiah Rodgers Rodgers has demonstrated playmaking ability and speed, showing potential to be a key contributor in the secondary.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons LB Divine Deablo Deablo has impressed with his size, speed, and ability to wear the green dot, showing potential to be a starter.

Carolina Panthers DT Chau Smith-Wade Smith-Wade has had a stellar offseason, showing versatility and playmaking ability.

New Orleans Saints OL Trevor Penning Penning has found new life at left guard, showing potential to carve out a role after a difficult start to his career.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB SirVocea Dennis Dennis has had an impressive offseason, showing playmaking ability and versatility.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals ILB Cody Simon Simon has made a quick impression, showing potential to contribute in multiple roles.

Los Angeles Rams OLB Byron Young Young has been intentional in his approach, showing potential to take another step forward in his game.

San Francisco 49ers WR Jordan Watkins Watkins has looked smooth running intermediate routes, showing potential to contribute in Kyle Shanahan's offense.

Seattle Seahawks G Anthony Bradford Bradford has made strides in his body composition and performance, showing potential to compete for the starting right guard job.