ESPN analyst Ben Solak flagged five 2025 breakout stars and five sudden fallers, asking whether each trend will endure in 2026. Among the risees, Seattle’s Jaxon Smith‑Njigba vaulted from a solid sophomore campaign to league‑leading 1,793 receiving yards, accounting for 44.1% of the Seahawks’ aerial production. His yards‑per‑route run of 3.85 ranks second in a decade, suggesting durability for the next season.

Linebacker Devin Lloyd earned a $45 million three‑year deal after posting career‑best ten QB hits and five interceptions in a revamped role for Carolina. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile moved him from off‑ball duties to the line of scrimmage, boosting his blitz frequency but also narrowing his coverage responsibilities. Solak views the 2025 surge as a scheme‑driven blip rather than lasting elite play.

Quarterback Daniel Jones sparked Indianapolis early, leading the league through seven weeks with a 56.1% dropback success rate, 0.30 EPA per dropback and 71.0% completion. His poise under pressure produced the highest EPA when hit, a metric known for volatility. Solak concludes Jones’ 2025 performance resembles a flash‑point; sustaining it will hinge on offensive adjustments and protection schemes.