Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Don't get me started. As I've written before, the Atlanta Falcons criminally underutilize Tyler Allgeier. After Allgeier broke Atlanta's franchise rookie rushing record in 2022 with 1,035 yards, the Falcons drafted running back Bijan Robinson in the first round in 2023. Prepare once again for Allgeier to rush for somewhere north of 600 yards behind Bijan Robinson when he could be producing double that on a different team. This will be the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, so hopefully he ends up being the lead back somewhere else next year.
Zayne Anderson, S, Green Bay Packers
Now entering his fifth NFL season and third with the Packers, Zayne was injured in the preseason. While it doesn't appear to be a long-term injury, we will have to wait and see about his availability for Week 1. Last year he appeared in 16 games with 16 tackles, one interception, and two passes defended.
Tyler Batty, DE, Minnesota Vikings
Despite being an undrafted rookie free agent this year, Batty made the Vikings 53-man roster. Unfortunately for Tyler he suffered a knee injury in the final preseason game and is now in the injured reserve list, but he's designated to return. This means he needs to miss at least the first four games of the season. I've been predicting for a long time now that not only would Batty make the Vikings 53-man roster (which he did), but he will also make an impact as a rookie.
Chris Brooks, RB, Green Bay Packers
Now entering his third NFL season and second with the Packers, look for Brooks to reprise his role from last year as a situational back who is called upon when needed. In 2024 he had 36 carries for 183 yards and a touchdown plus 11 receptions for 69 yards.
Brady Christensen, OL, Carolina Panthers
The fifth-year veteran decided to stay in Carolina this year on a one-year contract. He will provide capable, experienced depth as the primary backup for a host of positions along the offensive line. He played mostly left and right tackle in the preseason.
Former BYU great Brady Christensen (No. 70) slides to right tackle tonight for the Panthers. Check out the nice seal block on the edge to spring a long run. pic.twitter.com/Dwl0sb47ov
— Diggin’ Brigham (@DigginBrigham) August 22, 2025
Caleb Etienne, OT, Cincinnati Bengals
The undrafted rookie was a long shot to make the Bengals 53-man roster, and his path became harder when he was injured in the teams' final preseason game. The Bengals waived him at final roster cuts with an injury designation, and after clearing waivers (meaning no other team signed him) he reverted to the Bengals injured reserve. He will either spend the season on the IR or reach an injury settlement with the team and pursue another opportunity elsewhere, likely on a practice squad.
Blake Freeland, OT, Indianapolis Colts
The third-year player and former fourth round pick unfortunately broke his leg in the preseason and will miss his entire 2025 campaign.
Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints
Enjoying one of the most remarkable careers in NFL history with 2,369 passing yards, 2,437 rushing yards, and 943 receiving yards, the 35-year-old veteran will begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. He is recovering from a torn ACL suffered late last season. He will need to miss at least the first four games of the regular season before returning to action.
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
In two NFL seasons Puka has already amassed 184 receptions, 2,467 yards, and nine touchdowns, and he has done this despite missing six games last year. Puka is easily one of the Top 5 receivers in the league and if he stays healthy can push for an All-Pro selection this year.
Ryan Rehkow, P, Cincinnati Bengals
Rehkow claimed the Bengals starting punter job as a rookie last year and heads into the 2025 season in the same role. Look for Rehkow to be booming punts and pinning opponents deep again this year.
Jakob Robinson, CB, San Francisco 49ers
Despite being an undrafted rookie free agent this year, Robinson was turning heads in San Francisco throughout summer camp and the preseason. He was trending toward making the 53-man roster. But then, as seems to be a theme here, he was injured in the 49ers final preseason game after breaking his forearm. He has been placed on the 49ers injured reserve and is expected to miss the entire season.
Kedon Slovis, QB, Arizona Cardinals
As a rookie last year Slovis spent the season on the Houston Texans practice squad. After a solid preseason this year with the Texans he was waived and became a free agent. He quickly signed with the Arizona Cardinals and will begin the season on their practice squad.
Kingsley Suamataia, OG, Kansas City Chiefs
After struggling at left tackle during his rookie season last year, Kingsley has moved inside to guard in 2025 as he looks to find his footing in the NFL. Most preseason depth charts list Suamataia as the Chiefs starting left guard, which is a very promising development for the 2024 second round pick.
Khyiris Tonga, DT, New England Patriots
Perhaps the most underappreciated former BYU player in the NFL, Khyiris Tonga is quietly beginning his fifth NFL season after being a seventh round pick in 2021. Through four NFL seasons he has appeared in 53 games (seven starts) with 89 tackles. He joins the Patriots this year and appears locked in as the teams starting nose guard.
Kyle Van Noy, OLB, Baltimore Ravens
The 34-year-old veteran just gets better with age. Van Noy is coming off his best professional season last year with 41 tackles and a career-high 12.5 sacks, a feat that earned him his first Pro Bowl nod. He now has 21.5 sacks in just two seasons with the Ravens and he should be terrorizing quarterbacks off the edge once again this year.
Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers
Arguably the best linebacker in the NFL, as he enters his eighth professional season Fred Warner is coming off four First Team All-Pro seasons in the last five years. A model of consistency, he has recorded somewhere between 118 and 137 tackles every year. He currently sits on 897 career tackles and should break the 1,000-tackle mark in 2025.
Zach Wilson, QB, Miami Dolphins
With a starting gig just out of reach, Wilson was wise to sign with the Dolphins this year on a one-year, $6 million contract as Tua Tagovailoa's primary backup. Tagovailoa has a history of concussions and Zach could be called upon at a moment's notice to pilot the Dolphins offense. With a solid coaching staff and talented players around him in Miami, Wilson could show the NFL what he brings to the table should he see the field this year.