Player(s) most likely to breakout in 2025?

[HailToPitt725]

Last week, I asked which player we’ll miss the most from last season. How about which player(s) are candidates to breakout in 2025?

A few who come to mind for me:

• WR Zion Fowler-El (receivers with -El in their last name have historically done well in Pittsburgh )
• LB Cameron Lindsey (although this will be difficult in a crowded linebacker room)
• RB Che Nwabuko
• DL Sean FitzSimmons (hoping he takes a big leap)
• TE Malachi Thomas (I want to include him here, but we didn’t even use Gavin B as well as we should have and he’ll split reps with Overman)

Who am I omitting? Any DBs?

 

[MajorMajors]

—TE Thomas sure looks athletic - but as we saw with Gavin, have to prove it on the field…

—I thought RB Goff looked like he has excellent potential.

—Hoping for DTs Brewu and Whittington, in addition to Fitzsimmons…

—And I’d like to see Dugger get some playing time…

Go Pitt.

 

[Richard A]

It would be interesting if Bell has some designed plays specifically for Duggar. Potentially another scheme for the offense

 

[TheSpecialSauce]

I predict Kenny Johnson has a breakout year.

 

[HailToPitt725]

—TE Thomas sure looks athletic - but as we saw with Gavin, have to prove it on the field…

—I thought RB Goff looked like he has excellent potential.

—Hoping for DTs Brewu and Whittington, in addition to Fitzsimmons…

—And I’d like to see Dugger get some playing time…

Go Pitt.

If you remember Charles Reeves from the Class of 2017, Thomas reminds me a lot of him. Big TE with a big frame that, like you said, is very athletic.

 

[HailToPitt725]

I predict Kenny Johnson has a breakout year.

I was hesitant to mention him since he’s already a solid starter, but, boy, we’d be in great shape if he can take a big leap this year.

I mentioned this a few weeks back, but this offense has sorely missed a legit receiving weapon since Addison transferred. If Johnson can put up similar numbers, I think it’d open up the entire offense.

 

[DGT1977]

I like Cruce Brookins at Safety. Need more turnovers from the DB's

 

[HailToPitt725]

I like Cruce Brookins at Safety. Need more turnovers from the DB's

I’d love it for another ‘Hometown Hero’ to emerge at DB. He’s certainly a candidate to do so.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

I like Cruce Brookins at Safety. Need more turnovers from the DB's

Is he coming back? Thought there were some rumblings.

 

[singregardless]

Offense: Zion Fowler-El (still believe in the talent)
Defense: Francis Brewu

 

[Pittisit4me]

Offense: Goff, Dugger
Defense: Fitzsimmons

 

[HailToPitt725]

Offense: Goff, Dugger
Defense: Fitzsimmons

Duggar is an interesting choice. Are you thinking he makes an impact at another position, or he beats out Holstein?

 

[Pittisit4me]

Duggar is an interesting choice. Are you thinking he makes an impact at another position, or he beats out Holstein?

I don't envision him beating out Eli. What I do see is him playing the old slash role. Some receiver, some slot, possibly lining up in the backfield some behind Eli, and some short yardage/ goal line qb work. I'm pretty sure they know they have a big strong athlete and I expect him to be utilized.

 

[HailToPitt725]

I don't envision him beating out Eli. What I do see is him playing the old slash role. Some receiver, some slot, possibly lining up in the backfield some behind Eli, and some short yardage/ goal line qb work. I'm pretty sure they know they have a big strong athlete and I expect him to be utilized.

I can get behind this. Between him and Reid, we could have some very dynamic, change-of-pace weapons in the backfield. Almost reminds me of what they did with Jordan Whitehead.