Jacob Parrish, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The rookie corner was a major bright spot in the Buccaneers secondary. Parrish finished his first season in the pros with 76 combined tackles, 50 solo tackles, two interceptions, two sacks and seven tackles for loss. 

After a stellar rookie year, Parrish can certainly look to build on it going into year two. The future is promising for Parrish, and time will tell if he can take his play to an even higher level. 

D.J. Reed, CB, Detroit Lions

Reed struggled with injuries during his debut season with his fourth team. The veteran corner missed out on six games this season due to a hamstring injury suffered in early October. Overall,  the Lions’ secondary dealt with injuries all season. This was one of many reasons the team finished with a 9-8 record, missing the playoffs.

Although Reed missed some time, he still finished the year with 46 combined tackles, 37 solo tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and seven pass deflections.

If Reed and the team can stay healthy for next season, the Lions could bounce back and return to the playoffs.

Tyler Lockett, WR, Tennessee Titans/Las Vegas Raiders

The 2025-26 NFL season saw Lockett play for two teams. The seasoned wideout started the season with the Titans after signing a one-year, $4 million deal. He didn’t stay in Tennessee long, though, as he was released in mid-October.

The release led Lockett to reunite with his former coach, Pete Carrol in Las Vegas, which is where he finished the season. Lockett’s final stats for the year were 32 receptions, 291 yards and one touchdown.

Lockett will be an unrestricted free agent entering this upcoming offseason, but with his 34th birthday this September, retirement is a real possibility. There’s a chance we may not see Lockett back on the gridiron for 2026-27, unless there’s a team in need of his veteran presence. 

Cooper Beebe, C, Dallas Cowboys

Beebe had a solid second year in the league, but a high ankle sprain kept him on injured reserve for about 6-8 weeks. The young center was able to return near the tail end of the season, finishing with just one penalty and giving up one sack, showcasing his discipline on the offensive line. Pro Football Focus gave Beebe a run blocking grade of 68.4, placing him around the 14th spot among centers.

Although his pass blocking grades aren’t as good as his run blocking grades, Beebe has time to improve. If he can stay healthy and keep showing improvement, he should have no problem being the Cowboys’ long-term starting center.

Ben Sinnott, TE, Washington Commanders

Sinnott went from 28 total receiving yards in 2024 to 114 yards this past season, which wasn’t a major improvement compared to last season, but was still an advancement.  The second-year tight end saw an increase in receptions as well. 

Going into year three, Sinnott could see a jump in playing time. With 35-year-old Zac Ertz entering free agency after tearing his ACL in December, it’s unlikely Washington brings him back, opening the door for Sinnott to take the starting tight end job for the Commanders.

Juju Brents, CB, Miami Dolphins

Brents had a short-lived but promising season with the Dolphins. He was claimed off waivers by Miami to start the year after spending two injury-riddled seasons with the Colts. 

Brents started two games with Miami, totaling 14 combined tackles, 10 solo tackles and one fumble recovery. Injuries continue to be an issue for the young corner, as a foot injury in week 11 sidelined him for the whole year. 

DJ Giddens, RB, Indianapolis Colts

The rookie fifth-round pick served as a rotational back for the Colts, as he backed up star running back Jonathon Taylor. Giddens finished his first season with 26 attempts for 96 yards, appearing in nine games for the Colts. Hopefully, those numbers grow in the 2026-27 season as he continues to develop. 

Marques Sigle, S, San Francisco 49ers

Sigle started in seven games this season, stepping up for an injured San Francisco team. The rookie safety finished with 52 combined tackles, 28 solo tackles, one fumble recovery and two pass deflections.

Sigle may have a bright future for the 49ers, showing he can handle the pressures of starting in multiple NFL games as a rookie. 

Dalton Risner, G, Cincinnati Bengals

Risner brought a much-needed veteran presence to a struggling Bengals offensive line. In his sixth year in the NFL, Risner allowed just two sacks on 503 pass blocking snaps. Pro Football Focus gave him a 69.0 run blocking grade, which makes him slightly above average.

Risner signed a one-year deal with the Bengals and will enter free agency this offseason.

Cornelius Lucas, OT, Cleveland Browns

Lucas served as a rotational piece for an injured offensive line in Cleveland, starting in just five games for the Browns. He showcased his ability to adapt at the guard and tackle positions, as his playing time came in various spots on the offensive line in terms of need. 

KT Leveston, OT, Cleveland Browns

Just like Lucas, the second-year tackle served as a rotational piece on the Browns’ offensive line. He saw an increase in usage as the year went on, as his run blocking showed improvement. Although he faced challenges in his pass blocking, he’s still young and has time to develop.