Buffalo Bills players who are potential breakout candidates in the 2025 NFL season.
Buffalo Bills training camp is well underway, and while players aim to earn starter, rotation, depth chart, and practice squad consideration, the team's coaching staff and front office are evaluating their position group competitions.
Among them are players who have been in Buffalo's player development since being brought in.
That is a talent pool that can include top draft picks or undrafted free agents from recent years of varying degrees in ability and potential.
Some players carry a greater level of expectancy to take the next step in their development at the pro level, and potentially have a breakout season when they do.
With that, here are the top five breakout candidates for the Bills in 2025...
TE Dalton Kincaid
Kincaid had a strong franchise mark-setting rookie campaign that saw him gradually increase reps and routes as a hybrid receiving tight end. It was widely predicted ahead of last season that he would take on a large share of the workload as a go-to target for Josh Allen in the departures of WR1 Stefon Diggs and WR2 Gabe Davis.
Kincaid dealt with some injury and a comparatively quieter season in his second year as a pro, and is poised to have a bounce-back season with a progression from that successful first year. What's more, the Bills are flush with offensive talent in the passing game who are going to open up open looks on the field via route running more similarly to Kincaid's first campaign.
For those reasons, as well as an offseason strength and conditioning program, Kincaid is a strong candidate to have a breakout season.
WR Keon Coleman
Coleman started out his rookie year showing frequent flashes of big-play potential in limited action, then struggled coming back from an injury down the stretch.
Like Kincaid, he's put in work this offseason in strength, conditioning, and development, and could come along as a more frequent contributor to the passing game. Similarly, he is also poised to benefit from the open looks and mismatches he might see as a result of playing with route runners like Joshua Palmer. Not to mention a deeper pool of rotation talent and depth at the receiver group to help keep everyone fresh.
Last year, Coleman averaged 7.7 yards after the catch, with 21 of his 29 catches going for first downs. If he can improve his drop rate, he'll more likely than not see an increased workload and opportunities to apply that big-play potential toward a breakout season.
WR Curtis Samuel
Like receiver Joshua Palmer this offseason, Samuel was the Bills' big 3-year deal free agent signing last season. Both could end up in a number of highlight reels this season if they play as those pacts would suggest they can.
It took most of his first season in Buffalo to get back up to speed in Joe Brady's offense, where he had his best year as a pro in Carolina. And by the end of the year, he was putting up some big plays on the field, including in the postseason.
Provided he has reacclimated and found his rhythm in the offense, Samuel could have a big year as a breakout receiver for the Bills.
DE Greg Rousseau
Ever since he was drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Miami, Rousseau has been watched by some looking for a breakout season.
Instead, his progression has been steady and consistent. As he enters the 2025 season at age 25, he now has a sizeable and bolstered surrounding cast both on the defensive line and in his positional rotation. That will mean increased opportunities for tackle Ed Oliver and Rousseau.
This will also increase the potential and likelihood for Rousseau to be a breakout candidate this season.
S Cole Bishop
Bishop was another high-round selection last season who saw playing time in his rookie season.
By the end of the year, he went up to make an athletic airborne play on a ball against Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy, causing him to lose control of it on the way to the ground. While officials missed the call and awarded Worthy the catch, Bishop showed flashes of his athleticism and competitive ability that could be on greater display this season.
Just in terms of progression and development, his skills and gifts give him the tools to be a potential breakout candidate in his second year as a pro.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 5 breakout candidates for the Bills in 2025
Category: Football
