The NFL is at a tipping point for many teams around the league. We’re approaching the make-or-break season for many players from the 2022 and 2023 NFL drafts, as well as some guys who may have more runway — but still haven’t lived up to expectations and have something to prove.
In the year By 2025, we’ve gone from a strong feeling that most teams have drafted a quarterback, and many teams may be dipping their toes in the water again. The pressure is not only on teams, but on players to prove themselves worthy of the trust beyond this season.
Number 1: CJ Stroud, QB – Houston Texans
There is no way to wear steroids for the 2025 season. Not only was he mediocre in the regular season, but in the playoffs, the third-year QB completed two playoff games over 50%, threw two touchdowns and five interceptions, and created a Cinderella offense for a brutal Texas run defense.
We’re at a point where Stroud has gone back to back for two straight seasons. His rookie campaign feels like a mile away, and while there are fair excuses for the Texans’ lack of line protection, it’s worth noting that Strode hasn’t found a way to get pressure, adapt effectively, or get the ball to his receivers.
No more excuses. Stroud needs to step it up this offseason and prove that he’s not just a decent pass rusher, but a franchise quarterback. That’s what’s at stake for 2026.
No. 2: Marvin Harrison Jr, WR – Arizona Cardinals
There is no question that there are sometimes draft busts, but it is very rare that we see a player Everyone Thinking was a lock to greatness, only to see it struggle. MHJ has been nothing different since he entered the league and while we thought he was a nervous starter at first, now three years into it he is playing as a second or third receiver, not the No. 1 game breaker we thought he would be.
Quarterback support is a mess in Arizona, but that doesn’t excuse his lack of focus, route or exit, and mental errors that don’t easily pop up against a hometown player. In the year Even without an elite QB in 2026, Marvin Harrison Jr. has a lot to prove.
Number 3: Kyler Murray, QB – Minnesota Vikings
Ever since he was the No. 1 pick, there has been a symbiotic relationship between Kyler Murray and the NFL, meaning the league has been fair to him, and unfair to the league. With questions about his effort and character in Arizona, Minnesota became his last stop to save his NFL career when the Cardinals decided to go in another direction — at least as a starting quarterback.
That could certainly happen with the Vikings, where he lands on a loaded roster, meaning there really aren’t any excuses not to make it work. It’s not like Murray needs to be a Top 10 quarterback this season, but he should at least show that he can still be an effective starter. At this stage, the one-year guarantee is agreed, which means it needs to be confirmed. If not that, he’ll try to bench press or do it in baseball.
Number 4: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE – New York Giants
It’s actually surprising that the Giants didn’t decide to move on from Thibodeaux after drafting Arvel Reese, but there is some method to their madness. At this point, Thibodeaux’s value is in the toilet, and there was no reason to force a deal just to get a day-three pick – so instead New York will have a deep pass rusher in 2026.
Thibodeaux is in the final year of his rookie contract, which means he’s in full “check it out” mode at this point. This year he will decide if he can prove he is a rotational pass rusher for the rest of his career or has the potential to be a long-term starter.
Number 5: Jalen Hurts, QB – Philadelphia Eagles
I’m really in two minds about including Harts here, because it’s such a weird case study. Hurts isn’t as good as Eagles fans believe, nor is he as bad as 31 other fans think. All in all, he’s an above-average QB who’s great at running Philly’s system, but not elite compared to other QBs around the NFL.
The “sure thing” reason comes from the weight of expectation. The Eagles are a team that routinely has to compete in Super Bowl games against the weight of its roster, so when they fail, it’s just a question of whose fault it is. One of those is the consistency of his injury in a game where he often looks like a shadow of himself – and that talk touched on AJ Brown’s frustration at not getting the ball enough.
In many ways, Hearts have nothing to prove, but they have everything to prove in 2026.
Number 6: George Pickens, WR – Dallas Cowboys
Last year’s breakout of Pickens was a huge leap for the Cowboys, and not only did it lead to a trade for Pickens, but it established him as the top receiver in the NFL. One season wasn’t enough to justify a long-term extension, with Dallas up against the salary cap and wanting to see more maturity — leading to the franchise tag.
This season will shape Pickens’ future. Either he shows up again and becomes one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL, or he falls apart and gets short-term contracts while teams wait to see if he can be trusted. This is mammoth season for him.