Second-Year NFL Wide Receivers Ready to Blow Up in 2025

The sophomore WR class is loaded, and with the 2025 NFL season around the corner, a handful of these guys are about to make their teams—and your fantasy roster—look very smart. Thanks to wide-open depth charts, upgraded QBs, and just flat-out talent, these second-year receivers are set to break out and grab WR1 roles this fall.

Here’s who’s about to take over.:

AFC Breakouts

Josh Downs — Indianapolis Colts

Downs got better as last season went on, and now there’s basically nobody in Indy to challenge him in the slot. His quicks and crisp routes could make him a stat machine — especially if Anthony Richardson ever decides to throw the ball instead of cosplaying as a running back. Honestly, even Daniel Jones might help him more at this point… and that’s saying something.

2024 PPR Ranking: WR35

2025 Projection: Top 15 WR

Xavier Worthy — Kansas City Chiefs

Worthy already showed his big-play ability as a rookie and even came up clutch in the postseason. Now? The Chiefs’ receiver room is basically his for the taking. Rashee Rice’s legal situation and looming suspension leave plenty of question marks at the top of the depth chart, and Worthy is positioned to become Mahomes’ go-to guy. Get ready to watch him go from gadget player to WR1 in a hurry.

2024 PPR Ranking: WR33

2025 Projection: Top 20 WR

Keon Coleman — Buffalo Bills

This one feels obvious. Coleman barely got going as a rookie thanks to injuries, but now with Stefon Diggs out of the picture, he’s healthy and set to torch defenses. Big, fast, and a deep-ball nightmare, he’s got “breakout star” written all over him.

2024 PPR Ranking: WR71

2025 Projection: Top 25 WR

NFC Breakouts

Malik Nabers — New York Giants

Nabers was one of the few bright spots in the Giants’ offense last year — which isn’t saying much, but hey, somebody had to catch a pass. He enters 2025 as the obvious WR1 because, well… look around. Now with Russell Wilson under center, Nabers has a real shot to thrive as the go-to guy in what should at least be a more stable offense — or at the very least, slightly less of a dumpster fire.

2024 PPR Ranking: WR6

2025 Projection: Top 3 WR

Marvin Harrison Jr. — Arizona Cardinals

Marv Jr. was solid as a rookie, but now he’s bigger, stronger, and ready to bully DBs every week. Kyler Murray finally has a legit WR1, and Harrison’s about to look like the generational prospect everyone said he’d be.

2024 PPR Ranking: WR30

2025 Projection: Top 10 WR

Rome Odunze — Chicago Bears

With Caleb Williams slinging it in Chicago, Odunze has a prime chance to become his go-to guy. His size, hands, and jump-ball ability already scream WR1—it’s just time to make it official.

2024 PPR Ranking: WR49

2025 Projection: Top 20 WR

Rookies to Watch

• Travis Hunter (Jaguars) — A unicorn-level talent; the Jaguars traded up to No. 2 overall to land him. Expected to play primarily at wide receiver.

• Matthew Golden (Packers) — A highly-touted rookie wide receiver expected to compete immediately for playing time and potentially a leading role in Green Bay’s offense.

• Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers) — A dynamic playmaker who needs increased touches given the draft capital invested in him.

• Kyle Williams (Patriots) — Here's a deep sleeper for you, positioned to be a key target for a young quarterback, with limited competition at wide receiver.

Quick Take:

Every year we hype sophomore receivers — but this year, the stars actually have the opportunity to shine. Teams like Buffalo and the Giants flat-out need these guys to step up. And while new offensive schemes open the door for bigger roles, the quarterbacks — yes, you, Caleb and Kyler — need to step up too if any of this is going to work.

Guys like Keon Coleman in Buffalo—finally healthy, elite deep-threat numbers, and no Diggs to hog targets—are primed to jump from “promising” to “problem” for defenses real quick.

And in Kansas City, Worthy has a golden opportunity. With Rice’s future murky, it’s clear the Chiefs drafted Worthy with the idea he could become Mahomes’ next main man.