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Chargers RB Among Second-Year Breakout Players in 2026

Every year there are several breakout players who burst onto the scene. While some players find immediate success as rookies, others have more growing pains. Whether it’s due to injury, limited opportunities or being in a bad situation, some highly-touted rookies don’t live up to the hype immediately.

Drake Maye had a forgettable rookie season but was one of the best quarterbacks in football and in fantasy in Year 2. There are several second-year players who are set to take a huge leap in 2026. Who are the top breakout players to watch for entering their second season?

Cam Ward

The first-overall pick in 2025, Cam Ward had a rocky rookie season. Ward completed just 59.8% of his passes for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The Tennessee Titans had minimal offensive talent and went through a midseason coaching change. While Ward had a pedestrian 2025, he showed signs of improvement down the stretch. In his last four full games, he threw eight touchdowns to just one interception.

Ward will have significantly better wide receivers with the additions of Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson. New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll should also help Ward’s development. He was the top pick for a reason: he is the most talented quarterback in his class. With better pass catchers and an offensive coordinator who has experience developing young quarterbacks, Ward should carry his strong finish in 2025 into 2026 and be among the top breakout players in football.

Abdul Carter

Abdul Carter went third overall in 2025 and was expected to run away with NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He largely flew under the radar in his first year, making just six starts and having four sacks. Carter saw limited action in a stacked front-seven for the New York Giants. Like Ward, he picked things up at the end of 2025, racking up 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles over the final five games.

With Kayvon Thibodeaux potentially being traded, Carter will play a bigger role for New York in 2026. Having Brian Burns, who recently spoke about the defense’s leadership, lined up opposite him should help greatly. Opposing offenses will have to account for him.

This will free up opportunities for Carter to get after the quarterback. While his counting stats weren’t great as a rookie, Carter posted an 84.5 PFF pass-rushing grade in 2025, good for 10th-best among all edge rushers. He should be one of the breakout players in 2026, with the combination of talent and being in a better situation.

Omarion Hampton

One of the most common cases among breakout players is those who struggled with injuries early in their careers. Omarion Hampton may be one of those cases, as he missed eight games as a rookie. Hampton has the ability to be a true RB1 at the NFL level; he just didn’t get to show a ton in 2025. He averaged a respectable 4.4 yards per carry behind a woeful offensive line.

The Los Angeles Chargers revamped the interior of their offensive line this offseason, so Hampton should have better blocking to work with going forward. Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater are returning from injury, giving Los Angeles a better line across the board. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has a strong track record of building strong rushing attacks. If Hampton can stay healthy, he’s in an ideal situation to break out in 2026.

Luther Burden III

The Bears have several potential breakout players on a talented offense. Wide receiver Luther Burden III put up respectable production in 2025 and should only get better in year two. Chicago traded away D.J. Moore this offseason, meaning Burden will likely get more targets in his sophomore campaign. He’s in a great position to step up as the Bears’ top wide receiver in 2026.

Caleb Williams, who could be a top quarterback this season, should continue his upward path, and head coach Ben Johnson spoke highly of Burden. His abilities after the catch make him a dynamic playmaker capable of taking over games. Burden had a couple of 100-yard games as a rookie, and he should have a lot more this coming season.

Main Photo Courtesy of Kirby Lee – Imagn Images

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