AFC breakout candidates frame the hope most teams carry into a new season. Coaches and executives look for the young starter, the underused role player or the fresh signing who can elevate from promise to production and push the roster forward.
So who fits that profile in 2026? Some names are familiar. Others have barely cracked lineups. Here is one emerging player from each AFC club.
AFC breakout candidates in the AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills: Cole Bishop, S
The 2024 second-round pick flashed in his first year as a full-time starter with three interceptions, two sacks and 85 tackles. Buffalo has reinforced the secondary around him, hiring defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, a former NFL safety, and adding veterans Geno Stone and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. At 6-foot-2 and 206 pounds, Bishop’s versatility across the back end gives Leonhard options to maximize his impact.
Miami Dolphins: TuTu Atwell, WR
Miami’s offense needs a lift, and if new quarterback Malik Willis settles in, a receiver is likely to ride that wave. Atwell, 26, owns 14.6 yards per catch for his career and brings elite quickness at 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds. Hamstring troubles and a crowded depth chart limited him with the Rams, but in a thinner receiver room, he profiles as a high-volume slot option who could become one of Willis’ most reliable targets.
New England Patriots: Will Campbell, LT
Drafted fourth overall in 2025, the 6-foot-5, 319-pound tackle endured a difficult rookie campaign, allowing five sacks in the regular season and more pressure in the playoffs while managing a knee issue. With Alijah Vera-Tucker now at left guard and another year of development at age 22, the Patriots expect a significant step forward from their entrenched blindside protector.
New York Jets: Adonai Mitchell, WR
Acquired in the Sauce Gardner deal, Mitchell arrived with questions after drops and a costly premature goal-line celebration as a rookie in Indianapolis. Even so, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound wideout posted 24 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns in eight games last season despite unstable quarterback play. With Geno Smith under center and Garrett Wilson commanding attention, Mitchell has room to emerge as a quality No. 2.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S
Starks, 22, called last season merely “OK” despite 84 tackles and two interceptions while leading Baltimore in defensive snaps. New head coach Jesse Minter has a track record of elevating defensive backs, and pairing Starks with Kyle Hamilton should unlock more production. If the pass rush improves after a 30-sack season, Starks could benefit most on the back end.
Cincinnati Bengals: Dax Hill, CB
After an extended trial at safety and nickel, the Bengals shifted Hill outside late last year and watched his play spike. A former first-rounder who tore his ACL in Week 5 of 2023, the speedster now looks settled at corner. With health and the right position fit, his coverage traits point to a breakout season.
Cleveland Browns: Harold Fannin Jr., WR
Fannin quietly produced as a rookie with 72 catches, 731 yards and six touchdowns on a struggling offense while splitting time with David Njoku. With Njoku gone and Todd Monken installing his system, the 21-year-old could become the focal point of the passing game. Better quarterback play would raise his ceiling even further.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DL
The 2025 first-rounder sprained his knee in the preseason and never fully found rhythm, missing five games overall but still tallying three sacks in 12 appearances. A healthy offseason should increase his role next to stars T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward. Even without a gaudy sack total, his interior disruption could surge as he grows into Heyward’s eventual successor.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans: Jayden Higgins, WR
With Christian Kirk departing and Tank Dell rehabbing a serious leg injury, targets are available. Higgins, a 2025 second-round pick, logged 41 catches for 525 yards and six scores on 68 targets and brings size at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, especially in the red zone. He projects as C.J. Stroud’s No. 2 behind Nico Collins, though fellow Iowa State product Jaylin Noel could also push for snaps with his speed.
Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu, EDGE
General manager Chris Ballard has said Latu is close to taking off, and the numbers support it. The 2024 first-rounder recorded 8.5 sacks and 20 quarterback hits, with six sacks over his final nine games. Pro Football Focus credited him with 61 total pressures. With Arden Key opposite, double-digit sacks look within reach as Latu aims to join the league’s top disruptors.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB
With Travis Etienne gone, Bhayshul Tuten is the obvious candidate for more work, but Rodriguez, a former sixth-round pick and favorite of Liam Coen from their Kentucky days, is an under-the-radar fit to handle volume. Assuming a full recovery from offseason foot surgery, he could claim the tougher carries and emerge as the Jaguars’ workhorse back.
Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB
The top pick in 2025 posted 3,169 yards with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions, trailing classmates Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough in year-one impact. Context mattered. Tennessee has since upgraded the line and receiver group, adding Wan’Dale Robinson and Carnell Tate, and paired Ward with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. With stronger support, Ward is positioned to validate his draft status.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos: R.J. Harvey, RB
J.K. Dobbins’ injury opened a lane for Harvey, who produced 896 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns in limited duty. His speed and big-play profile suggest more touches regardless of Dobbins’ health, and a larger role could unlock the explosiveness Denver glimpsed late last season.
Kansas City Chiefs: Nohl Williams, CB
With Trent McDuffie traded and Jaylen Watson gone, Kansas City retooled by drafting Mansoor Delane and bringing back L’Jarius Sneed. Given Sneed’s recent availability concerns, opportunity is there for Williams, a 23-year-old third-rounder who excelled in a small sample with seven passes defensed. Whether starting outside opposite Delane or playing a bigger rotational role, he should see a significant snap increase in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB
The No. 6 pick did not meet expectations as a rookie, finishing with 975 rushing yards and 55 catches for 346 yards. Las Vegas has upgraded the offensive line with three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum and added complementary pieces. New head coach Klint Kubiak’s track record with backs offers optimism that Jeanty can rebound and justify his draft slot.
Los Angeles Chargers: Ladd McConkey, WR
After an 82-1,149-7 debut in 2024, McConkey’s second season fizzled amid ball-security issues, injuries to Justin Herbert and offensive line attrition, leaving him at 66-789-6. The skill set that made him an early second-round selection remains intact. Under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, he profiles as the kind of speed receiver who can be featured, making a true breakout plausible in 2026.
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