For the most part, we know who the stars of the 2024 NFL season will be. Patrick Mahomes will lead the Kansas City Chiefs in an effort to three-peat as Super Bowl champions. Lamar Jackson will work toward his third MVP award. T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett will hope their singular efforts can overcome the underwhelming offenses on the other side of their respective depth charts.
But each team’s final destination could be charted by unexpected navigators. All 32 teams have players, from rookies to veterans, they’ll rely on to emerge as gears in a machine designed to produce a Super Bowl outcome.
Let’s talk about those overlooked pieces who could emerge as stars if they reach their potential — and could be the difference between prepping for the 2025 NFL Draft come January vs. a playoff run.