Now two years removed from the 2023 NFL Draft, many prospects have either risen to the occasion or faded into the background. Stars like C.J. Stroud, Jalen Carter, and All-Pro Christian Gonzalez have already proven they belong among the league’s elite. But for others, Year 3 marks a pivotal “make-or-break” moment in their young careers. Here are four 2023 draftees whose teams need them to take a leap forward in 2025—for both the present and the future.
Broderick Jones -OT, Pittsburgh Steelers
When the Steelers traded up to draft Georgia’s Broderick Jones, fans hoped they had landed their franchise tackle. However, Jones entered the league as a raw prospect with just 19 college starts, they Steelers understood it would be a process. Jones has been serviceable in the run game but has struggled greatly in pass protection. In 2024, he allowed 11 sacks, tied for second-most in the league—trailing only teammate Dan Moore Jr., who has since departed in free agency.
With Pittsburgh drafting Troy Fautanu to start at right tackle, Jones will move back to his natural position on the left side. The Steelers are banking on this switch helping Jones elevate his game, especially mentally. If Jones can match his physical traits with better technique and awareness, he still has the tools to become a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s offensive line.
Cam Smith – CB, Miami Dolphins
After losing safety Jevon Holland in free agency and making only minor additions to the secondary, the Dolphins are counting on someone to emerge in the defensive backfield. That someone could be 2023 second-round pick Cam Smith.
Smith has had a slow start to his career, barely seeing the field as a rookie and playing in only six games last season due to a dislocated shoulder. When he did play, the results weren’t encouraging—he allowed 16 receptions on just 103 coverage snaps and earned a disappointing 30.1 PFF coverage grade.
With Jalen Ramsey trade rumors swirling and a new defensive coordinator in Anthony Weaver, the opportunity is there for Smith. The Dolphins desperately need him to deliver on his draft potential in 2025.
Tyree Wilson – EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders
Drafted 7th overall, Tyree Wilson was always expected to take time to develop. But entering Year 3, patience is wearing thin. Injuries disrupted his rookie offseason, and while there have been flashes of promise, particularly with his power and athleticism but his overall development has stalled.
Now healthy and heading into his second full training camp, the Raiders expect Wilson to take a major step forward. With Malcolm Koonce entrenched on the edge, Wilson may see more snaps as an interior pass rusher, where he’s shown potential. Lining up alongside stars like Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins should make life easier, but Wilson must show he belongs. After an offseason of trade rumors, 2025 could define his career trajectory.
Anthony Richardson – QB, Indianapolis Colts
Since 2000, only 11 players at the NFL Combine have weighed 244 pounds or more and run a sub-4.44 40-yard dash—10 of them defensive players. The lone offensive outlier? Anthony Richardson. The freakishly athletic quarterback drew early comparisons to Josh Allen, and the Colts took a high-upside swing despite his limited college experience.
While Richardson showed flashes of great promise as a rookie before a season-ending shoulder injury, Year 2 was far more turbulent. His 47.7% completion rate ranked last in the league, and issues with turnovers and inconsistent play marred his season, along with the infamous “helmet tapping” situation.
To shake things up, Indianapolis brought in Daniel Jones to compete and potentially motivate Richardson. The Colts still believe in his upside, but 2025 is the year he must turn potential into production.
