Former third-round pick Zack Baun transformed from a one-year, prove-it deal player to an NFL standout, being named a first-team All-Pro and helping the Philadelphia Eagles clinch the Super Bowl LIX championship. His impressive 2024 season included over 150 tackles and numerous forced fumbles, drawing comparisons to NFL greats. Baun's success has inspired discussions about potential breakout players across NFC teams for 2025, highlighting talents like Arizona's Michael Wilson, who is poised for a significant leap with quarterback Kyler Murray's backing.

Other notable mentions include Atlanta’s Leonard Floyd, who could invigorate a struggling pass rush, and Carolina’s Tre'von Moehrig, expected to bolster a weak defense. Additionally, Dallas' Dante Fowler is in a prime position to thrive alongside Micah Parsons, while Green Bay's Tucker Kraft is on the brink of Pro Bowl status. Each of these players represents an unheralded talent with the potential to make a significant impact next season.

The San Francisco 49ers have made a significant push to enhance their financial flexibility by offloading 17 players this offseason, resulting in an NFL-high dead cap hit of $92,651,013. This decision reflects a strategic shift, aiming to streamline their roster and improve future salary cap management. Notably, the Philadelphia Eagles follow closely with a dead cap figure of $71,991,237 after their recent trades.

Among the notable 49ers released are Deebo Samuel, Arik Armstead, and Leonard Floyd, all of whom considerably impact the team's cap space. This move showcases the 49ers' commitment to establishing a more financially sustainable roster while potentially unlocking future acquisitions or contract extensions for their remaining core players.

The Atlanta Falcons are under pressure to deliver results this season, especially with a revamped roster focused on a more aggressive defense. Key signings like Leonard Floyd and Divine Deablo aim to shift the team's defensive strategy, moving away from a prevent style to a more feisty approach. With young talents like Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. paired with veterans, the Falcons are betting on depth and mentorship to elevate their performance. The potential addition of high-profile free agents like Jalen Ramsey could further bolster their ranks, making Atlanta a serious contender in the NFC South.

The San Francisco 49ers have made significant moves in upgrading their defensive front, drafting Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins this offseason. However, they lost key players like Dre Greenlaw and Leonard Floyd to other teams, impacting their depth. In light of these changes, Yetur Gross-Matos, 27, has been identified as a potential cut candidate, following a lackluster performance since being drafted in 2020. Analysts speculate that his departure could allow for new talent to emerge on the roster.

The Atlanta Falcons made significant moves in the NFL Draft, focusing on bolstering their defense for the upcoming seasons. With their first-round picks, they selected linebacker Jalon Walker from Georgia at 15th overall and edge rusher James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee at 26th overall. Pearce, who boasts impressive collegiate stats with over 70 pressures and almost 20 sacks in two seasons, recorded a remarkable Relative Athletic Score of 9.40, highlighting his elite athleticism. This strategic acquisition complements their previously signed defensive end Leonard Floyd, promising to enhance the pass rush, which has struggled in recent years, finishing with just 31 sacks last season.

As the Falcons prepare for Day 2 of the draft with additional picks, they look to reshape their defense significantly. Pearce and Walker's addition could signal a new era for Atlanta's defensive unit, aiming for a more aggressive and effective approach in the upcoming season.