10 NFL Teams Relying Way Too Much on Unproven Talent

Every NFL season has a few teams that take big swings on the unknown. Whether it’s betting the house on rookies, former backups, or players coming off injuries, these franchises are placing their hopes in question marks rather than known commodities.

Some are rebuilding. Some are strapped for cash. But if those gambles don’t pay off, things could get ugly fast. Here are 10 NFL teams that are leaning a little too hard on unproven talent in 2025.

10. Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans quarterback Brandon Allen (10) passes as Tim Boyle (15) and Cam Ward (1) watch during an NFL football minicamp camp practice at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn
Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Titans hit the reset button on their linebacker group, and the replacements don’t exactly scream reliability. With no one returning who saw serious snaps last year, the defense is hoping raw potential turns into actual production.

9. Kansas City Chiefs

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first half in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Chiefs decided to entrust Patrick Mahomes’ blindside to Jaylon Moore, a guy with limited starting experience. If Moore can’t hold his own, opposing defenses will be more than happy to introduce themselves to Mahomes—early and often.

8. Dallas Cowboys

Aug 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA;Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) and defensive tackle Mazi Smith (58) on the field in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Dallas is praying for a Year 3 leap from defensive tackle Mazi Smith after last year’s run defense got steamrolled. If he doesn’t take that step, they don’t have much behind him to clean up the mess.

7. Cleveland Browns

Jun 12, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) and wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during mini camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

With an aging offensive line, the Browns are counting on Dawand Jones to be the future upfront. The size and strength are impressive, but the technique and consistency still need to catch up quickly.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) walks to his lane during the first organized team activity at Miller Electric Center Monday, May 19, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla
Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Travis Hunter might be the most electric rookie in the league, but asking him to play both ways as a rookie is a tall order. Add in a brand-new head coach and a turnover-prone quarterback, and the Jags are walking a fine line.

5. Indianapolis Colts

Dec 22, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) embrace midfield after a game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/USA Today Network via Imagn Images
Grace Hollars/USA Today Network via Imagn Images

Everything in Indy hinges on Anthony Richardson staying healthy and figuring it out. Behind him is Daniel Jones, and surrounding him are a bunch of young defenders who haven’t proven they can carry the load.

4. New Orleans Saints

May 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) during rookie minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Saints are hoping their patchwork secondary can hold up after losing their top corners. And on offense, rookie Tyler Shough is penciled in at quarterback, which feels more like a wish than a plan.

3. Atlanta Falcons

Jun 11, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) warms up with teammates during Minicamp at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Falcons went all-in on rookie edge rushers to fix a pass rush that’s been missing for years. If those guys don’t hit right away, the defense is going to have the same old problems—just with fresher faces.

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2. Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) at training camp on Aug. 3, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale
Owen Ziliak / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Marvin Harrison Jr. is legit, but beyond him, the Cardinals’ receiving corps is full of question marks. Defensively, they’re also handing major roles to rookies, which is exciting on paper but risky in real life.

Read More: Ranking the 30 Best Quarterbacks of All Time

1. Minnesota Vikings

Jun 10, 2025; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9), quarterback Sam Howell (8) and quarterback Brett Rypien (11) practice during minicamp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Vikings are placing their entire season in the hands of J.J. McCarthy, who’s yet to take a single NFL snap. If he’s not ready, it could be a long year in Minnesota—no matter how good the supporting cast looks.

Read More: Ranking the 10 NFL Teams Fans Should Expect More From

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