{"id":798909,"date":"2026-07-13T10:54:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T10:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/798909\/"},"modified":"2026-07-13T10:54:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T10:54:33","slug":"one-breakout-player-to-watch-for-every-nfl-team-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/798909\/","title":{"rendered":"One breakout player to watch for every NFL team in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Athletic\u2019s NFL writers have spent the summer examining every roster ahead of training camp, pondering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7405972\/2026\/06\/30\/nfl-biggest-question-all-teams-2026\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">unanswered questions<\/a>, identifying <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7423334\/2026\/07\/06\/nfl-rookies-teams-training-camp\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">newcomers to watch<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7428163\/2026\/07\/08\/nfl-offseason-2026-maxx-crosby-jameis-winston\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">and more<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Now, our staff considers who\u2019s next. Our picks for a breakout player on every NFL team in 2026 include a few familiar names and others who haven\u2019t yet achieved leaguewide notoriety. Either way, these players could help make or break their teams\u2019 seasons.<\/p>\n<p>Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT<\/p>\n<p>The Cardinals\u2019 2025 first-round draft pick, Nolen played in six games last season (only 169 snaps) because of injuries. The explosiveness he showed in that limited time was impressive, enough to suggest he could be a future star. The Cardinals last season gave up 28.7 points per game, which ranked 29th in the league. Safety Budda Baker is a perennial Pro Bowler. Josh Sweat is coming off a career season. But they need someone else to emerge. Someone on the defensive front. If Nolen stays healthy, he could be a difference-maker the defense needs. \u2014 Doug Haller<\/p>\n<p>Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Dorlus, DT<\/p>\n<p>Dorlus had six sacks and 22 quarterback pressures in his final eight games last season. It was the type of jump the Falcons had been hoping for when they picked him in the fourth round in 2024, but it looked like it might never come. He only played 19 snaps as a rookie and then totaled 1.5 sacks in his first seven games last year. The Falcons traded his close friend and linemate Ruke Orhorhoro in the offseason but added more beef around him up front, ostensibly freeing him up to chase the quarterback even more this season. \u2014 Josh Kendall<\/p>\n<p>Baltimore Ravens: Mike Green, OLB<\/p>\n<p>A second-round pick last year, Green had 3.5 sacks as a rookie while playing more than expected following the Odafe Oweh trade. However, new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver believes Green could have very easily had a 10-sack season and showed the player a video cut-up of all his near misses to prove it. With head coach Jesse Minter and Weaver now leading the defense, the addition of veteran Trey Hendrickson and second-round pick Zion Young on the edge and the potential return of interior disruptor Nnamdi Madubuike, Green could benefit in a big way. \u2014 Jeff Zrebiec<\/p>\n<p>Buffalo Bills: Deone Walker, DT<\/p>\n<p>The 2025 fourth-round draft pick started every game after the season opener, making a strong impression at a position of need. Walker\u2019s offseason mission has been conditioning to play all three downs. He said in June he had slimmed from last year\u2019s playing weight of 338 pounds to 328 pounds. By a large margin, he led all Bills defensive linemen with 37 run stops. Walker recorded two half-sacks with 16 pressures. His eight tackles for losses finished behind only edge rusher Joey Bosa, and his four pass breakups tied for fourth behind three defensive backs. Walker, who just turned 22 in March, added two more pass breakups and snagged his first interception in the playoffs. \u2014 Tim Graham<\/p>\n<p>Carolina Panthers: Devin Lloyd, LB<\/p>\n<p>The Panthers gave edge rusher Jaelan Phillips <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7090485\/2026\/03\/09\/jaelan-phillips-panthers-nfl-free-agency-2026\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the most lucrative contract<\/a> in franchise history last March, while getting Lloyd on a three-year, $45 million deal that may prove to be a steal if Lloyd repeats his Pro Bowl form from 2025. Lloyd made plays at every level of Jacksonville\u2019s defense, averaging 109 tackles while collecting nine interceptions, including a career-high five in \u201825. Lloyd also showed he could be disruptive as a blitzer, something the Panthers have lacked at the inside linebacker spot since Ejiro Evero took over as defensive coordinator. \u2014 Joseph Person<\/p>\n<p>Chicago Bears: Luther Burden III, WR<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m buying Luther Burden stock right now.\u201d That was the heartfelt endorsement offered in May by the visionary of the Bears\u2019 offense, Ben Johnson, who referred to the receiver\u2019s spring growth as \u201celectric.\u201d As a rookie, Burden came alive down the stretch, posting 40 catches, 547 yards and a touchdown, including playoffs, over his final 10 games. Now, he has increased confidence, heightened trust from his play caller (Johnson), growing chemistry with his quarterback (Caleb Williams) and continued praise from his teammates. Said tight end Colston Loveland, a fellow Year 2 breakout candidate: \u201cHe\u2019s the truth, man. And nothing but the truth.\u201d \u2014 Dan Wiederer<\/p>\n<p>Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT<\/p>\n<p>Those paying attention might say Mims already broke out last year as he didn\u2019t allow a hit or sack of Joe Burrow from the moment the QB returned to the lineup on Thanksgiving through the conclusion of the season. The 6-7, 340-pound raw first-round pick out of Georgia in 2024 officially has matured. He looks ready to play at an All-Pro level this year. He\u2019s quickly become the anchor of an offensive line that\u2019s far better than previous editions and has continuity next to him at right guard with Dalton Risner. Bet on Mims to be the next well-compensated star on this offense. \u2014 Paul Dehner Jr.<\/p>\n<p>Cleveland Browns: Quinshon Judkins, RB<\/p>\n<p>Judkins missed all of training camp last summer while dealing with an assault charge <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/6554355\/2025\/08\/14\/browns-quinshon-judkins-domestic-violence-charges\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">that was eventually dropped<\/a>. He started in Week 2, just eight days and three practices after signing, and immediately showed why the Browns consider him such a big part of their future. A fractured fibula and dislocated ankle last December ended his first NFL season, but he was ahead of his rehab schedule in the spring and figures to be featured in new coach Todd Monken\u2019s offense. Judkins has to be healthy and has to learn to play on the pass downs he couldn\u2019t last year due to his summer absence, but he\u2019s going to get plenty of chances to prove he\u2019s an explosive and reliable runner at the game\u2019s highest level. \u2014 Zac Jackson<\/p>\n<p>Dallas Cowboys: Shavon Revel Jr., CB<\/p>\n<p>Had it not been for a torn ACL in his final college season, Revel might have been a first-round pick in last year\u2019s draft. Instead, he fell to the third round where the Cowboys selected him 76th overall. Recovery from the knee injury prevented him from appearing in a game last season until Week 11. Now fully healed, Revel is in position to compete for a starting cornerback spot. He has the ideal size (6-2, 200), strength and athleticism to be a quality outside corner. Cornerback is one of the biggest question marks on the roster. Revel should get a lot of valuable training camp work going against CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. \u2014 Jon Machota<\/p>\n<p>Denver Broncos: Que Robinson, OLB<\/p>\n<p>Robinson, a 2025 fourth-round pick out of Alabama, played sparingly as a rookie on Denver\u2019s deep defense, but he made a lasting impression during his appearance in the AFC Championship Game by chasing down Drake Maye and pulling down the Patriots quarterback by the shoulders for a sack. Robinson was already trending toward a bigger role on the edge in Year 2, but that will especially be the case if Jonathon Cooper <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7342594\/2026\/06\/08\/broncos-jonathon-cooper-pleads-not-guilty\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">faces an NFL suspension<\/a> following two June arrests. \u2014 Nick Kosmider<\/p>\n<p>Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT<\/p>\n<p>The easy answer is probably Isaac TeSlaa \u2014 a player who caught everything his way (with one hand) as a rookie last year. But think about this Lions offense. TeSlaa will have to compete for targets with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs. His ceiling is somewhat limited, which is ultimately a good problem to have. Instead, I\u2019ll go with an even easier choice in Williams, a 2025 first-round pick who paid his dues as a rookie and steps into a full-time starting role. The Lions moved on from DJ Reader this offseason and are now relying on Williams. He\u2019s an instinctive player who\u2019s light on his toes for a 330-pounder. He\u2019s not flashy like TeSlaa, but if he can eat double teams and emerge as a run-stuffing nose tackle, the Lions will be pleased with his progress. \u2014 Colton Pouncy<\/p>\n<p>Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR<\/p>\n<p>The Packers\u2019 2025 first-round pick didn\u2019t have the season anyone thought he would. Golden ranked tied for 85th among wide receivers last season with 44 targets, tied for 84th with 29 catches and 78th with 361 receiving yards, according to TruMedia. He didn\u2019t score his first career touchdown <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NFL\/status\/2010198588689940901?s=20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">until the playoffs<\/a>. With the offseason departures of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, the Packers have a defined top three wide receivers of Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Golden, who should get plenty more opportunities in the passing game with a year in Green Bay\u2019s offense under his belt. \u2014 Matt Schneidman<\/p>\n<p>Houston Texans: Jayden Higgins, WR<\/p>\n<p>As a rookie, the 6-4, 215-pound wide receiver impressed, contributing 41 catches, 525 yards and six touchdowns on 68 targets. Look for his role to only expand as he and quarterback C.J. Stroud further refine their connection and Higgins\u2019 understanding of coverages also improves. Increased production from Higgins will help ease pressure on Nico Collins, who led the team with 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns on 120 targets. \u2014 Mike Jones<\/p>\n<p>Indianapolis Colts: Josh Downs, WR<\/p>\n<p>Downs is already an established receiver, who\u2019s shown he can be a playmaker in the NFL. However, the 2023 third-round pick is coming off a career-low 566 receiving yards in 2025. The departures of wideouts AD Mitchell and Michael Pittman Jr., who were traded to the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively, should open up more opportunities for Downs as Indy\u2019s No. 2 receiver behind the speedy and newly paid Alec Pierce. Downs is entering a contract year, so it would behoove him to have a career year in 2026 if he plans on cashing in next offseason. \u2014 James Boyd<\/p>\n<p>Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB<\/p>\n<p>Dual-threat Travis Hunter had impressed the Jaguars in limited action as a rookie before his season-ending knee injury in an October practice. Hunter needs to be an important part of Anthony Campanile\u2019s defense, as the Jags\u2019 vulnerabilities in the secondary were on full display during their playoff loss to the Bills. Hunter will get his chances on offense, too, but the Jaguars really need him to be special on defense if they\u2019re going to win their first playoff game in four years. \u2014 Jeff Howe<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-6753297 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2240595031-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>\n      Jacksonville Jaguars dual-threat star Travis Hunter might need to make more of an impact at cornerback to progress in 2026. (Mike Carlson \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR<\/p>\n<p>If the Chiefs had a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7351929\/2026\/06\/12\/chiefs-minicamp-xavier-worthy\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">summer practice MVP<\/a>, it would\u2019ve been Worthy, who flashed consistent chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Worthy also checks many other boxes for a potential breakout player. The third-year wideout just turned 23 (he\u2019s actually two months younger than Chiefs rookie receiver Cyrus Allen), and there\u2019s also an obvious reason for Worthy\u2019s limited production in 2025: injury. Worthy played through a torn labrum last season, and coach Andy Reid said the ailment led the team to limit his route tree. Worthy should be back to full strength for Week 1 after offseason surgery. \u2014 Jesse Newell<\/p>\n<p>Las Vegas Raiders: Jalen Nailor, WR<\/p>\n<p>Nailor has surprisingly been the lone premium addition the Raiders have made at receiver this offseason after trading away top target Jakobi Meyers in November. While that may leave many scratching their heads, it gives Nailor an opportunity to produce like never before. The fifth-year veteran had a solid final two seasons in Minnesota, but was always a tertiary option behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He now comes into Las Vegas carrying established chemistry with quarterback Kirk Cousins and head coach Klint Kubiak from their Vikings days and no solidified WR1 ahead of him. All signs point to Nailor having a chance to post career numbers in his first season with the Raiders. \u2014 Sam Warren<\/p>\n<p>Los Angeles Chargers: Charlie Kolar, TE<\/p>\n<p>The Chargers made Kolar a priority addition during free agency, signing the former Raven to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7102253\/2026\/03\/09\/charlie-kolar-chargers-nfl-free-agency-2026\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">three-year, $24.3 million deal<\/a>. Kolar was an elite run blocker in Baltimore and will continue to fill that role for the Chargers. Kolar also has a ton of untapped potential as a pass catcher, and that is where the breakout could happen in Los Angeles. Kolar was playing behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely with the Ravens. He will get more opportunities in the passing game for the Chargers. Kolar has never caught more than 10 passes in a season. His career high in receiving yards is 142. Kolar is poised to surpass those figures handily in 2026. \u2014 Daniel Popper<\/p>\n<p>Los Angeles Rams: Terrance Ferguson, TE<\/p>\n<p>The Rams spent their top draft pick a year ago on a tight end they were mostly planning to stash for a breakout this season. It grew frustrating for fans when Ferguson barely saw the field in the first half of his rookie season, but that said more about the difficult transition at tight end, the complexity of Sean McVay\u2019s playbook on young players and the need for Ferguson to add blocking technique and weight to hold up in the run game. Los Angeles found a way to insulate him by midseason by running two- and three-tight end sets at the highest rate in the league, and Ferguson saw a second-half breakout where he caught 10 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns over the final 10 games. His 21 yards per catch would have ranked second in the NFL last season on large volume, and though it\u2019ll likely come down with a boost in volume this season, Ferguson should be very difficult for defenses to account for with the attention they have to give to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. \u2014 Nate Atkins<\/p>\n<p>Miami Dolphins: Greg Dulcich, TE<\/p>\n<p>In fantasy circles, Dulcich has been a trendy sleeper pick multiple times throughout his short career. And while the now-26-year-old tight end has never lived up to the (preseason) hype before, there\u2019s reason to believe he might this year. Why? Let\u2019s start with the obvious: Who else is QB Malik Willis going to throw to? The wide receiver cupboard is bare, and if the Dolphins are as bad as many expect, Willis will be throwing a lot late in games. The new Dolphins regime clearly likes Dulcich, as it paid him $3.25 million to stay in Miami. That keeps Dulcich tied to offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who was promoted to OC after being Miami\u2019s pass game coordinator last year. No one is saying he\u2019s going to catch 100 passes this year, but Dulcich looks like a name to watch for those targeting a late-round tight end. \u2014 Jim Ayello<\/p>\n<p>The NFL is viewing the tight end position differently in 2026<\/p>\n<p>Robert Mays<\/p>\n<p>Minnesota Vikings: Jalen Redmond, DT<\/p>\n<p>Redmond played for the Arlington Renegades in the formerly-named XFL. The Vikings signed him on a whim. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores took to his intensity and commitment almost immediately, and Redmond has shown why in the last couple of seasons. He holds the point of attack against the run. He wins with quickness in one-on-one pass-rush situations. Because the Vikings got rid of veteran defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, they\u2019re relying on Redmond to set the standard for a unit of talented youngsters like Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange. \u2014 Alec Lewis<\/p>\n<p>New England Patriots: Craig Woodson, S<\/p>\n<p>Last season, Woodson was quietly great as a rookie for the Patriots during their Super Bowl run, capable of both helping stop the run from the back end and covering up plenty as a deep safety. Now, he\u2019s again entering the season overshadowed, this time after the Pats signed veteran Kevin Byard, who led the NFL in interceptions last season, to play next to Woodson. But it won\u2019t be a surprise if it\u2019s actually Woodson who stands out the most this season in New England. \u2014 Chad Graff<\/p>\n<p>New Orleans Saints: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s taken until now for McKinstry to be deemed the Saints\u2019 top cornerback after being a second-round pick in 2024. He started every game last season and intercepted three passes. But he also surrendered eight touchdowns and yielded a 100.5 passer rating, via Pro Football Reference. The Saints have moved on from names like Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor the past few years with the intent on having McKinstry eventually become the team\u2019s No. 1 corner. It\u2019s no guarantee that he \u201cbreaks out,\u201d but the chance is there for him. \u2014 Larry Holder<\/p>\n<p>New York Giants: Isaiah Likely, TE<\/p>\n<p>This needs to be Likely for the Giants. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7090486\/2026\/03\/09\/isaiah-likely-giants-nfl-free-agency-2026\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">three-year, $40 million contract<\/a> the Giants gave Likely was the richest handed out by the team in new coach John Harbaugh\u2019s first offseason. No one batted an eye at the Giants making Likely the fourth highest-paid tight end in the league because his receiving talent is evident. But Likely never topped 42 catches or 477 yards in four seasons with the Ravens while operating in three-time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews\u2019 shadow. Now Likely is the Giants\u2019 unquestioned No. 1 tight end after following Harbaugh from Baltimore, and the team needs his production to match his compensation. \u2014 Dan Duggan<\/p>\n<p>New York Jets: Adonai Mitchell, WR<\/p>\n<p>He was a standout in the spring as his chemistry grew with Geno Smith \u2014 in the practices media attended, Smith looked his way even more than Garrett Wilson. Everyone in the NFL has always known about his significant potential as an elite athlete at wide receiver with the size and athleticism to both run past defensive backs and jump over them to make catches. It just never really came together in Indianapolis. He showed flashes in a half-season as the Jets de-facto No. 1 receiver \u2014 and with terrible quarterback play \u2014 and now for the first time in his career, he\u2019ll enter a season locked in as a starter. It can\u2019t hurt that the Jets are flush with pass catchers to draw attention away from him, too, between Wilson, Breece Hall and rookies Omar Cooper and Kenyon Sadiq. \u2014 Zack Rosenblatt<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-6853584 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/USATSI_27711062-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>\n      New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (15) begins his first full season with the team in 2026. (Vincent Carchietta \/ Imagn Images)<\/p>\n<p>Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell, LB<\/p>\n<p>The Eagles let Nakobe Dean leave in free agency with the plan of turning over the starting spot to Campbell, a 2025 first-round pick. Campbell\u2019s hard-to-find physical tools stand out in the middle of the defense, where his 6-3, 235-pound frame and 4.52-second 40-yard dash offer a different flavor than Dean. Campbell has the length and range to be a force in coverage, and the Eagles think there\u2019s a burgeoning pass-rush skill set. Campbell started 10 games last season and played 63 percent of the defensive snaps, but the defense was clearly better with Dean on the field. With a full year in the scheme and adjusting to the NFL, Campbell could make strides in Year 2 next to Zack Baun. He missed offseason workouts while recovering from shoulder surgery, but he\u2019ll return in time for the season. The opportunity is present for a breakout. \u2014 Zach Berman<\/p>\n<p>Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT<\/p>\n<p>A preseason MCL sprain delayed Harmon\u2019s NFL debut until Week 3, and a separate knee injury caused him to miss three more games. However, when healthy, the 6-4, 313-pound defensive tackle lived up to his draft position as a first-round pick. The Steelers gave up an average of 166 rushing yards in the games Harmon missed and just over 90 in the games in which he played. As these stats suggest, Harmon\u2019s quick hips and strong hands allow him to get off blocks and make a difference in the run game. His challenge will be to stay healthy and add more as a pass rusher. The Steelers plan to have Harmon spend time in training camp working with new OLBs coach C.J. Ah You to add more moves to the DT\u2019s pass-rush repertoire and improve upon his three-sack rookie season. \u2014 Mike DeFabo<\/p>\n<p>San Francisco 49ers: Alfred Collins, DT<\/p>\n<p>His spring was wiped out due to after-season shoulder surgery, but Collins should be back for the beginning of training camp. The 49ers were encouraged by the big man\u2019s rookie campaign, which while not spectacular, did include nearly 500 snaps, four quarterback hits and perhaps San Francisco\u2019s top play of 2025 \u2014 Collins\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NFL\/status\/1973948583381749845?s=20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">forced fumble<\/a> against the Los Angeles Rams on the 1-yard line late in a Week 5 overtime win. This year he\u2019ll be paired with veteran Osa Odighizuwa, creating a pick-your-poison situation for opposing offensive lines. The 49ers need both Collins and fellow 2025 draft pick Mykel Williams to take big steps forward in their second seasons. \u2014 Matt Barrows<\/p>\n<p>Seattle Seahawks: Rashid Shaheed, WR<\/p>\n<p>A running back \u2014 Jadarian Price, Zach Charbonnet or George Holani \u2014 would be the obvious choice here, but that position has been the focus for most offseason questions, so let\u2019s branch out a bit. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had his breakout campaign in 2025, so defenses will be gearing up to stop him. Cooper Kupp is still a reliable veteran, but he\u2019s getting older and missed at least five games in the three seasons prior to last year. Shaheed has established himself as an electric returner, but he hasn\u2019t hit his potential as a wide receiver. In his four NFL seasons, he\u2019s never had 60 catches in a campaign, or 1,000 yards receiving. New offensive coordinator Brian Fleury is taking over after seven years in San Francisco under Kyle Shanahan, where he\u2019s seen how dynamic weapons can be maximized. \u2014 Saad Yousuf<\/p>\n<p>Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR<\/p>\n<p>If Egbuka produces for 17 games as he did for the first nine games of his rookie season last year, the first-round pick will have 1,278 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. His production fell off drastically in the last eight games of 2025 due to a combination of factors that built a rookie wall. Among them were a hamstring issue, an undefined role and probably a spinning head. Egbuka had to learn and play every receiver position last year partly because Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan weren\u2019t always healthy. This season, new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson says he is making Egbuka a full-time Z receiver. And the departure of Evans means Robinson and Baker Mayfield will be looking to establish a new No. 1 receiver. \u2014 Dan Pompei<\/p>\n<p>Tennessee Titans: Kevin Winston Jr., S<\/p>\n<p>The Titans got Winston in the third round of the 2025 draft even though some thought he was closer to a first-round talent, which is what happens sometimes with players coming off serious injuries. A partially torn ACL cut Winston\u2019s 2024 season short at Penn State and limited him to 10 games in 2025. Now, he\u2019s healthy and looking primed for a breakthrough. He\u2019s playing next to Amani Hooker, which was a good thing for years for former Titan Kevin Byard. The Titans appear solid at corner. But maybe best of all, the front seven looks like it could be ferocious in Robert Saleh\u2019s first year, and that\u2019s especially true if a young edge or two can step up. A front seven like that is a rangy playmaker\u2019s best friend. \u2014 Joe Rexrode<\/p>\n<p>Washington Commanders: Daron Payne, DT<\/p>\n<p>The 2018 first-round pick has been a staple of the Commanders\u2019 defensive line for eight years, but his sack numbers have lagged since he signed his four-year, $90 million contract in 2023. Coincidence or not, Payne has a track record of elevating his play in contract seasons, and adapting to Daronte Jones\u2019 scheme could land him another payday \u2014 in Washington or elsewhere. Payne\u2019s versatility, explosiveness and run-stopping ability make him a strong fit for Jones\u2019 system that features more position-agnostic players. Said coach Dan Quinn: \u201cWhat\u2019s so much fun about coaching Daron is he\u2019s big enough to be a 3-4 end \u2014 you guys saw some of that here early on \u2014 and he\u2019s got the strength that can play inside at nose tackle and quickness to move. \u2026 Because (the defensive tackles) are versatile, it gives Daronte even more options in how to deploy and how to match up guys. So, it\u2019s a big deal for us.\u201d \u2014 Nicki Jhabvala<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Athletic\u2019s NFL writers have spent the summer examining every roster ahead of training camp, pondering unanswered questions,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":798910,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[436],"tags":[1745,1766,1742,1748,49,48,1744,1735,1740,1724,1721,1743,3163,1730,1737,1732,1725,1727,1736,2210,1749,1720,1726,1718,1734,1728,1723,514,1747,949,948,1739,82,1733,1741,1758],"class_list":["post-798909","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-arizona-cardinals","tag-atlanta-falcons","tag-baltimore-ravens","tag-buffalo-bills","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-carolina-panthers","tag-chicago-bears","tag-cincinnati-bengals","tag-cleveland-browns","tag-dallas-cowboys","tag-denver-broncos","tag-detroit-lions","tag-green-bay-packers","tag-houston-texans","tag-indianapolis-colts","tag-jacksonville-jaguars","tag-kansas-city-chiefs","tag-las-vegas-raiders","tag-los-angeles-chargers","tag-los-angeles-rams","tag-miami-dolphins","tag-minnesota-vikings","tag-new-england-patriots","tag-new-orleans-saints","tag-new-york-giants","tag-new-york-jets","tag-nfl","tag-philadelphia-eagles","tag-pittsburgh-steelers","tag-san-francisco-49ers","tag-seattle-seahawks","tag-sports","tag-tampa-bay-buccaneers","tag-tennessee-titans","tag-washington-commanders"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/798909","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=798909"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/798909\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/798910"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=798909"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=798909"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=798909"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}