32 NFL Players Who Dominated Training Camp and Preseason

ESPN has identified the most significant training camp and preseason “risers” in NFL history, selecting one player from every team who leveraged early-season performances to launch their professional careers. These 32 athletes are defined by their ability to outperform expectations during the preseason to secure roster spots and eventual stardom, according to the July 31, 2026, report from ESPN.

The analysis focuses on players who entered camp with low expectations—often as late-round draft picks or undrafted free agents—and forced coaching staffs to change their depth charts before the regular season began. These players didn’t just make the team; they established a trajectory that led to long-term NFL success.

Impact of Preseason Performance on NFL Career Trajectories

The selection process for these 32 players emphasizes the gap between a player’s perceived value upon arrival and their actual production during the preseason. ESPN’s reporting highlights that for some of these athletes, the training camp period served as the primary catalyst for their career longevity.

By identifying one riser per franchise, the list serves as a historical record of how preseason evaluations can occasionally override scouting reports or draft positioning. The report includes players who used the preseason to secure starting roles that they would maintain for years.

ESPN Analysis of Roster Climbers

The ESPN report utilizes a mix of statistical output and anecdotal evidence from coaching staffs to determine who climbed the depth chart most effectively. One specific highlight in the reporting notes the visceral reaction of observers to unexpected talent, exemplified by a quote in the headline: 'I don't know who No. 3 is, but holy s---'.

This level of surprise often characterizes the “riser” archetype—players who are virtually unknown to the broader fanbase but become indispensable to their teams within a few weeks of August practices and exhibition games.

The curated list spans different eras of the NFL, illustrating that while the structure of training camps has evolved, the ability for a fringe player to seize a starting opportunity through preseason dominance remains a constant in professional football.

According to the ESPN findings, these players typically share a common trait: an immediate transition from “camp body” to a legitimate tactical asset for the head coach. This shift often happens during the second or third preseason game, where the level of competition increases and the player’s ability to perform against other starters is verified.