Pre-Season Week 1 Training Camp Update

Training camp is officially underway, and we’re already getting real movement on depth charts, usage, and breakout candidates. Here are all the biggest updates I’m watching after Week 1—let’s get into it.

Demario Douglas might be walking into a featured role. He’s been shining in camp, and the fit makes sense—Josh McDaniels has a long history of feeding his slot WRs, and it looks like Douglas is next in line. Drake Maye’s been locking onto him, and even Douglas himself said, “I love this offense, can’t lie.” Evan Lazar thinks he’s the guy. From Welker to Edelman to Jakobi… this archetype eats, and Douglas should be a late-round priority.

Chase Brown just got a huge boost. Bengals OC Dan Pitcher said he’s going to be a focal point of the offense and even compared him to Austin Ekeler. That kind of clarity this early in camp is rare, and it makes him a third-round smash in redraft.

With Jerome Ford out and Quinshon Judkins still unsigned, Dylan Sampson is making noise in Cleveland’s backfield. The rookie is getting more opportunity than expected, and if he keeps this up, he might be involved as early as Week 1.

Shedeur Sanders is still fighting uphill. He’s looked solid when on the field, but he’s the only Browns QB who hasn’t gotten first-team reps yet. That could change, but for now, he’s firmly behind.

Nick Chubb has a chance to regain the RB1 spot in Houston, with Joe Mixon out indefinitely. The concern? Chubb is recovering from a multi-ligament knee injury and a foot fracture. Dameon Pierce is still on PUP, and Woody Marks looks more like a pass-catcher. If Chubb’s healthy, he could surprise.

The Colts QB battle is… not good. Neither Anthony Richardson nor Daniel Jones is separating. But TE Tyler Warren has been quietly making a name for himself. He’s been flashing with both QBs, and beat writers say he’s become a go-to option in the passing game.

Justin Fields gave us a scare last week—carted off with a dislocated toe—but he’s already back and practicing fully. If this drops his ADP at all, I’m buying.

Tank Bigsby is making a strong early impression. He’s rotated with Etienne and Tuten, but Bigsby has stood out the most. Pads are coming on now, which is where he thrives—he led all RBs with 150+ carries last year in yards after contact per attempt. This backfield is still unsettled.

Travis Hunter is doing Travis Hunter things—playing both ways. He’s back on offense now, and I expect Liam Coen to keep him there more often than not, especially with the WR room thin behind Brian Thomas Jr.

Pat Bryant is catching everything at Broncos camp. Every QB is targeting him, and he could win the big slot role over Devaughn Vele. That would push Sutton to X, and likely split flanker snaps between Franklin and Mims.

Brashard Smith is already getting run with the 1s in Kansas City—red zone reps, too. This dude had a 98th percentile receiving season among RBs since 2014 and a 91st percentile in YPRR. Jerick McKinnon vibes. Perfect dart throw in the last round.

Jalen Royals is rising fast. He’s getting first-team reps and could slide right into Rashee Rice’s role if the suspension hits. He was top six in this class in both YAC and missed tackles forced per reception.

Dont’e Thornton hasn’t let go of his starting job with the Raiders. He’s still running with the 1s, with Tre Tucker and Jakobi Meyers rounding out the trio. Jack Bech is finally rotating in, so we’ll see what happens once pads come on.

The Chargers' WR situation is heating up. Quentin Johnston is flashing, but all eyes are on Tre Harris, who’s already playing with the 1s. Herbert’s been praising his route running and trust level, which is massive for a rookie. Harris is my second-favorite Chargers WR to draft after QJ.

George Pickens is already showing chemistry with Dak Prescott in Cowboys camp. It’s been a consistent connection—this isn’t just one good day. We could be looking at a breakout season incoming.

Luther Burden is finally back on the field after missing OTAs and the start of camp with a hamstring injury. He’s likely to operate as the team’s primary slot WR — the same role that Amon-Ra St. Brown crushed in with Ben Johnson. Colston Loveland is also back and already getting first-team work after shoulder surgery.

Russell Wilson and Malik Nabers are clicking. The two have been connecting all camp, and the on-field chemistry is real. This might be an even bigger QB upgrade than we thought for Nabers.

Cam Skattebo has been making plays with the second team and is now getting first-team reps. He’s doing it as a runner and receiver. I’m not drafting him in every redraft league because Tracy is still there, but if opportunity opens up, he has upside.

Deebo Samuel is dominating while Terry McLaurin is on PUP. He’s moving all over the formation and thriving in Kingsbury’s offense. At WR37, he might be undervalued right now.

Jameson Williams is turning heads. Lions OC John Morton has expanded his route tree, and he’s been making big plays with his opportunities. Everyone around him is raving, and I’m starting to listen. He was 10th in YPRR last year among 59 qualifying WRs. The breakout could be real.

Jayden Reed has been getting reps in 2-WR sets—finally. If he holds that spot alongside Romeo Doubs, his WR43 ADP becomes a complete steal.

Justin Jefferson tweaked his hamstring, but Kevin O’Connell said Week 1 isn’t in jeopardy. We probably won’t see him again this summer, and he won’t build much chemistry with JJ McCarthy—but I’m not moving him in my ranks yet.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt is standing out in Commanders' camp. He’s efficient, he’s flashed juice, and now he’s getting some first-team work. With this RB room wide open, he should be a last-round target.

Darnell Mooney is out for a few weeks with a shoulder injury. His Week 1 status is now in question.

Tyler Shough hasn’t been making noise in New Orleans' camp yet. No momentum there, which is disappointing if you’re hoping for better QB play for Olave or Shaheed.

Emeka Egbuka is looking polished early and has become a favorite of Baker Mayfield. With Godwin coming off a second surgery, there’s a path for Egbuka to have a role from Day 1.

We’re looking at a near-equal split in the Vikings' backfield between Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Their ADPs are now almost identical, but Mason still falls in redraft. He’s still a value if this usage holds.

James Conner is locked in. Jonathan Gannon said it in May, and Drew Petzing just confirmed it again—Conner is going to be the workhorse. He’s still one of the best values at RB.

Matthew Stafford is dealing with a minor back injury. Not a huge concern for Week 1, but it could delay his rapport-building with Davante Adams. Meanwhile, Terrance Ferguson has been making plays and could earn a real role in this offense—his undrafted ADP might not last.

Elijah Arroyo is lining up all over the formation with the 1s. He’s not ramping up slow—he’s ready. I’ve been high on Arroyo since the Senior Bowl, and now he’s getting every opportunity with Noah Fant out of the way. If he’s going outside the top 25 TEs, there’s no reason not to take the shot.