The 10 players below all made a very strong first impression during the opening window of the preseason, potentially opening the door for larger roles as September arrives.

PFF identifies one breakout candidate for each of the 32 NFL teams entering the 2026 season. Young players such as Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks Jr. and Walter Nolen headline a group positioned for bigger roles or continued development. PFF Grades and advanced metrics highlight 32 players with an opportunity to emerge in 2026.

PFF identifies the biggest reason for optimism for all 32 NFL teams entering the 2026 season. From established stars such as Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson to ascending young players and revamped rosters, every team has something to build around. PFF Grades and advanced metrics highlight the players and units that could shape each team's outlook in 2026.

PFF ranks all 32 NFL defensive lines entering the 2026 season, with the Los Angeles Rams taking the top spot after adding Myles Garrett. The Houston Texans rank second behind Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, while the Pittsburgh Steelers round out the top three.

The 2026 NFL rookie class delivered several standout performances during the opening week of the preseason. Texans safety Kamari Ramsey earned the highest PFF grade among rookies, while Steelers quarterback Drew Allar led his position with an 80.5 mark. Camden Brown, Matthew Hibner, Jacob Roberts and other rookies also earned spots on PFF’s preseason Team of the Week.

PFF’s NFL Preseason Week 1 Team of the Week highlights the top performers from the first full week of preseason action. Kedon Slovis, Courtland Sutton, Marcelino McCrary-Ball and Kamari Ramsey headline the individual award winners. PFF Grades also identify the best performers at every position and the Philadelphia Eagles as the Offensive Line of the Week.

Fernando Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in his NFL preseason debut for the Las Vegas Raiders. The No. 1 overall pick earned a 66.7 PFF overall grade and avoided a turnover-worthy play across 31 snaps against the Arizona Cardinals.

Some of the players listed below have already signified that the 2026 campaign will be their last, potentially starting the clock for Hall of Fame enshrinement in 2031. Meanwhile, other names are continuing to battle either Father Time or mounting injuries despite their riproaring career production.

PFF's 2026 fantasy football quarterback rankings feature the top 64 options for drafts, with Josh Allen holding the No. 1 spot. Drake Maye, Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels round out the top five in a deep quarterback pool. Use the rankings and tiers to identify quarterback targets throughout your 2026 fantasy football draft.

PFF data from the 2025 season shows how much NFL defensive tendencies actually change from the preseason to the regular season. The Bears altered their coverage usage more than any team, while the Dolphins showed remarkably little variation between August and the games that counted. Advanced Stats also reveal league-wide trends in Cover 1 usage, safety rotations and blitz rates.

It's easy to fall in love with a rookie who flourishes during the preseason. But as PFF data indicates, the relationship between rookie preseason and regular-season performance is murky at best.

Nine picks from the 2025 NFL Draft enter Year 2 looking for larger roles after playing fewer than 100 snaps as rookies. Jalen Milroe, Kaleb Johnson and Tai Felton headline a group whose opportunities were limited by injuries, depth charts or early struggles.

From quarterback battles to rising youngsters, below are five key stories to monitor throughout the 2026 NFL preseason.

PFF's 2026 NFL offensive line rankings evaluate all 32 units entering the season, with the Denver Broncos claiming the No. 1 spot. The Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers round out the top three, while injuries and lineup changes significantly impact several teams further down the rankings.

The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy entering the 2026 season. Murray brings proven rushing production and finished 2025 with a 72.2 PFF grade while leading qualifying quarterbacks in accurate-pass rate. His move into Kevin O'Connell's offense alongside Justin Jefferson gives Murray a path back to fantasy football relevance.

Traditionally, preseason greatness exists in its own universe. Some players seem built specifically for August, producing momentary highlights before fading into supporting roles once the real football begins. Others carve out long NFL careers almost entirely because they consistently shine when roster spots are on the line.

As rumors swirl about an Aaron Donald unretirement, Daire Carragher digs into Donald's career excellence and his fit along a stacked Rams defensive line.

Gordon McGuinness has broken down every roster in the league — the biggest strengths, the clearest concerns, the key additions and the players most likely to swing each season. Every 2026 team preview is linked below.