The NFL preseason is upon us, and with it comes the excitement of position battles and surprise standouts. As teams release their first unofficial depth charts, we can begin to analyze and interpret the starting lineups and the potential impact of these players. Here's a breakdown of some key takeaways from each team's initial depth chart, with a focus on personal commentary and analysis.
Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love's High-Risk, High-Reward Move
The Cardinals' decision to draft Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is a bold move. Love, a former Notre Dame running back, becomes the highest-paid running back in the NFL with $50.5 million guaranteed in his rookie contract. While this is a significant investment, new coach Mike LaFleur is determined to make Love earn his starting spot. The presence of free agent addition Tyler Allgeier as the starter over Love and James Conner adds an extra layer of competition. Love's ability to overtake Allgeier on the depth chart is expected, but the former Falcon's role in the offense remains to be seen.
Atlanta Falcons: Pass Rushers Stepping Up
With key players like Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. out for the season, the Falcons' pass-rush group must step up. The depth chart lists Brandon Dorlus and Cameron Thomas as the starting pass rushers, with Azeez Ojulari and Samson Ebukam as backups. Dorlus, a fourth-round pick in 2024, impressed with 27 tackles and 8.5 sacks in 15 games last season. Thomas, who comes over from the Cleveland Browns, has limited starting experience. The Falcons' pass-rush group will be crucial to their defensive success this season.
Baltimore Ravens: Ja'Kobi Lane's Rising Star
Rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane has been a standout during training camp, showcasing multiple highlight-reel catches. On the Ravens' depth chart, Lane is listed as the second team behind Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers. Lane's ability to force his way onto the field will be crucial for the team's success. His competition with Jesse Minter and Declan Doyle adds an intriguing dynamic to the wide receiver corps.
Buffalo Bills: Alec Anderson's Left Guard Battle
The Bills' left guard position is up for grabs, with Alec Anderson listed as the starter over Austin Corbett. Anderson, an undrafted player in 2022, has started six games over two seasons and played various positions. Corbett, who comes over from the Carolina Panthers, has more experience but less versatility. The Bills' offensive line is a key area to watch, as Anderson's potential rise could impact the team's overall performance.
Carolina Panthers: RB Battle and Special Teams Value
The Panthers' depth chart reveals a competitive running back battle. Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks are the top two running backs, but the RB4 spot is intriguing. AJ Dillon, known as Quadfather or Quadzilla, is listed behind Trevor Etienne, who provides special teams value as a returner. Dillon's short-yardage abilities make him a valuable asset, and the Panthers' decision to keep all four running backs at the 53-man deadline is a strategic move.
Chicago Bears: Braxton Jones' Left Tackle Competition
The Bears' left tackle position is a hotly contested battle. Braxton Jones, Jedrick Wills Jr., and Kiran Amegadjie are all listed as 'first string' starters. The competition to replace Ozzy Trapilo is fierce, and Jones is considered the favorite. The Bears' offensive line is a critical component of their success, and the outcome of this battle will significantly impact their performance.
Cincinnati Bengals: New Pass Rushers and Depth Chart Shifts
With Trey Hendrickson out, the Bengals are seeking new pass-rushers. Boye Mafe and Myles Murphy are listed as starters, with Shemar Stewart and Cashius Howell as backups. Murphy's limited sacks in 47 career games could be a concern. Stewart, recovering from a knee injury, has the potential to overtake Murphy on the depth chart. The Bengals' pass-rush group will be crucial to their defensive strategy.
Cleveland Browns: Rookies Stepping Up
The Browns showcase their commitment to rookies, with three first-year players listed as starters: Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion, and Spencer Fano. This move highlights the team's faith in their young talent. The wide receiver and left tackle positions are crucial for the team's success, and the Browns' decision to give these roles to rookies is a bold strategy.
Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs' Defensive Role
The Cowboys' initial depth chart reveals a 'DB' position, indicating a potential focus on slot corner. Caleb Downs, a rookie, is listed as the starter at this position, also serving as a second-string safety. Downs' impressive tackle and interception statistics make him a strong contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year. His versatility and potential impact on the defense are noteworthy.
Las Vegas Raiders: Wide Receiver Battle
The Raiders' depth chart features a wide receiver battle. Jack Bech, Jalen Nailor, and Tre Tucker are listed as starting wide receivers, with Dont'e Thornton Jr. as a second-stringer. The team's wide receiving corps is a key area of focus, and the Raiders' hope for Bech and Thornton to step up in their second seasons is a strategic move.
Los Angeles Chargers: Left Guard and Offensive Line Dynamics
The Chargers' depth chart reveals a competitive left guard position. Kayode Awosika, Branson Taylor, and Jake Slaughter are listed as leaders, but Awosika is the first-stringer. The team's offensive line is a critical component, and the outcome of this battle will impact the team's overall performance.
Los Angeles Rams: Tight End and Receiver Battles
The Rams' depth chart showcases multiple position battles. Davis Allen and Tyler Higbee are competing for a starting job at tight end, while Colby Parkinson and Terrance Ferguson are co-starters. The team's approach to listing multiple starters at tight end is unique. Additionally, the Rams' wide receiver corps is intriguing, with Max Klare and Ty Simpson as third-stringers.
Miami Dolphins: Wide Receiver Battle and Rookies Stepping Up
The Dolphins' wide receiver corps is a hotly contested battle, with returning players and free agents competing against rookies. No. 75 overall pick Caleb Douglas is listed as a starter, showcasing the team's faith in his potential. Douglas' size, speed, and college success make him a key player to watch.
Minnesota Vikings: Running Back Battle and Strategy
The Vikings' depth chart reveals a running back battle. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are listed as the first-string running backs, with Mason's addition from the San Francisco 49ers adding depth. Mason's versatility and recent success make him a valuable asset, and the Vikings' strategy to utilize both running backs is a strategic move.
New England Patriots: Rookies and Experience
The Patriots' depth chart features a mix of rookies and experienced players. Caleb Lomu, an undrafted rookie, is listed as the third-string right tackle. The team's approach to utilizing rookies and veterans is a strategic move, and Lomu's versatility across the offensive line is noteworthy.
New Orleans Saints: Bryce Lance's Potential
The Saints' depth chart includes Bryce Lance, a fourth-round pick, listed on the second team behind Jordyn Tyson. Lance, a younger brother of Trey Lance, is compared to Christian Watson for his size and speed. His potential as a sleeper in the Saints' offense is an intriguing development.
New York Giants: Jalin Hyatt's Rise Over Odell Beckham Jr.
The Giants' depth chart features a surprising move, with Jalin Hyatt listed above Odell Beckham Jr. Hyatt, a third-round pick, has shown promise, while Beckham Jr. is listed as a 'battling' player. The Giants' wide receiver corps is a key area of focus, and the team's strategy to utilize both players is a strategic move.
New York Jets: Rookies and Backup Quarterbacks
The Jets' initial depth chart includes zero rookies as starters, but a notable move is the listing of Cade Klubnik as the lone No. 2 quarterback. Klubnik's ability to run the system and get the ball out quickly makes him a player to watch. The team's decision to give the backup job to a rookie is a strategic move.
Philadelphia Eagles: Andy Dalton's Backup Role
The Eagles' depth chart features Andy Dalton as the second-string quarterback behind Jalen Hurts. Dalton, 38, has a chance to be traded at the end of the preseason. The team's strategy to utilize both quarterbacks is a strategic move, and the outcome of this battle will impact the team's overall performance.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaylen Warren's Running Back Battle
The Steelers' depth chart reveals a running back battle. Jaylen Warren is listed as the starting running back over free agent addition Rico Dowdle. Warren's lack of 1,000-yard rushing seasons contrasts with Dowdle's recent success. The team's strategy to utilize both running backs is a strategic move.
San Francisco 49ers: Deebo Samuel's Return
The 49ers' depth chart welcomes back Deebo Samuel, listed as a starting wide receiver and top kick returner. Samuel's electric playmaking abilities and recent success make him a key player to watch. The team's strategy to utilize his versatility is a strategic move.
Seattle Seahawks: George Holani's Running Back Role
The Seahawks' depth chart features George Holani as the starting running back over Jadarian Price. Holani's limited rushing success last year makes his role in the offense intriguing. The team's strategy to utilize both running backs is a strategic move.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: SirVocea Dennis' Linebacker Battle
The Buccaneers' depth chart includes SirVocea Dennis holding on to a starting linebacker spot. The team's strategy to utilize both rookies, Josiah Trotter and Dennis, is a strategic move. Trotter's potential as an 'alpha among alphas' adds an intriguing dynamic.
Tennessee Titans: Gunnar Helm's Tight End Role
The Titans' depth chart features Gunnar Helm as the starting tight end. Helm's breakout potential in the new offense makes him a key player to watch. The team's strategy to utilize his skills is a strategic move.
Washington Commanders: Antonio Williams' Wide Receiver Battle
The Commanders' depth chart includes Antonio Williams as a third-string wide receiver. Williams' impressive college career and potential role for Jayden Daniels make him a player to watch. The team's strategy to utilize his skills is a strategic move.
