RADIO
Bryce Lance Emerging as a Deep Threat
The New Orleans Saints spent a 2026 fourth-round pick on wide receiver Bryce Lance, and while earlier in camp it was sixth-round rookie Barion Brown grabbing the majority of headlines with his work downfield, Lance is himself emerging as a vertical threat, coming down with another long touchdown catch on Wednesday. Earlier in the week, Lance connected with Spencer Rattler for a 50-yard touchdown, and on Wednesday he raised the difficulty by working through double coverage to come down with a 40-yarder in the end zone. Lance averaged a ludicrous 21.2 yards per catch in his final season at North Dakota State, and he's capable of providing a field-stretching presence that's likely to open things up for Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson whenever they're on the field together in three-receiver sets. While the younger brother of former third overall pick Trey Lance is not a player to target in lineup leagues, his big-play ability makes him an intriguing dart-throw in best ball formats.
Source: Todd Graffagnini
Source: Todd Graffagnini
A Mixed Bag for Malik Willis in Joint Practice
In what was his first competitive work against another team since taking over as the starting quarterback of the Miami Dolphins, Malik Willis showcased some of the highs and lows that fantasy managers will likely need to endure for the 2026 season. In a joint practice with the Commanders on Wednesday, Willis found success, as he has through much of camp, when targeting rookie Caleb Douglas, who was recently named a starter and praised before practice by head coach Jeff Hafley. Willis also threw an interception to Mike Sanristil that was returned for a touchdown. Those types of ups and downs are to be expected from a first-time starter on one of the more talent-depleted offenses in the league, but an area highlighted by team writer Travis Wingfield, and the reason Willis is worthy of a late-round selection in single-quarterback drafts, is his rushing upside. Wingfield notes that Willis broke contain several times and scrambled for what would have been lengthy gains in a real game scenario. Willis provides one of the highest rushing floors in the league, and if he can simply keep things on track offensively while avoiding costly mistakes, he has a chance to far surpass his current ADP of QB21.
Source: Travis Wingfield
Source: Travis Wingfield
Brian Thomas Jr. to Be Showcased in X Role
Following a disappointing sophomore campaign in 2025, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. could find renewed success as a field-stretcher in 2026. After experimenting with more of an in-traffic role last season, the team wants to make better use of his speed, which NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe described as his superpower. Thomas is expected to be featured in a similar X-role to the one that netted Brandin Cooks 80 receptions and 1,204 yards while working in this offense with the Rams in 2018, and Wolfe has been told that "it's night and day how he's looked in training camp this year compared to last year." Thomas is RotoBaller's WR34, and while his spike weeks will likely prove capable of single-handedly deciding a handful of fantasy matchups, in a crowded Jaguars receiver room, weekly consistency could still be hard to come by.
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Stefon Diggs the "Missing Piece" for Commanders Offense
Veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs signed with the Washington Commanders less than a week ago, but already he's making his presence felt as a vital piece of the offense being built around exciting young quarterback Jayden Daniels. During Wednesday's joint practice with the Dolphins, Diggs tormented Miami's defensive backs throughout the day, according to CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles, first looking uncoverable in his one-on-one work and then making plays throughout team sessions with savvy route-running and an innate feel for finding the soft spots against zone coverage. In a rotational role with the Patriots in 2025, Diggs reached 1,013 yards on an impressive 2.42 yards per route run, and after practice Daniels spoke of what he's already brought to the offense. "It's awesome, just his feel for space... He's a dawg. He goes out and makes plays. He brings energy, he's a leader, so I'm super happy to have Stefon in that room, not just for the offense but for the whole team in general." Following a long offseason without a team, Diggs fell to the late rounds of 2026 drafts, and with the market slow to adjust, the four-time Pro Bowler could prove to be one of the year's best values at his current ADP of WR48.
Source: Zachary Pereles
Source: Zachary Pereles
Charlie Kolar a Player on the Rise
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar was one of the first players the team added in free agency, and while his biggest strength has always come as a blocker, he has a chance to thrive in a Mike McDaniel offense projected to see a lot of multiple-tight-end sets. NFL Daily Podcast's Gregg Rosenthal visited Chargers camp on Wednesday and made note of Kolar's heavy usage, adding that the team's unique personnel allows McDaniel to run just about anything he can think of. Kolar was listed as a co-starter on the team's first unofficial depth chart, along with David Njoku and Oronde Gadsden, and it should come as no surprise if all three regularly find the field at the same time and contribute in the passing game, creating a fantasy floor for all, but a much murkier upside case. Kolar is not a player who needs to be drafted in 2026 lineup leagues, but could at least warrant a late-round dart throw in deeper best ball formats.
Source: Gregg Rosenthal
Source: Gregg Rosenthal
Cardinals Believe Trey McBride Can Still Do More
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride's 126 receptions in 2025 were a single-season positional record, while his 252.9 half-PPR fantasy points were almost 90 more than the next closest tight end, but new head coach Mike LaFleur indicated on Wednesday a belief that the first-team All-Pro still has room for growth. "Here was your route tree since you've been here... What can we expand off it?" he recounted to the media. "I think he can have maybe a deeper intermediate route tree." Among 53 tight ends with at least 25 targets in 2025, McBride's 9.8 yards per reception ranked 34th, and while his underneath work allowed him to dominate in PPR leagues, the addition of more explosive plays could raise his ceiling even higher in 2026. The two-time Pro Bowler is RotoBaller's TE2 and a player who rarely escapes the second round of drafts.
Source: Theo Mackie
Source: Theo Mackie
Jayden Daniels Sends Cease-and-Desist Letter to LSU
An attorney representing Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has informed LSU that the school can no longer use Daniels' name, image, or likeness, as reported by ESPN's Mark Schlabach. The Tigers recently allowed sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett to wear the same number five Daniels wore during his time at LSU. While the number has not been officially retired, Pickett is the first player to wear it since Daniels departed for the NFL in 2024, prompting the letter from his attorney. "Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected," the statement from Daniels' spokesperson said. "His Heisman Trophy-winning season and everything he accomplished on and off the field cemented his place in LSU history. To see his number given to another player is incredibly disappointing and feels like a failure to honor the significance of what Jayden accomplished at LSU." Daniels threw for 3,811 yards and 40 touchdowns in his final season at LSU, adding 1,250 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground before the Commanders made him the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Source: Mark Schlabach
Source: Mark Schlabach
Darius Slayton Listed as Starting WR on Unofficial Depth Chart
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton was listed as a starting WR on the team's first unofficial depth chart of the preseason. Slayton was listed alongside star wideout Malik Nabers as the only two wideouts named starters, with Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III, Odell Beckham Jr., and Malachi Fields listed behind them. In 2025, Slayton was forced to step up after Nabers' knee injury and, despite costly drops, did quite well, averaging about 40 receiving yards per game. While Mooney, Beckham, and Austin have all worked with the first-team offense in recent practice, Slayton's current contract will likely force the team to hold onto him in 2026. The offense under head coach John Harbaugh will use more heavy personnel this season, but any wideout besides Nabers is unlikely to produce fantasy-relevant numbers.
Source: New York Giants
Source: New York Giants
Xavier Legette Having Strong Training Camp
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette is having a strong camp as he enters an important 2026 season. After a sophomore season marred by critical mistakes, Legette is in great shape and appears to have sharpened his connection with quarterback Bryce Young. The former 32nd overall pick had 363 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games last season, but his snap count dropped significantly toward the end of the season. While the team appeared poised to replace him with third-round pick Chris Brazzell III (knee), the Panthers' rookie wideout suffered an LCL injury that required season-ending surgery, opening the door for Legette to play a role in 2026. While he will remain behind 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan and emerging wideout Jalen Coker, Legette may still have a role in deeper fantasy leagues this season.
Source: Darin Gantt - Carolina Panthers
Source: Darin Gantt - Carolina Panthers
George Pickens Has Been Dominant at Cowboys Camp
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens has been dominant at training camp as he enters a "contract year" in 2026. Pickens has put on a clinic on 50/50 balls, leaving Cowboys fans excited about the team's offense with him and a healthy CeeDee Lamb. In his first year with the Cowboys in 2025, Pickens had a career year, hauling in 93 of 137 targets for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, finishing as the WR5 in half PPR formats. While a holdout loomed for Pickens in 2025, he will play under the franchise tag as he awaits his extension. With the way he's been practicing and entering his second season with the offense, he could be in line for a monster contract if he has another great showing in 2026.
Source: Dan Rogers - Blogging The Boys
Source: Dan Rogers - Blogging The Boys
A.J. Brown a Top Target at Joint Practice
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown was a top target during the team's joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts. Brown remained the top option in team drills, finding the ball early and often, and led the team with five receptions, including one that would've been a touchdown. The former Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles wideout was traded to the AFC Champions in early June and initially struggled to connect with quarterback Drake Maye. Now, both appear to be on the same page, and Brown looks poised for a massive year in New England. The seven-year wideout has had six 1,000-yard seasons and might have his best quarterback yet in Maye, while Maye has yet to play with a talent like Brown. This connection could break fantasy in 2026, and fantasy managers should look to buy into this duo.
Source: Ethan Hurwitz - Sports Illustrated
Source: Ethan Hurwitz - Sports Illustrated
Justin Jefferson's Rapport With New QB "Seems to be Growing"
Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback Kyler Murray had another crisp day of training camp practice on Wednesday that included a number of connections with top wide receiver Justin Jefferson, according to Vikings beat writer Will Ragatz. "Their rapport seems to be growing," Ragatz wrote. Jefferson is no stranger to working with a lot of different signal-callers during his six years in the NFL -- this will be the fourth different QB he's worked with for the fourth straight season. The 27-year-old former 22nd overall pick from LSU has produced with all of the different QBs in Minnesota, recording a 1,000-yard season in all six of his seasons to this point, including a whopping 42 touchdown receptions in 94 regular-season games. Jefferson had a career-low 1,048 receiving yards and only two touchdowns in 17 starts a year ago, but the four-time Pro Bowler should be primed for a bounce-back in 2026 with Murray, who might be the most talented all-around QB he's worked with, if he can stay healthy. Jefferson is a no-brainer top-10 fantasy WR and is ranked No. 6 at his position at RotoBaller.
Source: Will Ragatz
Source: Will Ragatz
Nico Collins Shining in Training Camp
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has looked strong at training camp, according to Texans analyst John Harris. During the team's indoor practice on Tuesday, Collins made big play after big play. Collins is coming off three straight 1,000-yard seasons and has averaged 14 half-PPR fantasy points per game since 2023. With players like Jayden Higgins emerging in his second season and Tank Dell returning from injury, volume may become more volatile. He will need to rely more on efficiency and touchdowns in 2026, which will hinge on quarterback C.J. Stroud's performance this season. When healthy and playing well, Collins is a sure-fire WR1 in fantasy, so fantasy managers should consider the sixth-year receiver this season.
Source: John Harris - Houston Texans
Source: John Harris - Houston Texans
Fernando Mendoza Has "Real Chance" to Win Starting Job
The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a real quarterback battle between veteran Kirk Cousins and first overall pick Fernando Mendoza, according to Vincent Bonsignore. Bonsignore said he still believes Cousins will be the starter in 2026, "but it's not etched in stone. Fernando has a real chance to win the job." Most have speculated that the team would let Mendoza sit behind veteran Cousins and develop before throwing him into the fire. Reports from Raiders training camp indicate that Cousins has held off Mendoza in the competition and that the rookie has struggled. While Cousins was listed as the QB1 on the team's unofficial depth chart over Mendoza, a strong preseason from the rookie could force the Raiders to start the National Championship-winning quarterback in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins.
Source: Vincent Bonsignore - California Post
Source: Vincent Bonsignore - California Post
Quarterback and Coaching Changes May Affect Drake London in 2026
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London is coming off a strong 2025 season, hauling in 68 of 112 targets for 919 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. However, his current price may be too high to consider him in 2026. London is likely facing a quarterback change in 2026, with former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa coming to town. London did damage in the last two seasons with Michael Penix Jr., catching 82 of 133 targets for 1,162 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games, averaging 17.1 half-PPR fantasy points per game. In the two seasons without Penix, he had 86 receptions for 1,028 yards and 8 touchdowns in 17 games, averaging just under 14 points per game. The real concern is his slot usage, which ranked among the highest in the league in 2024 and 2025 under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Now with Kevin Stefanski in Atlanta, London could return to a more outside receiver role in 2026. Fantasy managers should understand the risk with London and potentially pivot to a safer option in drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
