Every fantasy football season produces a handful of players who reshape draft boards before Week 1. Training camp battles, coaching changes, and contract extensions across the league often reveal far more than last year’s statistics.
Some players simply step into larger opportunities, while others benefit from new offensive systems or improved health. Those developments can quickly change how fantasy managers evaluate their potential draft targets.
These five NFL players deserve close attention throughout the 2026 preseason because their changing roles could shape countless important fantasy draft decisions before Week 1.
1. Chris Olave (WR, New Orleans Saints)
Chris Olave enters 2026 with many of the qualities fantasy managers look for in a potential WR1. His four-year contract extension reflects the Saints’ long-term confidence, while last season offered a glimpse of his ceiling when the offense found its rhythm.
Much of that improvement came after Tyler Shough became the starting quarterback midway through the season. Olave’s production increased, his target share grew even more valuable, and a second season in Kellen Moore’s offense strengthens expectations for continued passing-game growth.
Olave already commands a significant share of the Saints’ passing game. Some fantasy managers also check NFL player props through an NFL betting hub, where they can browse game lines, player markets and other wagering options before the season begins. This sort of information can provide valuable insight into a player’s expected performance.
August practices should confirm those expectations. Continued chemistry with Shough, regular red-zone involvement and consistent downfield targets would strengthen Olave’s case as a dependable early-round fantasy receiver heading into draft season.
2. Jalen Hurts (QB, Philadelphia Eagles)
Few quarterbacks offer the combination of passing upside and rushing production that Jalen Hurts brings every week. Even so, Philadelphia’s biggest fantasy storyline this offseason may have less to do with personnel than its offensive philosophy.
Sean Mannion’s arrival as offensive coordinator has already sparked discussion about how the Eagles’ offense might evolve. Early training camp reports suggest Hurts is working under center more often, opening the door to more play-action and a varied passing attack.
The departure of A.J. Brown reshapes the offense, placing greater responsibility on DeVonta Smith and the supporting cast. Rather than lowering Hurts’ fantasy ceiling, those changes could encourage quicker decisions and a more balanced passing attack.
Preseason snaps should reveal whether those changes could become lasting trends. If Philadelphia blends improved passing efficiency with Hurts’ established rushing production, he should remain among fantasy football’s elite quarterbacks throughout the 2026 season.
3. Luther Burden III (WR, Chicago Bears)
Every fantasy season introduces a young receiver who makes the leap from intriguing prospect to weekly starter. Opportunity often drives those breakout campaigns before Week 1. Luther Burden III has a realistic chance to become that player in 2026.
Chicago’s receiving room enters the season with far more opportunity after several departures created over 100 available targets. Burden’s efficiency late last season suggested he was ready for a larger workload, making this offseason especially important for his fantasy outlook.
His fit for Ben Johnson’s offense only adds to the excitement. Johnson’s scheme creates space for receivers, highlighting Burden’s versatility and run-after-catch ability. Another offseason of development for Caleb Williams should also help stabilize the passing game.
If Burden continues earning first-team reps across multiple alignments and remains involved in designed touches throughout August, his fantasy draft stock could rise quickly before many managers have the chance to react during fantasy draft season.
4. Deebo Samuel (WR, San Francisco 49ers)
Deebo Samuel may be one of the league’s most difficult fantasy players to evaluate because his production rarely follows a conventional path. Usage often matters more than volume. His value has always depended as much on role as raw talent.
Returning to Kyle Shanahan’s offense immediately changes that conversation. Injuries across San Francisco’s receiving corps have created an opportunity for Samuel to claim a larger role, while his versatility as a receiver and runner gives the coaching staff added flexibility.
Questions about age are understandable, but familiarity between player and coach removes much of the uncertainty that typically surrounds veteran additions. Shanahan has repeatedly demonstrated how effectively he can build an offense around Samuel’s unique skill set.
Rather than focusing only on preseason statistics, watch how San Francisco deploys him. Consistent first-team usage, backfield alignments and designed touches would suggest Samuel is once again positioned to become an important fantasy contributor.
5. Jonathon Brooks (RB, Carolina Panthers)
Few players enter 2026 with more to prove than Jonathon Brooks. Consecutive ACL injuries delayed the start of his professional career, but a healthy offseason has finally created an opportunity to show why Carolina invested so heavily in him.
Training camp reports have highlighted Brooks’ explosiveness, confidence and growing readiness for a meaningful offensive role. Those signs are even more encouraging in Dave Canales’ run-focused system, where a feature back can quickly become the offensive centerpiece.
Chuba Hubbard will remain involved, but Brooks appears increasingly capable of earning a larger share of touches as the season approaches. His progress in pass protection may ultimately determine whether he becomes a situational runner or a true three-down option.
The biggest question is no longer talent but workload. Steady first-team opportunities, third-down responsibilities and goal-line usage throughout the preseason would suggest Brooks is ready to reward fantasy managers who invest before Week 1.
What Fantasy Managers Should Track Before Draft Day
Fantasy championships rarely come from simply identifying talented players. Recognizing changing roles before draft day creates an advantage. Timing matters just as much. The preseason often provides those early clues.
Keep these factors in mind throughout August:
- Prioritize consistent first-team usage over isolated highlight plays,
- Watch coaching decisions instead of preseason box scores,
- Follow workload trends rather than single practice reports,
- Monitor injury recoveries over multiple weeks,
- Compare changing draft positions with evolving player roles,
- Focus on repeatable opportunity rather than preseason statistics alone.
Patience often rewards fantasy managers willing to evaluate the bigger picture instead of reacting to every headline. Meaningful trends usually emerge over time.
Turning Preseason Insight Into Draft-Day Confidence
Fantasy football success often begins well before Week 1. Chris Olave, Jalen Hurts, Luther Burden III, Deebo Samuel and Jonathon Brooks each enter 2026 with changing circumstances that could elevate their fantasy production beyond current expectations.
Following training camp usage, coaching decisions and preseason trends provides a clearer picture of which players are ready to break out. That preparation helps fantasy managers approach draft day with greater confidence and make more informed decisions.
*Content reflects information available as of 31/07/2026; subject to change