5 NFL Players Turning Heads at Training Camp Ahead of the 2026 Season

Jeff Reynolds|published: Thu 13th August, 09:31 2026

Jul 31, 2026; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) signs autographs following training camp at Broncos Park. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has a group that is openly discussing the mission for 2026: set the NFL single-season sacks record.

Maybe that's a high bar, but these fellas might be worth tuning into, even at the microphone in the preseason.

We're watching, listening and learning all throughout training camp to filter valuable and meaningful intel from the mundane.

Here are players who warrant more attention based on their summertime exploits.

Broncos QB Bo Nix

Apropos of the preamble above, Joseph has spoken glowingly about Nix. Specifically, Joseph cited how "explosive" Nix has looked and a mastery of the deep ball. If you connect the dots, that could also be big news for new deep threat Jaylen Waddle as the Broncos' offense evolves. Nix is coming back from ankle surgery after being injured in the AFC divisional playoff round.

Raiders TE Brock Bowers

Injuries and the circus atmosphere of the offense and line helped throttle Bowers' impact in 2025. He had been dominant in Klint Kubiak's scheme this summer, flexing the potential he showed as a rookie to be a dependable, consistent 100-catch guy. He is standing out in the red zone with clamps for hands

Bears WR Luther Burden

Jun 11, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) stretches during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Before limping off the field Saturday morning, the ceiling for the second-year wideout had been pumped to serious heights. Head coach Ben Johnson hasn't yet commented on the injury or severity. If he's healthy, Johnson has already said he envisions Burden in a role similar to Amon-Ra St. Brown with the Lions. Teammates also praised Burden for playing faster, more decisive and "catching everything" near him.

Giants TE Isaiah Likely

We can couch this a bit because Malik Nabers isn't on the field, but there is no doubt who the No. 1 option in the passing game has been early in camp. Likely aligns at wide receiver, slot and traditional tight end and New York's defense has had no answer for the Dart-to-Likely connection.

Cowboys CB Shavon Revel

Michigan wide receiver Cornelius Johnson makes a catch against East Carolina defensive back Shavon Revel during the second half of U-M's 30-3 win on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Michigan Stadium.

Before the 2024 season, Revel was discussed as one of the top NFL draft prospects at the cornerback position. Then he went down with a torn ACL and fell to the third round. Dallas selected him thinking long-term, and it's looking more promising every week. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are no easy training partners for coverage defenders and Revel has been hearing positive praise from wide receivers and first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

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