Undrafted Players From the 2026 NFL Draft to Root for This Preseason

The NFL Draft may be over, but some of the league’s best stories are only beginning.

Every year, undrafted free agents enter training camp with something to prove. Some were overlooked because of injuries, size concerns or crowded draft classes. Others simply slipped through the cracks. But once preseason begins, draft status matters a lot less.

Here are several undrafted players from the 2026 NFL Draft who could become fan favorites this preseason.

Diego Pavia — Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens

Few undrafted players generated more attention than Diego Pavia after the draft.

Pavia became known in college football for his toughness, leadership and ability to extend plays under pressure. Despite putting together an impressive career at Vanderbilt, he surprisingly went undrafted before landing with the Baltimore Ravens.  

Baltimore feels like a perfect fit for his playing style. He is mobile, competitive and thrives in chaos — traits that fit the Ravens’ offensive identity. Even if he starts on the practice squad, Pavia has the kind of personality fans rally around quickly.

Eric Rivers — Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Eric Rivers was considered by many analysts to be one of the most talented undrafted receivers available after the draft.  

The former Georgia Tech playmaker brings explosiveness and big-play ability to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With preseason games often turning into opportunities for deep reserves to shine, Rivers could easily become one of the breakout stars of August.

Players with speed and return ability always have a chance to carve out roles quickly.

Chase Roberts — Wide Receiver, Las Vegas Raiders

Chase Roberts enters camp with a real opportunity to surprise people.

The former BYU receiver built a reputation as a physical target capable of making difficult catches in traffic. He signed with the Las Vegas Raiders after the draft and already has analysts mentioning him as a possible preseason standout.  

The Raiders are still searching for offensive consistency, which could open the door for a reliable possession receiver to earn attention during camp.

Joey Aguilar — Quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterbacks always attract attention during preseason, and Joey Aguilar is one of the more intriguing undrafted names to watch.

Aguilar signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars after going undrafted despite being viewed as one of the top remaining quarterbacks available.  

He possesses a strong arm and aggressive mentality, which could lead to exciting preseason moments. While consistency remains a question, players who take risks and create highlights often become preseason fan favorites quickly.

Johnny Walker Jr. — Edge Rusher, Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos already have one of the NFL’s strongest pass-rushing groups, but Johnny Walker Jr. still has a chance to make noise this summer.

Walker reportedly received one of Denver’s biggest UDFA signing bonuses, showing the organization believes in his upside.  

He produced strong sack numbers in college and plays with relentless energy — exactly the type of player fans notice during preseason games when effort often separates roster hopefuls.

Harrison Wallace III — Wide Receiver, Arizona Cardinals

Harrison Wallace III quietly landed in a strong situation with the Arizona Cardinals.  

Wallace has good size, dependable hands and the ability to stretch the field vertically. Arizona’s receiver depth chart still has room for competition, giving him a legitimate chance to earn preseason snaps early.

Receivers who consistently make contested catches tend to stand out during August football, and Wallace fits that mold.

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