NFL Training Camp Risers Top 10 to Watch in Preseason Week 1

Training camp buzz can be misleading, so this Football Nation ranking focuses on one thing: whose stock is rising because their opportunity, role, or availability is trending up heading into Preseason Week 1.

Important: This is not a list of the NFL’s best players. It’s a watch list of names worth tracking in preseason games and joint practices.

How we define a training camp riser

A ‘riser’ is a player who is earning more meaningful reps, carving out a clearer role, or returning to action in a way that changes their short-term outlook.

Football Nation analysis: preseason snaps matter most when they confirm a role that can survive roster cuts and the return of injured veterans.

Football Nation Top 10 risers to monitor

1) De’Zhaun Stribling (49ers, WR) — Football Nation analysis: the early camp attention suggests San Francisco is at least exploring a real role for him. Preseason Week 1 is the first chance to see how that translates against live coverage.

2) MarShawn Lloyd (Packers, RB) — Football Nation analysis: any uptick in first-team work can accelerate a rookie’s path to a weekly package, even if the depth chart settles later.

3) Brandon Coleman (Commanders, OT) — Football Nation analysis: tackle reps with the starters are the fastest way for a young lineman to force the staff’s hand. Watch the quality of pass sets and penalties in preseason action.

4) Nick Emmanwori (Seahawks, S) — Football Nation analysis: when a versatile defensive back is available, it expands sub-package flexibility. Preseason is where alignment and usage become visible.

5) Justin Barron (Cowboys, LB) — Football Nation analysis: splash plays in practice can earn more reps, but the key is whether he stays assignment-sound when offenses game-plan and motion.

6) Ed Oliver (Bills, DT) — Football Nation analysis: interior disruption shows up quickly in preseason because it collapses timing. Track pressures, not just sacks.

7) Keon Coleman (Bills, WR) — Football Nation analysis: route detail and separation are the tells to watch on broadcast angles; targets can be noisy in preseason.

8) Matthew Hibner (Ravens, TE) — Football Nation analysis: tight end depth matters in Baltimore’s offense; preseason usage can hint at who earns game-day active status.

9) Spencer Fano (Browns, OT) — Football Nation analysis: rookie tackle reps are high-leverage. Watch for clean edges vs speed-to-power and how often help is needed.

10) Roman Wilson (Steelers, WR) — Football Nation analysis: availability plus a defined role is the simplest path to snaps. Preseason is where timing with the QB can show up.

What to watch in Preseason Week 1

Look for three signals: (1) who plays early with the starters, (2) who stays on the field in high-leverage downs (third down, red zone), and (3) who is used in motion or on special teams — a common path to a roster spot.

Sources and verification

This post is written as Football Nation analysis based on publicly visible practice usage and team-provided availability updates. For official updates, always cross-check team communications and the NFL’s official channels.

Football Nation bottom line

Preseason Week 1 is where camp narratives meet live football. The risers who matter most are the ones whose roles look repeatable when the games count.