50 days until the 2026 NFL season: Here are 50 under-the-radar players who could shape it - CBS Sports

What the report says

CBS Sports published a preseason NFL feature by Zachary Pereles on July 21, 2026, marking 50 days until the 2026 season with a list of 50 lesser-known players the outlet says could influence the year. The piece frames the league as highly fluid, noting that roster changes, coaching shifts and offseason moves often draw attention, while internal development and role players can be just as important.

Pereles sets eligibility limits for the list: no quarterbacks, no rookies, no recent first-round picks from the past three drafts, no players from CBS Sports’ earlier top-100 “most important” list for 2026, and no Pro Bowl selections from the past two seasons. The article says the goal is to identify players who may be familiar to dedicated fans but remain outside broader national attention.

Among early names highlighted, CBS Sports points to Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner after strong 2025 coverage metrics, Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper as a possible riser, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. as a Pro Bowl-caliber candidate, and Denver Broncos defensive back Ja’Quan McMillian as an important piece of Denver’s defense. Offensive players cited include Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs, Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Parker Washington and Steelers center Zach Frazier.

The feature also identifies bounce-back candidates such as Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Jalen McMillan, New York Giants receiver Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears tackle Braxton Jones, Tennessee Titans tackle Dan Moore Jr. and Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller. CBS Sports further flags second-year players including Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson, Buccaneers cornerback Jacob Parrish and Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts, emphasizing how development from non-headline players could shape team outcomes in 2026.