The NFL preseason is set to open with the Hall of Fame Game on August 6, 2026, marking the first official on‑field action that signals the countdown to the new campaign. As teams trim rosters and coaches experiment with schemes, fantasy enthusiasts are already turning their attention to the upcoming draft season.
A recent early‑round PPR mock draft, structured as a four‑round, twelve‑team exercise, offers a first glimpse at how value may shift once the regular season begins. The exercise blends established starters with emerging candidates, providing a framework for evaluating upside beyond the usual top‑tier names.
Among the quarterbacks, Bo Nix stands out as a sleeper candidate. In his rookie season he finished as QB7 and added a modest but meaningful rushing component that could translate into a higher ceiling this year. Analysts project an ADP of 135, positioning him as a mid‑late round target for those seeking upside at the position.
Rising Risks and Rewards
Running back depth is another focal point, and Jonathon Brooks embodies the classic boom‑or‑bust profile. The Carolina Panthers’ back is coming off two ACL surgeries, which drags his ADP down to 161, yet his talent ceiling remains high enough to tempt speculative starters.
Wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks is poised to inherit a larger share of targets in Philadelphia, potentially becoming the primary perimeter option opposite DeVonta Smith. His speed and route‑running skill set give him a pathway to outperform a modest ADP and become a reliable weekly starter.
At tight end, Chigoziem Okonkwo’s breakout numbers with the Tennessee Titans — 56 catches for 560 yards — suggest he could see a similar trajectory in Washington, where his role may expand in the absence of other proven options.
These early projections illustrate how injury histories, scheme fits and preseason performance can reshape draft strategies. Savvy owners will monitor training camp reports and adjust their boards accordingly, turning what appears to be a deep but volatile pool into a competitive edge.