As 30 of the 32 NFL teams prepare for their first preseason games this week, the NFL mandates that each squad puts out an initial depth chart featuring the players in camp. It should be cautioned, though, that these depth charts are unofficial. They are created by the communications or public relations departments for the team. While they are based off of what is seen during training camp, these are not formed by the coaching staffs.
Nevertheless, these depth charts give fans a glimpse, roughly, of where players stand after the first few weeks of camp. It shows who may be safe, who may need strong preseason game performances to stick, and who may be ticketed for the UFL in 2026. Over 70 players are currently on NFL rosters that played in either the XFL (2020 or 2023), USFL, or UFL. I’ve scoured the depth charts of each NFL team that has at least one spring football player on it to give fans an update on where those players are situated at this stage. I’ve included their spring football team as well as their NFL uniform number, should you choose to use this as a guide to follow these players while watching upcoming preseason games.
Arizona: A lot of UFL players signed after training camp began, many within the last week or two. Those players will almost always be at the back of the line when the depth chart is released. That’s the case for NT Kyon Barrs (#65 – Renegades), who is listed as the fifth nose tackle in Arizona’s 3-4 alignment; CB Keni-H Lovely (#15 – Panthers), the fourth corner at one of three starting cornerback spots; and CB Steven Gilmore (#38 – Stallions), falling in line as the third and last CB at another one of those corner positions.
Atlanta: The Falcons are loaded with players who’ve gained experience in spring football. Starting on offense, RB Jashaun Corbin (#30 – Brahmas) has a long way to go: He’s sixth and last on the RB depth chart, behind rookie free agent Nathan Carter and third-year player vagabond Elijah Dotson. Pressed into duty for four games with Atlanta last year, WR Chris Blair (#19 – Defenders) is fourth at one of three receiver positions, meaning in theory there are nine players in total at the position ahead of him, making even a practice squad spot seem slim. But Blair has excelled in the preseason before. OT Storm Norton (#77 – Wildcats) is at second-string left tackle, battling once again to be the swing tackle active on gamedays. His competition includes Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. and rookie draft pick Jack Nelson.
Defensively, DT Lacale London (#94 – Battlehawks) missed the first few days of camp on the non-football injury list. He’s fourth at one of the interior defensive line spots, behind Ta’Quon Graham. He’s trying to stick around for his third year as a Falcon. Atlanta employs six safeties in camp, with S Henry Black (#32 – Brahmas) being the newest among them. Therefore, he lines up as the third and final safety at one of the two spots, behind Xavier Watts and Jordan Fuller. In reality, he’s likely competing with Josh Thompson, another third-string safety, for the practice squad.
Baltimore: The only long snapper in camp, LS Nick Moore (#46 – Tampa Bay Vipers) should retain his roster spot for another year.
Buffalo: Despite getting opportunities with so many receiver injuries in camp, WR Deon Cain (#32 – Stallions) hasn’t been able to climb the depth chart. He shares fourth-team duties with nomadic veteran Kristian Wikerson behind starter Joshua Palmer.
Carolina: DE LaBryan Ray (#93 – Stars) earned a lot of playing time last year along Carolina’s line, much of it coming due to injuries to those ahead of him. That experience was valuable, however, and Ray is listed as the immediate backup to Derrick Brown at defensive end. Brown was one of those felled by injury early last year. Nipping at Ray’s heels for playing time is Jaden Crumedy, a sixth-round pick of Carolina in 2024.
Chicago: Though he has missed some time in camp due to injury, LS Scott Daly (#46 – NY Guardians) recently returned to action. He’s the starter ahead of rookie Luke Elkin. Unlike many teams, Chicago lists two starting receivers and two starting tight ends. WR Maurice Alexander (#13 – Stars) is on the fourth team at one of those two receiver spots. He is listed atop others like John Jackson and Jahdae Walker, who will be his main competition for what is likely to be the practice squad.
Cincinnati: At one of two outside corner positions, CB Nate Brooks (#41 – Panthers) is third on the depth chart, just ahead of Bralyn Lux, a rookie undrafted free agent.
Cleveland: Fifth on the depth chart at TE is Sal Cannella (#87 – Renegades), ahead of only Mitch Van Vooren, signed on Monday. Cannella can nab a practice squad spot, but it’ll likely be between him and Brenden Bates. Also fifth at his position is RB Toa Taua (#35 – Panthers). Taua has the potential to beat out rookie free agent Ahmani Marshall ahead of him but has newly signed Trayveon Williams nipping at his heels. CB Keenan Isaac (#38 – Roughnecks), is also fifth at one of two cornerback positions. In a kicker battle, veteran Dustin Hopkins has the leg-up over Andre Szmyt (#47 – Battlehawks) – for now.
At least for the first week of the preseason, incumbent LS Rex Sunahara (#50 – Brahmas) has a hold on the first-string over rookie free agent Brent Matiscik. WR Kaden Davis (#89 – Panthers) is the immediate backup to starter Cedric Tillman at one of three starting receiver spots. This may be temporary as David Bell is on the non-football injury list and could be activated at any time, potentially knocking Davis down to number three and making his road to the team a little more daunting.
Dallas: Two of the more successful spring football transitions into the NFL over the last half-decade are on the Cowboys. WR Kavontae Turpin (#9 – Generals) could find himself in the starting lineup – first-string for one of Dallas’s receiver spots is listed as Jalen Tolbert -OR- Turpin. It would be a significant rise in offensive profile for Turpin. K Brandon Aubrey (#17 – Stallions) has no peer in camp. DT Perrion Winfrey (#99 – Stallions) has worked his way onto the third team, ahead of Denzel Daxon, who is in his second year with Dallas.
Denver: Early depth charts tend to give deference to veterans over rookies. That could be the case with WR Michael Bandy (#83 – Roughnecks), who has been in the Broncos system since 2023. In the receiver role led by Marvin Mims, Bandy is third in line; behind him are three undrafted rookies. If it comes down to the practice squad, Denver may choose to keep youth over someone they may see as having reached their apex. LB Dondrea Tillman (#92 – Stallions) is listed as second team weakside linebacker behind starter Nik Bonitto. To show how far that veteran deference goes under head coach Sean Payton, recently acquired LB Garrett Nelson (#59 – Brahmas) is ahead of rookie fourth round draft pick Que Robinson, also on the weakside linebacker depth chart. LS Mitchell Fraboni (#48 – Maulers) is the sole long snapper on the roster.
Detroit: Unlike most teams, Detroit already has a preseason game in their pocket, playing in the opening Hall of Fame game last Thursday. The Lions have six running backs on the roster and Jacob Saylors (#48 – Battlehawks) is sixth in line. He got just a few carries in that first game. One of the backs ahead of him, Sione Vaki, is largely a special teamer. At one of two outside corner spots, CB Nick Whiteside (#38 – Battlehawks) if fourth and last on the depth chart. The depth chart has yet to be updated to reflect the signing of CB D.J. Miller (#42 – Panthers). The only kicker in camp, K Jake Bates (#39 – Panthers) is uncontested for his specialist duties.
Houston: CB Damon Arnette (#41 – Roughnecks) stayed in Houston when he signed with the Texans. He has yet to make significant headway on the depth chart despite his first-round pedigree, as he’s third of three corners in Houston’s nickel defense.
Green Bay: Despite an up-and-down first two NFL seasons, P Daniel Whelan (#19 – Defenders) is the sole punter in camp for Green Bay. It’s his job to lose.
Indianapolis: Behind starter Alec Pierce, WR D.J. Montgomery (#2 – Panthers) finds himself third in line, ahead of Blayne Taylor and Landon Parker. Like most teams these days, the Colts list three starting receivers on their depth chart.
Jacksonville: Though he’s not listed on the team’s depth chart, OT Ricky Lee (#66 – Renegades) would likely fit in as the third offensive tackle (which is blank on the team’s depth chart) at either left or right tackle.
Kansas City: Seven tight ends are currently on Kansas City’s roster. Geor’Quarius Spivey (#45 – Roughnecks) was one of the first UFL signees, which gave him a slight advantage over many other names that appear in this article. Spivey is the sixth tight end, ahead of only Tre Watson.
Las Vegas: Vegas lists three starting wide receiver positions on their depth chart. WR Seth Williams (#83 – Defenders) has a long way to go to break through, as he stands fourth on starter Tre Tucker’s line. Williams is only ahead of Kawaan Baker, who was signed after him.
Los Angeles Chargers: QB Trey Lance impressed in extended action in the Hall of Fame game against Detroit. That has resulted in Lance “OR” QB Taylor Heinicke (#4 – Battlehawks) listed as the backup to Justin Herbert. The loser of that competition will either land on the practice squad or be out of work. With deep backups getting most of the field time in that first preseason game, OT Ryan Nelson (#74 – Panthers) ended up playing the second-most offensive snaps of any Chargers player. On the first depth chart, he’s listed as third in line at left tackle, though he played mostly right tackle last Thursday.
Los Angeles Rams: Though he appears fourth on the depth chart, QB Dresser Winn (#4 – Showboats) is really third as starter Matthew Stafford has been dealing with a back issue. If nothing else, it’s given him the opportunity for more reps in camp. DE Jack Heflin (#93 – Roughnecks), normally a defensive tackle, is listed at end in LA’s 3-4. He’s behind Kobie Turner and Tyler Davis, ahead of rookie Deion Terry. Of note: The Rams rarely play their starters at all during the preseason, which means even deep reserves will see plenty of playing time in the upcoming exhibition games.
Miami: Still plugging away in Miami is S Elijah Campbell (#22 – Defenders), who has survived with the Dolphins since 2021 by being a core special teamer. Each year is a battle to keep his spot as younger players are brought in. This year is no different: He’s second in line behind starter Minkah Fitzpatrick at one safety spot, but behind him is 2025 fifth round pick Dante Trader, Jr. We’ll see if the math works out in his favor again this year.
Minnesota: Another player that is on a multiple year run on the fringes of an NFL roster is WR Lucky Jackson (#81 – Defenders). He has already gotten some positive publicity for his play in camp; he’ll try to carry that over to the games. And he’ll do that listed as the immediate backup to Jordan Addison, who will be suspended for the first three games of the NFL season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. It’s a huge jump up the ladder for Jackson, as he is ahead of more decorated players like former second round pick Rondale Moore and is at worst the fourth receiver, which would put him on the 53-man roster as it stands today.
Jackson’s spring football compadre in Minnesota, DL Jalen Redmond (#61 – Renegades) is similarly in a good spot to make the team. After impressing in limited action last year, Redmond is second team behind Harrison Phillips, and ahead of Taki Taimani, who made the team as an undrafted free agent last year and was also drafted in the 2024 UFL College Draft by Redmond’s spring team – the Arlington Renegades.
New England: Just signed by the Patriots, C Alec Lindstrom (#61 – Showboats) is listed as the fourth of four centers. There’s not a lot of upward mobility here with draft pick Jared Wilson immediately ahead of him. According to reports, Wilson has been starting at left guard, potentially giving Lindstrom more snaps at the pivot. At inside linebacker, R.J. Moten (#46 – Panthers) will gain valuable experience in this training camp, but that might be about all – he’s also fourth of four at one of two ILB positions.
Elsewhere, good news for DT Jeremiah Pharms, Jr. (#98 – Maulers) as he makes his bid to win a job. He’s behind Milton Williams at DT, ahead of David Olajiga. Pharms earned important regular season snaps last year. At kicker, Andy Borregales is only one of two rookies in the starting lineup per this depth chart, putting K John Parker Romo (#37 – Brahmas) in the difficult position of having to try to come from behind to beat out the draft pick.
New Orleans: Behind Chris Olave and Bub Means sits WR Kevin Austin, Jr. (#81 – Stallions), who contributed down the stretch for the Saints last year and even started a few games. He’ll probably be competing for the last receiver spot, so keep an eye on him for special teams during the preseason games. With both interior and outside flexibility, the team has decided to list OT Barry Wesley (#69 – Stallions) at left tackle; specifically, third string left tackle. Alontae Taylor and Ugo Amadi are two players ahead of CB Jayden Price (#38 – Renegades) at one of three corner slots in the starting lineup.
New York Jets: Last year’s UFL MVP, QB Adrian Martinez (#15 – Stallions), has the inside track on the number three QB job again, ahead of 2025 undrafted free agent Brady Cook. Preseason play may go a long way in determining who comes out on top in that battle. Thet Jets list three receivers as starters and at one of those, WR Brandon Smith (#87 – Defenders) is third of four behind starter Josh Reynolds. He’s ahead of UDFA Quentin Skinner. A hold-over from last season, G Kohl Levao (#60 – Brahmas) is in position to win the backup left guard job. He’s listed as second-string. Fellow UFL alum Samuel Jackson (#68 – Roughnecks) is fourth. Despite only recently signing with the team, veteran Nick Folk is already ahead of K Harrison Mevis (#45 – Stallions) on the depth chart.
Having only just been claimed off waivers from Denver, CB Mario Goodrich (Stallions) does not appear on the chart. In a bit of a position change from the usual, G Liam Fornadel (#50 – Defenders) is listed as third team center, getting a front row seat for the starting battle between Joe Tippmann and Josh Myers.
Philadelphia: After dominating in the Super Bowl, Philly’s defensive line added DT Jacob Sykes (#93 – Brahmas) following the UFL season. Showing just how difficult it will be to make the team on a talented line, Sykes is the third tackle at one of two interior line spots, behind Moro Ojomo and Byron Young.
Pittsburgh: Already released and re-signed once during training camp, it should then come as no surprise that DT Domenique Davis (#69 – Gamblers) is buried on Pittsburgh’s depth chart, the fourth and final nose tackle listed. The long snapper competition has a distinct spring football flavor as LS Christian Kuntz (#46 – Renegades), who has had the job since 2021, will try to fend off LS Tucker Addington (#45 – Gamblers). Right now, Kuntz is listed first, Addington second in this XFL vs. USFL heavyweight bout.
San Francisco: A host of defensive linemen with spring football ties fill out the depth chart for the 49ers. Rookie Mykel Williams, the only rookie starter on the list in the Bay Area, heads one defensive end spot. Bryce Huff is the backup, followed by DE Jonathan Garvin (#96 – Stallions) and DE Jaylon Allen (#76 – Showboats). Next to them at defensive tackle is DT Bruce Hector (#60 – Renegades) on the fourth team – he just signed the other day. And at the other end is another fourth teamer, DE Bradlee Anae (#69 – Stallions), another player who was recently brought aboard.
On offense, G Zack Johnson (#69 – Stallions) is the direct backup to right guard Dominick Puni, ahead of Drew Moss. Even if he doesn’t make the 53-man roster, this sets him up as having a good shot for the practice squad, provided he puts positive plays on tape in the upcoming preseason games.
Tampa Bay: The Brahmas passing game didn’t strike fear in many defenses in 2025, but that didn’t stop the Buccaneers from giving WR Jacob Harris (#30 – Brahmas) a look. One of many who days ago was signed, Harris as the fourth and final receiver behind starter Jalen McMillan. Though his roster spot is far from assured, DT C.J. Brewer (#52 – Roughnecks) begins preseason game action as second-string defensive end behind Calijah Kancey. Keep an eye on the performances of Eric Banks and Dvon J-Thomas: They’re behind Brewer on the depth chart and would be the ones most likely to push him for his job.
Tennessee: In Tennessee’s 3-4 defense, DT Josiah Bronson (#73 – Showboats) is listed as an end, the fourth end behind starter Sebastian Joseph-Day. Because Bronson is one of the most recent UFL-to-NFL signings, the first preseason game won’t be a good barometer of where he falls in line; keep an eye on him in the second and third games.
Washington: Starting out splitting the fourth team reps with Tay Martin is WR Braylon Sanders (#86 – Defenders). He has a chance to stand out with his big-play ability he showed in the UFL this season. QB Josh Johnson (#14 – Wildcats) is still kicking around the NFL and for the Commanders, is behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota. He doesn’t have an unimpeded path to the number three job, though, as he’ll have to continue to keep second-year signal-caller Sam Hartman at bay.