Jalen Coker has Carolina’s trust and a new contract
Coker earned a three-year, $35 million extension in June, solidifying his role as Carolina’s clear No. 2 behind Tetairoa McMillan. A torn LCL to Chris Brazzell’s knee last season only reinforces that position as the team heads into 2026. In six games last season, Coker out-targeted McMillan with about a 20% target share to McMillan’s roughly 18.3%. Coker remarked on the Panthers’ deep receiving corps, noting that so many big, athletic players create opportunities for everyone to showcase their abilities. While his career average hasn’t surpassed 8.4 fantasy points per game, his role in Carolina’s offense and the contract extension signal a meaningful floor for fantasy production if the opportunity arises.
Josh Downs enters the season after his best camp yet
The Indianapolis Colts moved Michael Pittman to Pittsburgh, opening up target opportunities. Downs has described this training camp as his strongest yet, and he’s leaned on veteran Keenan Allen for guidance. Downs highlighted Allen’s savvy approach, comparing him to similarities Shane Steichen faced during Allen’s time in San Diego. A minor calf issue briefly interrupted camp but is not viewed as a Week 1 concern. In games with at least eight targets, Downs has averaged about 14.2 fantasy points, and Indianapolis intends to deploy him across multiple roles this season.
Adonai Mitchell has his quarterback’s confidence
Mitchell arrived in New York via a trade and made a quick impression in a limited sample, averaging about 7.2 targets per game down the stretch. Teammate Garrett Wilson has praised him, calling Mitchell a “ticking time bomb” in a positive sense, and the Jets’ quarterback Geno Smith has echoed wide optimism, suggesting Mitchell could be a special player for a long time. The Jets added other young pass-catchers this offseason, but Mitchell has built early chemistry as a reliable target.
Matthew Golden is a different player in Year 2
Golden, a first-round pick who flashed during his rookie season, is now in a clearer target landscape in Green Bay after the departures of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks. Coach Matt LaFleur has praised Golden’s development, citing elite hands and a stronger understanding of the offense. Golden has been a steady presence with the first-team offense throughout camp, and he noted that the game is starting to slow down, allowing him to play faster and more confidently. He is emerging as a potential focal point in Green Bay’s passing game as continuity builds with the offense.
Romeo Doubs is trending up in New England
Doubs left Green Bay to join the Patriots, who ranked highly in neutral passing rate last season. He has established himself as the clear No. 2 receiver behind A.J. Brown. After an initial adjustment period to a new system, head coach Mike Vrabel has observed progress, describing the transition as a work in progress but trending positively. Doubs has emphasized his approach of playing fast and physical, focusing on putting the team in better positions.
Jalen McMillan carries risk, reward into Week 1
McMillan has shown upside when healthy, including eight touchdowns as a rookie and a 114-yard game last season. Durability remains a concern, as a persistent knee issue has lingered through much of camp. Head coach Todd Bowles offered cautious optimism about his trajectory. If McMillan can stay on the field, the departure of Mike Evans in Tampa Bay could create additional target share, though durability will be a critical factor to watch early in the season.
KC Concepcion is the rookie Cleveland is buzzing about
Concepcion recently won the Maurice Bassett Award as Cleveland’s top training camp rookie, an acknowledgement voted on by the media covering the team. Head coach Todd Monken has been clear about plans to feature the first-round pick, highlighting Concepcion’s explosiveness, quickness, and balance. He’s been building chemistry with quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has indicated expectations for Concepcion to get open and contribute as a dynamic playmaker.
Bottom line for fantasy managers
These seven players are not widely drafted as immediate fantasy staples, but their situations—new contracts, expanded roles, and coaching staff confidence—signal potential late-round value. As training camps unfold, monitoring target shares, role clarity, and injury recoveries will be essential. For those drafting in the late rounds, these risers and their surrounding circumstances deserve regular attention, especially in deeper leagues or formats that reward mid-to-late round sleepers who can latch onto favorable targets and offensive schemes.
Note: This piece maintains the core information and names of players who garnered attention during training camp, focusing on signals that could translate into late-round fantasy value in the upcoming season.
