50 under-the-radar NFL players to watch in 2026 season

Key Points:

• DJ Turner of the Cincinnati Bengals led the league in pass breakup percentage (18.9%) and was fourth in completion rate allowed (43.9%) in 2025, standing out on a struggling defense.
• Edgerrin Cooper, a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, showed strong rookie disruptive stats with 13 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, though his production dipped in 2025; his athleticism suggests improvement in 2026.
• Joey Porter Jr. of the Pittsburgh Steelers allowed a very low 41.4% completion rate as the primary defender in 2025, ranking second in the NFL, but needs to improve tackling despite his physical coverage skills.
• Ja'Quan McMillian of the Denver Broncos made history by sacking Patrick Mahomes twice and intercepting him once in a single game and had four sacks in 2025, contributing significantly to Denver's defense.
• Several players are poised for bigger roles or rebounds in 2026, including Josh Downs (Colts) stepping up after a teammate's trade, Parker Washington (Jaguars) emerging as a potential 1,000-yard receiver, and Daiyan Henley (Chargers) needing to return to form after a drop in production.