As of this week, all NFL training camps will be officially underway. Ninety men across 32 teams will be vying for 53-man roster spots or a place on the 16-man practice squads. When cut-down day comes at the end of August, it will leave many good players out of work. That's where the UFL comes in. Those will be the players the UFL will most likely covet for its 2027 season. And the best of those players will come from position groups teams in which teams are deepest.
That's what I venture to look at with this column each year. These are the places UFL fans - and UFL decision-makers - should be keeping their eyes on during training camp and the preseason. In last year's article, the players I noted who went on to play spring football in 2026 included DT Casey Rogers (Defenders), S Glendon Miller (Gamblers), Josh Minkins (Storm) and CB Isaiah Bolden (Kings). This article looks at AFC teams; NFC teams will be profiled in the coming days.
Buffalo Bills
Defensive Line: Buffalo transitions to an odd-man front along the line under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. The team didn't add a lot of bodies at the position in the off-season, meaning it will be the incumbents who will be responsible for lining up in new spots. The players that take to the change most quickly may be the ones who stick around into September. A couple of free agents from 2025, Tommy Akingbesote and Phidarian Mathis, will be on the bubble. Third-year player Zion Logue was on Buffalo's practice squad last year, elevated for a few games. That could be his role again, unless Mathis or Akingbesote take it. The only rookie free agent signed by the Bills at this spot is Kody Huisman out of Virginia Tech. Even with the structural changes to the defense, he's a longshot.
Cincinnati Bengals
Running Backs: In his third pro season last year, Chase Brown broke out for over 1,000 yards rushing, and he has the potential to be even more dynamic this year. Behind him is veteran Samaje Perine, then five players fighting for the last one or two spots. Tahj Brooks played in 16 games during his rookie season but only carried the ball 16 times. Gary Brightwell is mostly a special teamer. Former Georgia Bulldog Kendall Milton has been on Cincy's practice squad the last two seasons. Then it's two undrafted free agents in Jamal Haynes (Georgia Tech) and Kentrel Bullock (South Alabama). The Bengals kept three backs on their opening 53-man roster last year and two on the initial practice squad; even then, that means two players from camp won't be retained.
Cleveland Browns
Tight Ends: Cleveland added two to this position group in the draft: Joe Royer (fifth round) and Carsen Ryan (seventh round). In part, it's what led to Sal Cannella getting cut and returning to the UFL late in the season. The big question here is does Cleveland keep three or four tight ends. That question may be answered with whether or not they keep fullback Michael Burton on the roster; keeping him likely means three TEs. In addition to the drafted rookies, Cleveland has star Harold Fannin Jr. and free agent addition Jack Stoll. Stoll and Blake Whiteheart are mostly blockers. If Ryan ends up on the practice squad, that could mean curtains for the sixth tight end, Brenden Bates, who started three games last year.
Denver Broncos
Wide Receivers: A whopping four rookie free agents were signed at this position and will enter camp for the Broncos. It will be difficult for any of them to crack the top five here, meaning they'll likely by vying for one or two practice squad spots. From most accounts, a potential sixth WR on the 53-man roster will come down to Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Hakeem Butler, and Michael Bandy, barring a surprise performance from one of the rookies. Among those first-year players: Joseph Manjack (caught 44 passes in his last year at TCU); Dane Key (his brother Devon also plays for the Broncos); Kolbe Katsis (kick return skills may keep him around); and Cam Ross (ran a 4.42 40 at his pro day).
Houston Texans
Linebackers: It figures that the deepest position group in Houston is on a defense that was atop the rankings last year. An off-season injury to E.J. Speed has the potential to shake up this room a little bit during camp. He likely won't be ready for the beginning of the regular season. Jake Hummel and Marte Mapu were added by free agency and trade respectively, making the backup roles even more competitive. Special teams play will be the deciding factor for the final few spots. Battling for those will be 2024 draft pick Jamal Hill, 2022 rookie free agent Jake Hansen, and this year's seventh round pick, Aiden Fisher of the National Champion Indiana Hoosiers.
Indianapolis Colts
Defensive Line: Historically, the Colts like to keep 10 or more defensive linemen on the roster. That could be the case again this year as they're carrying 16 into camp. Indy reshaped the position in the off-season, bringing in four free agents and one player via trade, while saying goodbye to six key contributors. The team also drafted two ends, George Gumbs (fifth round) and Caden Curry (sixth round). Even keeping double-digits at this spot, one of the free agent signings may not make it. Those battling for a spot on the roster or practice squad on the back end include last year's sixth round pick, Tim Smith; 300-pound undrafted free agent Cameron Ball out of Arkansas; and a UDFA at end, Mitchell Melton.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tight Ends: Jacksonville raised the eyebrows of draftniks by taking two tight ends, Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol, this past April. Boerkircher, in particular, went much higher (second round) than was expected. Head coach Liam Coen expects to use more three tight end sets, which is becoming the next frontier of offenses across the league. Therefore, it's likely four tight ends will be kept. Brenton Strange got a new contract last month so he's solidified as the starter. The fourth TE role could be one of the most competitive in camp. Quintin Morris and Hunter Long are the veterans, while Patrick Herbert and Ethan Conner are youngsters looking to break into the rotation.
Kansas City Chiefs
Defensive Backs: It would have surprised few if Xavier Nwankpa and DeShon Singleton had been drafted this past April. Alas, they start their NFL careers behind the eight-ball as undrafted free agents in Kansas City, trying to break into a pretty solid foursome at safety. Joining them is former Denver Bronco Tanner McCalister. All three are names to watch for the UFL. Three UDFAs at corner include Zelmar Vedder, D'Arco Perkins-McAllister and Bryce Phillips. The Chiefs figure to have three new starters of the five in their defensive backfield. Former first round pick of the Buffalo Bills, Kaiir Elam, could be the next high draft pick at the position to try his hand at spring football if he doesn't make it out of Chiefs camp.
Las Vegas Raiders
Special Teams: There's competition at two of the three key special teams spots in Vegas. Matt Gay was brought in as a free agent at kicker. He played for two teams in 2025 and only made 73.9% of his field goals. That said, it would take a big camp from rookie Kansei Matsuzawa (nicknamed "The Tokyo Toe") to unseat Gay. Long snapper is more interesting: Alex Ward took the fall for the Rams' poor kicking operation last year and looks for a new start with the Raiders. He'll face rookie free agent Tyler Duzansky out of Penn State. This may be one of the rare instances where a rookie free agent is favored over the veteran.
Los Angeles Chargers
Offensive Line: Changes were made on the offensive coaching staff this winter, as former Miami Dolphin head coach Mike McDaniel was brought in as coordinator to replace Greg Roman. Butch Barry came with McDaniel from Miami to lead an offensive line that was riddle by injury and inconsistency last year. Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, the bookend tackles, combined to miss 28 games last year. They return to the lineup. The inside will look very different with free agents Tyler Biadasz (center) and Cole Strange (left guard) signed to start. Right guard will come down to rookie second round pick Jake Slaughter and Trevor Penning. The depth is solid with Kayode Awosika coming over from Detroit and another rookie, Alex Harkey, at guard. Trey Pipkins, in his eighth year with the Chargers, will probably be the swing tackle. Josh Kaltenberger and Jacob Spomer could battle for the backup center role, with Isaiah World and Branson Taylor competing further down the line.
Miami Dolphins
Defensive Line: On the interior, Miami brings back five tackles - and they may only keep five. The intrigue, then, is for the practice squad. Rene Konga is a rookie free agent from Louisville, though his Canadian background makes him more likely to try the CFL where he was a sixth-round pick by Ottawa this year. James Ester, Alex Huntley and Keith Cooper Jr. are names to watch for depth purposes. The ends saw much more upheaval, as Josh Uche was brought in to pair with Chop Robinson in the starting lineup. David Ojabo and Robert Beal Jr. were off-season signings, joining fourth round pick Trey Moore as backups. Seth Coleman, Rodney McGraw and Mason Reiger are young, intriguing rushers who may be bumped off the roster.
New England Patriots
Linebackers: I'll include the edge group here since New England runs a 3-4 base. Jesse Luketa as well as rookie free agents Xavier Holmes and Riley Wilson are on the outside looking in for an edge spot right now. Quintayvious Hutchins was drafted in round seven; if he doesn't make the team, he'll be on the practice squad and bump another young player off. There does seem to be a lot of competition for the backup inside linebacker positions. K.J. Britt, Chad Muma and Namdi Obiazor are the top candidates to shine on special teams and lock in a backup role. Otis Reese and Amari Gainer are two youngsters with some NFL experience to rely on in trying to win a job.
New York Jets
Offensive Line: By most accounts, this is a position group that is pretty much set both in starters and backups. However, that doesn't mean there isn't talent here that would improve UFL O-Lines. The only real battle may come down to the final interior backup spot, pitting sixth-round pick Anez Cooper against Marquis Hayes. There are some familiar names to spring football fans among the third team players vying for practice squad spots. They include former San Antonio Brahma Kohl Levao and former D.C. Defender Liam Fornadel. Because of their experience in the UFL, they might be more apt to choose to return if they don't make the Jets. Courtland Ford at tackle and Xavier Hill at guard are a couple rookie free agents to keep an eye on.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Wide Receivers: It seems like Pittsburgh will keep six receivers this year, leaving the six others in camp battling for two or three practice squad jobs. There are some really intriguing players at the back end of the depth chart. Joaquin Davis and A.T. Perry both stand over 6'4". Max Hurleman played running back, punt returner and corner in college in addition to receiver. Brandon Smith has bounced around the league since playing for the Defenders in 2024. Cole Burgess is a former Bengal and Levi Wentz is the lone rookie signed after this year's draft. There will be some quality players unsigned after rosters and practice squads are formed.
Tennessee Titans
Safeties: There's a good mix of veteran and young talent at this position group for Tennessee. A good example of that is the starting duo: Amani Hooker is in his eighth year and Kevin Winston Jr. is in his second. Erick Hallett II and Sanoussi Kane are players signed from other teams' practice squads late last season as the Titans began building for the off-season. Both are in danger of missing the cut this year. Jerrick Reed was another mid-season addition, acquired off waivers from Seattle. Kendell Brooks spent last year on the practice squad. Undrafted free agent Bishop Fitzgerald out of USC has a real shot to make this team as the fourth safety, if he can show out on special teams.