As we approach week one of the NFL pre-season, each team has released an official depth chart to show where players stand heading into the crucial last few weeks of training camp. It's important to note these depth charts are not compiled by coaching staffs; rather, team communication departments put them together based in part on what they've seen in camp. Two teams with UFL players - Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams - have yet to release a depth chart as of the posting of this article.
Positioning on the depth chart tends to favor veterans, followed by drafted rookies, then undrafted free agents and street free agents bringing up the rear. That's where most UFL players fit in, especially those who have only recently signed. However, in some cases, the depth charts reflect more progress made by spring football alumni. This column will look at those whose place on the depth chart stands out above just barely getting reps.
-On and off the New England Patriots roster since 2022, DT Jeremiah Pharms (Maulers - USFL) is third on the depth chart on the defensive line. He'll likely have to beat out Leonard Taylor III to make the team as Christian Barmore's backup.
-Journeyman QB Josh Johnson (Wildcats - XFL) is battling to be the number three QB in Cincinnati. He is currently listed ahead of his competition, Sean Clifford, in what may come down to performance in exhibition games.
-Two spring football wide receivers are making a real push for a roster spot - or at the least, a practice squad spot - in Denver. WR Michael Bandy (Roughnecks - XFL) is listed third behind Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin, ahead of Kyrese Rowan and two rookie free agents in Cameron Ross and Kolbe Katsis. Meanwhile, WR Hakeem Butler (Battlehawks - UFL) is also on the third team, backing up Courtland Sutton and Pat Bryant. He has three rookies trailing him.
-Now firmly entrenched as a contributor on the pass-rush and special teams for the Broncos, LB Dondrea Tillman (Stallions - UFL) is the backup weakside linebacker after starter Jonathon Cooper.
-With injuries along the offensive line in Jacksonville, OT Ricky Lee (Renegades - UFL) is listed as second-team left tackle, ahead of veteran Kilian Zierer. Cole Van Lanen is expected to be the starter at the position, but he's on the physically-unable-to-perform list with no timetable for return. It's an opportunity for Lee to get important reps should Van Lanen not be activated by the time the regular season begins.
-In Miami, OT Gottliebe Ayedze (Gamblers - UFL) has vaulted over Marques Cox to take hold of the second team left tackle position. Cox was signed in May, ahead of Ayedze's arrival, making this a notable move.
-Sticking in the 305, Ayedze's UFL teammate, S Major Burns (Gamblers - UFL) finds himself as the third team safety behind Zayne Anderson and Michael Taaffe. Burns is unlikely to crack the two-deep but he's ahead of rookie free agent Tanner Wall, giving Burns a shot at the practice squad at least.
-Highlighted as a player having a good camp in Pittsburgh, WR Brandon Smith (Defenders - UFL) is third at one of three starting receiver spots. He's ahead of second-year man Joaquin Davis. To make the team he'll likely have to be the only third-team receiver standing, beating out others - including two recent UFL signings in Cornell Powell and Isaiah Winstead.
-Ahead of a slew of young receivers in Chicago is WR Maurice Alexander (Stars - USFL). He's listed as third team receiver over the UFL's own Kaden Davis, second-year player J.P. Richardson, and rookie Omari Kelly.
-Of the four UFL 2026 signings made by Dallas in the off-season, the most interesting depth chart observation relates to G Chris Glaser (Aviators - UFL). He's on the third team - at center. The more you can do, the more valuable you are.
-Ryan Flournoy leapt ahead of WR KaVontae Turpin (Generals - USFL) on the Dallas depth chart last year. However, Turpin maintains the backup role to Flournoy and should continue to see time on offense in addition to being the main kick and punt returner for the Cowboys.
-A special teams standout for Detroit last season, RB Jacob Saylors (Battlehawks - UFL) is in a competitive battle to retain his spot on the 53-man roster. He's currently the fourth RB on the Lions' depth chart, and will have to fend off Jabari Small, Kyle Robichaux and Raheem Blackshear to win a role - if Detroit keeps four backs. Otherwise, Saylors will have to try to overtake another key special teamer, Sione Vaki, who sits ahead of Saylors on the third team.
-One of the stars of training camp in Detroit has been CB Nick Whiteside (Battlehawks - UFL). Whiteside has gone from a fringe roster player to someone who will now be difficult to cut. His place on the depth chart reflects the success he's had this summer: He's the immediate backup to D.J. Reed at one corner spot, ahead of Khalil Dorsey and former Birmingham Stallion Ryan Cooper Jr.
-Joining a new team for 2026, S Elijah Campbell (Defenders - XFL) will don Giants blue after playing for the Dolphins the last several seasons. Campbell will have to make headway on special teams, and he begins pre-season game action as the third free safety, likely having to jump Ar'Darius Washington to make the team.
-WR Kevin Austin Jr. (Stallions - UFL) looks to break camp with New Orleans and is in a pretty good position to do so right now per the team's depth chart: He is the second team receiver behind DeVaughn Vele. Keep an eye on Ronnie Bell and Mason Tipton during upcoming pre-season games as they are the two behind him.
-After spending all of last season on the team's practice squad, CB Jayden Price (Renegades - UFL) is back vying for a spot on the Saints' active roster. Interestingly, New Orleans lists three starting safeties on its depth chart, and Price is a backup at one of those spots, behind Jonas Sanker and ahead of rookie 5th round draft pick Lorenzo Styles Jr.
-Both Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown (Kings - UFL) are listed as co-starters on the first team in New Orleans, showing how little daylight there is between the two kickers fighting for the job this summer. It's another one in which performance in the three games coming up will play a big part in who comes out on top.
-Injured most of 2025 after tearing his ACL in his final year of college at Indiana, Kurtis Rourke, a 7th round pick in last year's draft, is back healthy and competing for the number three QB job in San Francisco. His competition is QB Adrian Martinez (Stallions - UFL), the former UFL MVP who had two stints in the Bay Area last year, getting his first NFL regular season snap as a 49er. Right now, Rourke is listed ahead of Martinez.
-Two spring football specialists find themselves the underdogs in Tampa Bay. K B.T. Potter (Panthers - UFL) is behind incumbent Chase McLaughlin; and LS Scott Daly (Guardians - XFL 2020) trails holdover Evan Deckers. Deference is generally given to returnees in these situations, so no surprises here.