As the NFL preseason enters its final stretch, teams are staring down a looming deadline to trim their rosters to 53 players by Sunday evening. With just a handful of games remaining, the fight for those final coveted spots has intensified, leaving scouts and general managers scouring recent film for hidden gems. While many established veterans feel safe, there is a growing group of fringe players whose stocks are skyrocketing, making them prime targets for other teams should they end up on the waiver wire or become available via trade.
Among the standouts is Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Fagnano, an undrafted free agent from Connecticut who has looked remarkably poised under pressure. In a summer where backup quarterback play has been largely mediocre across the league, Fagnano has excelled with a quick release and an ability to dissect complex defensive schemes. Given that Baltimore already has Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley locked in, Fagnano may find himself fighting for survival despite his efficiency, which would make him an immediate attraction for any team needing reliable depth behind their starter.
Over in Dallas, wide receiver Camden Brown is carving out a legitimate case for a roster spot. After a multi-touchdown effort early in the month, Brown continued to impress against Arizona with explosive plays and a level of toughness that caught observers’ attention during heavy hits over the middle. He currently finds himself in a tight battle with Jonathan Mingo for the bottom tier of the receiving corps, meaning he could either slide into the sixth receiver role or become one of the most intriguing offensive additions available upon cutdown day.
Defensive depth is also seeing some surprising surges, particularly with Ricky Barber in Washington and Solomon Byrd in Houston. Barber has evolved into a twitchy disruptor against the run since his time on the practice squad, while Byrd has used technical agility and spin moves to create havoc along the edge for the Texans. Similarly, Carolina’s Albert Reese IV has emerged as a powerhouse at right tackle, combining raw upper body strength with surprisingly light feet in pass protection. As these athletes push toward Sunday’s cutoff, their sudden rise provides a blueprint for struggling franchises looking to plug holes with high-upside talent on short notice.