Nathan Jahnke· Aug 28, 2026
PFF's preseason fantasy recap makes a series of depth-chart, roster and usage projections based on final-week preseason snap counts, including Ja'Kobi Lane locking down the Ravens' third receiver role, Luke McCaffrey's roster spot being in danger, Kyle Pitts facing reduced 12-personnel usage, Kendre Miller as the Saints' RB2 and Emmett Johnson as the Chiefs' backup running back.
“This included Lane, giving even more evidence that Lane will be the third wide receiver in 11 personnel this season.”
published in writing · Pro Football Focus · read the original →
40 checkable claims — 21 roster spot calls, 17 depth chart calls, 1 sleeper call and 1 trade and signing call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 54 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
11 of 40 have settled so far, averaging 72.7 out of 100, against 90.9 for a naive guess at the same calls.
Of the 10 unsettled calls enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands above the room on 3 and below it on 7.
Where this call stands in the room
Pat Bryant · 2026 season5 calls from 4 pundits between 2 and 3. Nathan Jahnke said 3. the room's median is 3. not settled yet
Every dot is a call somebody published on the same question. Where the dots land says where this take sits, not whether it is right — nothing here is settled yet. Hover a dot for the name and number; click it to read that take.
Where do you stand? Pick this and every open claim on Picks →
Who this take is about
- Malik Davis
- Dallas Cowboys
- Bo Melton
- Green Bay Packers
- Jonathan Mingo
- Reggie Virgil
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tahj Brooks
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Luke McCaffrey
- Washington Commanders
- Van Jefferson
- Brashard Smith
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Feleipe Franks
- Carolina Panthers
- Ja'Tavion Sanders
- Brycen Tremayne
- Pat Bryant
- Denver Broncos
- Noah Fant
- New Orleans Saints
- Emmanuel Henderson
- Seattle Seahawks
- Tyrone Tracy Jr.
- New York Giants
- Najee Harris
- Kendre Miller
- Dohnte Meyers
- Colbie Young
- Sean Tucker
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Myles Price
- Minnesota Vikings
- Kevin Coleman
- Miami Dolphins
- Malik Washington
- Elijah Arroyo
- Jonnu Smith
- Phil Mafah
- Ameer Abdullah
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Ja'Kobi Lane
- Baltimore Ravens
- Carson Wentz
- Mitchell Tinsley
- Elijah Sarratt
- Jalen Reagor
- Devin Duvernay
- Charlie Jones
- Justin Joly
- Trevor Etienne
- Tyler Badie
- Emmett Johnson
40 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
- Roster Spot CallsMalik DavisDallas CowboysAug 28, 2026
Malik Davis to make the roster
“Davis and Mingo weren't roster locks entering training camp, so the fact that both sat out this week strongly suggests they have secured spots on the 53-man roster.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- DAL
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- f47d9ced-e880-43e1-ae84-7d9bc56e65b8
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 1
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
- Roster Spot CallsBo MeltonGreen Bay PackersAug 28, 2026
Bo Melton to make the roster
“The only Packers skill-position player who appeared in this game and is likely to make the roster is Bo Melton.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- GB
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- eff8147d-02ae-4f59-958e-f2554a6d6c70
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 1
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
- Roster Spot CallsJonathan MingoDallas CowboysAug 28, 2026
Jonathan Mingo to make the roster
“Davis and Mingo weren't roster locks entering training camp, so the fact that both sat out this week strongly suggests they have secured spots on the 53-man roster.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- DAL
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- 596e0978-2852-4f5a-a509-c9fc9cc90ce6
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 1
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
- Roster Spot CallsReggie VirgilArizona CardinalsAug 28, 2026
Reggie Virgil to make the roster
“Fifth-round rookie Reggie Virgil hasn't been able to move up the depth chart but is also likely to make the roster.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- ARI
- skill:
- 200
- player:
- fcbfa7a8-7e23-4ee7-9d09-3216b80bb17b
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 1
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
- Roster Spot CallsTahj BrooksCincinnati BengalsAug 28, 2026
Tahj Brooks to make the roster
“Bengals running back Tahj Brooks appears likely to make the roster as the team's third running back unless Cincinnati adds someone from another roster.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- CIN
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- 7da4621c-f05e-4736-b687-9f93f649943b
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 1
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
Luke McCaffrey to make the roster
“Luke McCaffrey's roster spot is in danger: The Washington Commanders receiver was active while six other receivers were inactive, so McCaffrey is only likely to make the roster if Washington keeps seven wide receivers.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- WAS
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- c33e788e-310c-4498-b60e-57d05fd8ea73
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 1
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
Van Jefferson to make the roster
“Jefferson appears unlikely to make the roster at this point, but McCaffrey appears to be in danger too.”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- WAS
- skill:
- -200
- player:
- c80dec05-b17d-4769-afba-cf89589d6b8d
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he does not make the 53
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 1
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
Brashard Smith to make the roster
“It's also possible Smith doesn't make the roster if Kansas City keeps only three running backs.”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- KC
- skill:
- -200
- player:
- 1729c644-96de-49cd-a843-9fd0f6515907
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he does not make the 53
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 1
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
- Roster Spot CallsFeleipe FranksCarolina PanthersAug 28, 2026
Feleipe Franks to make the roster
“Feleipe Franks is expected to make the roster for his play on special teams.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- CAR
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- 5f3a0650-0082-4b26-a716-2dc781313fc8
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 1
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
Ja'Tavion Sanders to make the roster
“Unless the Panthers keep five tight ends, he is unlikely to make the roster.”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- CAR
- skill:
- -200
- player:
- 937fe35f-72a6-4fb1-9d63-6b95cb3b3c0b
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he does not make the 53
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 1
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
Brycen Tremayne to make the roster
“This means Tremayne is the one backup receiver who is a lock to make the roster.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- CAR
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- 6ab729d5-d8de-4d4c-a02a-a33296dae0a5
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 1
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
- Depth Chart CallsPat BryantDenver BroncosAug 28, 2026
Pat Bryant to be 3rd on the depth chart
“In reality, Bryant is likely the third wide receiver, as he sat out this game.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsNoah FantNew Orleans SaintsAug 28, 2026
Noah Fant to be 2nd on the depth chart
“providing further evidence that he will be the tight end alongside Juwan Johnson in 12 personnel this season, with Delp serving as Johnson's backup”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Emmanuel Henderson to be 8th on the depth chart
“Sixth-round rookie wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. remains eighth on the wide receiver depth chart, as he has throughout the preseason.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsTyrone Tracy Jr.New York GiantsAug 28, 2026
Tyrone Tracy Jr. to be 4th on the depth chart
“It wouldn't be surprising if Tracy drops to fourth on the depth chart, even if he's healthy.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsNajee HarrisNew York GiantsAug 28, 2026
Najee Harris to outplay his draft cost
“Harris is also a solid late-round sleeper, as his ADP hasn't moved much despite signing with New York.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsKendre MillerNew Orleans SaintsAug 28, 2026
Kendre Miller to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Kendre Miller appears set to be the Saints' RB2 in Week 1: Miller appears to have emerged as the top backup among New Orleans' healthy running backs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsDohnte MeyersCincinnati BengalsAug 28, 2026
Dohnte Meyers to be 5th on the depth chart
“Colbie Young and Dohnte Meyers appear to be fourth and fifth on Cincinnati's wide receiver depth chart.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsColbie YoungCincinnati BengalsAug 28, 2026
Colbie Young to be 4th on the depth chart
“Colbie Young and Dohnte Meyers appear to be fourth and fifth on Cincinnati's wide receiver depth chart.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsSean TuckerTampa Bay BuccaneersAug 28, 2026
Sean Tucker to be 3rd on the depth chart
“The fact that Tucker started suggests he has a slight edge, but the rotation indicates it's not decided.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsTahj BrooksCincinnati BengalsAug 28, 2026
Tahj Brooks to be 3rd on the depth chart
“Bengals running back Tahj Brooks appears likely to make the roster as the team's third running back”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsMyles PriceMinnesota VikingsAug 28, 2026
Myles Price to be 4th on the depth chart
“The fact that Price didn't play in this game while Tai Felton did suggests Price is fourth on the depth chart.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsKevin ColemanMiami DolphinsAug 28, 2026
Kevin Coleman to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. has consistently been in the slot and will be Washington's backup there.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsMalik WashingtonMiami DolphinsAug 28, 2026
Malik Washington to be 1st on the depth chart
“He didn't play in either of the last two preseason games, and will be the Dolphins' top fantasy receiver to start this season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsElijah ArroyoSeattle SeahawksAug 28, 2026
Elijah Arroyo to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Still, he remains the top backup receiving tight end and should see a decent amount of playing time this season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jonnu Smith to move to Green Bay Packers
“While it has been reported that Jonnu Smith will sign with the Packers, he has not officially been added to the roster yet.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsPhil MafahDallas CowboysAug 28, 2026
Phil Mafah to make the roster
“Mafah playing in this game makes it clear that he is behind both and could be in danger of missing the roster.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Ameer Abdullah to make the roster
“The fact that Abdullah didn't play suggests Jacksonville will keep four running backs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsJa'Kobi LaneBaltimore RavensAug 28, 2026
Ja'Kobi Lane to be 3rd on the depth chart
“This included Lane, giving even more evidence that Lane will be the third wide receiver in 11 personnel this season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsCarson WentzMinnesota VikingsAug 28, 2026
Carson Wentz to make the roster
“Carson Wentz played only the second quarter last week and just eight snaps in this game, suggesting he should make the Vikings' roster.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Mitchell Tinsley to make the roster
“That could leave Tinsley as the odd man out at wide receiver.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsElijah SarrattBaltimore RavensAug 28, 2026
Elijah Sarratt to make the roster
“While he is likely to make the Ravens' roster given the investment Baltimore made in him, he isn't as high on the depth chart.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsJalen ReagorMiami DolphinsAug 28, 2026
Jalen Reagor to make the roster
“However, Tolbert was clearly ahead of Reagor in this game, putting Reagor's roster spot in jeopardy.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsKendre MillerNew Orleans SaintsAug 28, 2026
Kendre Miller to make the roster
“Miller's roster spot now appears safe, while there should be room for at least one of Estime or Neal until Kamara returns.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsDevin DuvernayArizona CardinalsAug 28, 2026
Devin Duvernay to make the roster
“Duvernay appears locked into a roster spot, likely more because of his special teams value than his receiving ability.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsCharlie JonesCincinnati BengalsAug 28, 2026
Charlie Jones to make the roster
“he is listed as Cincinnati's top kick and punt returner and will likely make the roster because of his special teams value”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsJustin JolyDenver BroncosAug 28, 2026
Justin Joly to make the roster
“While tight end Justin Joly is likely to make the roster as a fifth-round pick, he didn't enter the game until late in the second quarter”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsTrevor EtienneCarolina PanthersAug 28, 2026
Trevor Etienne to be 3rd on the depth chart
“Third-string running back Trevor Etienne played the first two snaps and then his night was done, suggesting his spot as the third running back is safe.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsTyler BadieDenver BroncosAug 28, 2026
Tyler Badie to be 4th on the depth chart
“If the Broncos keep a fourth running back, Badie appears to be the current favorite.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Emmett Johnson to be 2nd on the depth chart
“This suggests Johnson will be Walker's primary backup to start the season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Tyler SullivanDepth Chart Calls · Drew LockMiss · 0In an unsigned Week 2 odds roundup, the piece states that with Sam Darnold hurt, Drew Lock will likely start at quarterback for Seattle against Arizona.
- Chris BrockmanTrade and Signing Calls · Baker MayfieldHit · 100Brockman's season-preview overreactions: Fernando Mendoza becomes an Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist; Dak Prescott wins MVP and the Cowboys win the Super Bowl; Jesse Minter's Ravens win the AFC North; C.J. Stroud leads Houston to the AFC's No. 1 seed; Jonathan Taylor approaches 2,000 rushing yards; Baker Mayfield wins the NFC South, goes 12-5 and reaches the NFC title game while landing a $60 million-per-year deal; and Aaron Rodgers throws 35-plus touchdowns as the Steelers go 11-6 and win the North.
- Mike MoraitisTrade and Signing Calls · DaRon BlandHit · 100Moraitis names five Cowboys he expects to be playing their final season opener in Dallas in 2026: George Pickens (likely tag-and-trade or departure), Malik Hooker, Luke Schoonmaker, DeMarvion Overshown and DaRon Bland.
- Pat FitzmauriceDepth Chart Calls · Kyler MurrayHit · 100Fitzmaurice touts Kyler Murray as a value QB who will start Week 1 for Minnesota, Tyler Shough as the Saints' undisputed starter, and Juwan Johnson and Terrance Ferguson as late-round tight end targets.
- John ShipleyRoster Spot Calls · Jack KiserMiss · 0Shipley projects a full 16-player (plus one international/exemption spot) Jaguars practice squad for 2026, naming specific players at each position he expects to land there.
- Pat FitzmauriceDepth Chart Calls · Kyler MurrayHit · 100Fitzmaurice expects Kyler Murray to be Minnesota's Week 1 starter and calls him one of the better quarterback values in 2026 drafts; he also views Jordan Love as a top-10 real-life quarterback but only a QB2 in fantasy.
More roster spot calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Nick ShookRoster Spot Calls · Aaron DonaldHit · 100Shook unveiled his first NFL power rankings of the year, putting the Rams first, the Broncos second and the defending champion Seahawks only third, with the Dolphins last.
- Ralph VentreRoster Spot Calls · Greg DortchMiss · 0Ventre expects the Bills to elevate Greg Dortch from the practice squad to handle punt return duties for the season opener at Houston.
- Andrew MooreRoster Spot Calls · Kenneth HarrisHit · 100Moore expects Anthony Richardson Sr. to make the Colts' 53-man roster and win the QB2 job over Riley Leonard, and believes Spencer Shrader should beat out Blake Grupe for the kicking job; he also sees UDFA cornerback Kenneth Harris as having an outside shot at the roster.
- Gene ChamberlainRoster Spot Calls · Kaden DavisMiss · 0Chamberlain argues Kaden Davis did not do enough in the second preseason game to earn a roster spot as a fifth or sixth receiver/returner, implying he won't make the roster.
- Christian BooherRoster Spot Calls · Ben StilleHit · 100Booher writes that newly signed defensive tackle Ben Stille has a realistic path to making the Lions' 53-man roster as a rotational interior lineman.
- Jeff KerrRoster Spot Calls · Britain CoveyHit · 100Kerr says Quez Watkins, despite getting first-team reps amid the Eagles' receiver injuries, will not make Philadelphia's roster, while Britain Covey may survive the roster battle with Darius Cooper thanks to his punt-return ability and rapport with Jalen Hurts.