Training camp is where fantasy football ADPs start to change in a hurry.
Every year we see a handful of players go from “late-round dart throw” to “everyone’s favorite sleeper” because of a few weeks of positive reports. Not every camp hype train works out, but there are a few names that have my attention right now.
Malik Nabers, WR – New York Giants
A few months ago, there was a legitimate reason to be nervous.
After tearing his ACL and meniscus last season, reports surfaced that Malik Nabers underwent a second procedure to remove scar tissue. Then the offseason videos started circulating, and I’ll be honest, he didn’t look like himself. He wasn’t moving with the same explosiveness that made him one of the most exciting young receivers in football.
Fast forward to training camp, and the conversation has completely changed.
Nabers wasn’t placed on the PUP list to begin camp, and the early reports have been extremely encouraging. He’s back running routes, participating in drills, and multiple reports have noted how much better he looks than many expected this early in his recovery. Head coach John Harbaugh has said they’ll continue taking things day by day, but the progress has been obvious.
I’m not saying he’s completely out of the woods yet. We still don’t have a firm timeline for Week 1, and Nabers himself has said there’s no target date for his return. But if he keeps stacking positive practices, don’t expect his current ADP to stick around much longer.
De’Zhaun Stribling, WR – San Francisco 49ers
It feels like every year the 49ers deal with injuries during camp, and 2026 has been no different.
Christian Kirk is currently dealing with a calf injury, while Ricky Pearsall’s knee situation has become increasingly concerning. That has opened the door for rookie receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, and he’s taking advantage of every opportunity.
The 49ers’ official training camp recap highlighted Stribling’s route running and multiple receptions during practice, while fantasy analysts and beat reporters have consistently mentioned him as one of the biggest standouts through the opening days of camp.
Now, before everyone starts drafting him in the middle rounds, let’s pump the brakes a little.
San Francisco did bring back Deebo Samuel, so there’s still plenty of target competition. But if Stribling keeps flashing every day, he’s going to become one of those late-round receivers that fantasy managers can’t stop talking about in August.
He’s firmly on my watch list.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB – Jacksonville Jaguars
This might be the biggest fantasy mover of the group.
Chris Rodriguez is working his way back from foot surgery. While Jacksonville hopes he’ll be ready for Week 1, the Jaguars have been easing him back into practice instead of throwing him into full team drills.
That has left Bhayshul Tuten with the bulk of the first-team work, and just about every report coming out of Jaguars camp has been positive. Beat reporters have consistently noted Tuten taking first-team carries, and several observers have called him one of Jacksonville’s most impressive offensive players through the opening practices.
Opportunity is everything in fantasy football.
If Tuten continues running with the starters while Rodriguez ramps up, his ADP isn’t staying where it is for long. The longer he keeps getting first-team reps, the more expensive he’s going to become on draft day.
Final Thoughts
It’s still early, and training camp hype doesn’t always translate into fantasy production. But these are exactly the types of situations I like paying attention to before the rest of the fantasy community catches up.
Malik Nabers is proving he’s ahead of schedule.
De’Zhaun Stribling is making the most of an opportunity created by injuries.
And Bhayshul Tuten keeps stacking first-team reps while the Jaguars bring Chris Rodriguez back slowly.
If you’re drafting in the next couple of weeks, these are three players I’d be monitoring every single day.




