Five players with most to prove in 2026 NFL preseason: AFC South backup QBs, former top-10 draft pick and more

The NFL preseason is almost here.

On Thursday, the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers meet in Canton, Ohio for the annual Hall of Fame Game followed by a full slate of games next week.

Before the action starts, here's a look at five players who arguably need to impress this preseason the most.

Arizona Cardinals edge-rusher BJ Ojulari

Injuries have prevented Ojulari, selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, from reaching his full potential, turning the upcoming preseason into a pivotal moment of his young career. As a rookie, the former LSU Tigers defensive end had four sacks in 409 defensive snaps across 17 games, but a torn ACL cost him all of 2024 and limited to eight games and one sack a season ago.

In a preview heading into camp, AZCardinals.com senior writer Darren Urban listed edge-rusher as a top question mark as the Cardinals look for a consistent option opposite Josh Sweat. "It is crucial either ... Ojulari or 2025 third-round pick Jordan Burch .... take a step forward," Urban wrote.

Ojulari's had a promising start to camp, with Zach Gershman sharing health has played a key factor.

"Previously, I had to think about it and worry about how I feel," Ojulari told reporters. "Now I can just go, warm up and let it rip."

Set to hit unrestricted free agency next offseason, he needs a big season either earn a second contract with the Cardinals or cash in with another organization. And he'll only get that opportunity by proving he's all the way back from injury during the preseason.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson

Richardson requested a trade from the Colts following the 2025 season after losing a 2025 quarterback battle with Daniel Jones. He may finally get his wish by impressing over the next month.

Richardson only threw two pass attempts last season and was wildly inaccurate in 11 starts during the 2024 campaign, completing just 47.7 percent of his pass attempts with eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions. It makes sense why teams would be hesitant to trade for the former first-round pick, but opinions can change in a hurry.

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte

The Patriots have a logjam at wideout after trading for A.J. Brown and signing Romeo Doubs in free agency. Boutte, 24, is coming off a promising 2025, finishing the regular season with 33 receptions, 551 yards and six receiving touchdowns then averaging 18.7 yards per reception during the playoffs.

He'll likely compete with fellow 2023 draft pick Demario Douglas for a starting role in three wide receiver sets, and he'll either take the spot with a strong preseason or position himself to be a valuable trade candidate once teams begin to finalize Week 1 rosters. As a pending free agent, the Patriots might not be able to afford to keep Boutte long term.

New Orleans Saints edge-rusher Tyree Wilson

The Saints acquired Wilson from the Las Vegas Raiders in a low-cost move, sending out a 2026 fifth-round pick (No. 150 overall) while also adding a 2026 seventh (No. 219). The former first-round pick only has 12 career sacks and played a career-low 463 defensive snaps while appearing in all 17 games last season.

Chase Young, Carl Granderson and Cam Jordan lead New Orleans at the edge, while offseason free-agent signee Anfernee Jennings is a stout run defender, giving Wilson stiff competition to carve out a meaningful role on the line. 

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis

There's irrational confidence, and then there's Will Levis.

The 2023 second-round pick turned heads recently by boldly declaring, "There are not 32 quarterbacks in this league better than me."

Levis, 27, is returning after missing all of 2025 while recovering from shoulder surgery and competing with veteran Mitchell Trubisky to be second-year quarterback Cam Ward's backup. For his career, he's completed 61 percent of his passes for 3,899 yards (seven yards per attempt), 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions across 21 starts.

Based on what we've seen, Levis has appeared far from starter material. Good thing he has the preseason to prove us wrong.