10 NFL Players Positioning Themselves For A Breakthrough 2026 Season

Get your popcorn ready. 

Using player intrigue across the league as his guide, Danny Parkins unveiled his list of the ten most exciting NFL players heading into the upcoming season on First Things First. 

Parkins emphasized that the exercise focuses on viewing entertainment and narrative stakes rather than pure positional rankings or overall roster value. Counting down from number ten to the top spot, the ranking features established stars, potential trade targets, and young quarterbacks.

Aaron Donald opens the list as a conditional entry at number ten despite currently being retired from football. Speculation of his return to the league has started with Donald working out for the Rams already and being spotted working out at the team facility.

"If Donald returns... He's arguably the best defensive player of my lifetime," Parkins said. "The guy was number one in pass rush win rate. He was a first-time All Pro when he retired, so he retired early. He walked away. It wasn't because anything had really dipped off. So if he joins the overwhelming Super Bowl favorites after two years away, it'll just be an absolutely fascinating story."

Though Donald is not on an active roster, rumors regarding a potential comeback keep him in the discussion on the list.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud occupies the ninth spot following an inconsistent second half of last season. He enters the upcoming year with expectations to recapture his efficiency from his rookie year and drive the Texans deep into the postseason.

"I don't think anyone individually has more riding on this season than C.J. Stroud," Parkins said. "They picked up his fifth-year option, but he was bad in every loss last year."

Parkins went on to question whether Houston looks into the quarterback market pending Stroud's performance.

"Was absolutely terrible in the playoffs," Parkins said. Is this a J.J. McCarthy spot? Do they just turn to Davis Mills as their backup? Do they call Jimmy Garoppolo, or does he play like he did as a rookie?" 

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker lands at eighth on the list as a major addition to the Kansas City offense. Parkins labeled Walker as the most accomplished running back Patrick Mahomes has played alongside during his career.

"Kenneth Walker is the best running back Patrick Mahomes has ever had," Parkins said. "The Chiefs have never ranked higher than 16th in rushing yards per game since Mahomes has been there." 

"They gave him a ton of money," Parkins said. "They're going to use him, and there's two things that really contribute to a great play-action game. When you have to honor and respect the run. You give Mahomes a real running game. I think that part of the game opens up for him."

Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Max Crosby comes in at seventh as a potential in-season trade candidate.

Because the Raiders timeline may not align with young talent development, Parkins projects that a strong start to the season could prompt contending franchises to pursue Crosby before the trading deadline, potentially altering division races and championship odds across the league.

"I don't think he's finishing the season with the Raiders. So if he has a good September and is healthy, he gets traded for one first-round pick instead of two to a team that starts hot," Parkins said regarding Crosby's situation in Las Vegas. 

"Is he a Bear by October? Is he a Bill by October? Is he a Cowboy by October? An in-season trade for a pass rusher that could tilt the Super Bowl odds mid-season," Parkins continued. "That's interesting. I think it's going to be a huge story."

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love takes the sixth spot as one of the league's most talented passers. 

Parkins described Love as a high-upside quarterback capable of producing elite offensive production during hot stretches, balanced by occasional turnover issues during off weeks.