Many, if not most, teams used the second preseason game to evaluate their depth charts behind the starters and help decide who will make the final roster. It was not a big news week, but there are some interesting/important takes and developments to be aware of.
Guru's IDP Notes: Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals did not field their starters, which makes it all the more interesting that Cody Simon played with the second team. Meanwhile, Jack Gibbens rested with the starters. The team's unofficial depth chart still shows Simon starting with Gibbens backing up Mack Wilson Sr. Perhaps that is why teams emphasize that their DCs are unofficial.
Guru's IDP Notes: Atlanta Falcons
Injuries and an eight-game suspension have the Falcons going from feast to famine at the edge position. The defense fielded no starters, but only Samson Ebukam sat. When the suspension of James Pearce Jr. was announced, the assumption was that Zach Harrison, Cameron Thomas, and Azeez Ojulari would compete for and likely share the other edge spot for the first half of the season. With the signing of Za'Darius Smith, that competition likely became a battle for backup snaps.
At age 33, Smith is far from a spring chicken, but he was easily the best option available. He appeared in just five games for the Eagles last year, but had 9 sacks between the Browns and Lions in 2024 and has reached double digits three times since 2019. The last time Smith was fantasy relevant was 2022 with the Vikings, but he could be surprisingly productive in this situation for eight games.
Guru's IDP Notes: Baltimore Ravens
Nnamdi Madubuike has been practicing with some limitations. He is expected to return at some point early in the season, but the team continues to be careful, focusing on his long-term health. It remains unclear if he will be on the field for week one. If he is active, we should not expect a full workload.
Guru's IDP Notes: Carolina Panthers
Carolina fielded some defensive starters, but Devin Lloyd was not among them. Instead, it was Claudin Cherelus and Trevin Wallace at inside linebacker. Wallace still shows up at the top of the depth chart. Everything else we've seen since the start of the preseason suggests that Cherelus will be the guy. Coach Canales says the final decision has not been made and the competition will go down to the wire.
Jaelan Phillips is banged up a little already, so Princely Umanmielen and Patrick Jones II were the starters on the edge. Phillips should be a go for week one.
Guru's IDP Notes: Chicago Bears
Chicago played most of their starting defense as expected, but there are a couple of interesting notes nonetheless. Surprisingly, tackle Gervon Dexter Sr has been the subject of trade talks with at least one undisclosed team. Even more surprising, bordering on shocking, the team inked edge Marcus Davenport to an undisclosed deal. While his talent is a tease that keeps getting him paid, the team may as well make space for him in the trainer's room now.
Guru's IDP Notes: Cincinnati Bengals
After a scary close moment with Myles Murphy last week, Cincinnati took no chances with their starters in the second warmup game. Murphy left practice on a cart with what turned out to be a case of cramps. The Bengals will already be without last year's first-round pick, Shemar Stewart, who will miss a few weeks with a hyper-extended knee.
Guru's IDP Notes: Cleveland Browns
With Alex Wright out, the Browns took a look at tackle Mike Hall Jr. on the edge in their second preseason contest. Coach Todd Monken said Sunday that Hall could see some early down snaps there but is not likely to make the switch full-time. Isaiah McGuire moves into the starting lineup, and the team signed Derek Barnett to provide quality veteran depth.
Guru's IDP Notes: Dallas Cowboys
There were no starters on the field for Dallas. However, there was one guy who will likely be in the lineup soon. The last time this team drafted an edge/linebacker hybrid, they all but ruined his fantasy value by moving him around and eventually landing him on the edge. Jaishawn Barham is no Micah Parsons, but wow did he make a first impression.
Barham played mostly on the edge at Michigan. The Cowboys are committed to making him an off-ball linebacker. He missed much of training camp and the first preseason game with a sore groin. When he finally got on the field, Barham immediately put his name in the conversation for a starting spot.
Barham totaled four solos, an assist, and a tackle for loss against Arizona, but it was not the numbers that impressed. Barham ran over, around, and through blockers to make those five tackles stand out. Coach Schottenheimer made it clear in the postgame that Barham still has time to earn the starting job by week one, and that he has everyone's attention.
Granted, it was a preseason game against the Cardinals backups. We don't know whether Barham's coverage is good enough to land a full-time role. We know he can rush the passer, which can help to hide coverage issues. His fantasy value is uncertain at best. On the other hand, if last week's game was a preview, the Cowboys may have discovered a force to deploy on early downs.
Guru's IDP Notes: Denver Broncos
Denver rolled out the starters for a few plays with no surprises. Riley Moss came out with sore ribs but is expected to be fine.
Guru's IDP Notes: Detroit Lions
It was mostly backups and rookies for the Lions. Derrick Moore got the start on the edge and continued to make a strong impression, recording 2-0-1 with a forced fumble versus the Commanders. The Lions may finally have their bookend to pair with Aiden Hutchinson.
Guru's IDP Notes: Green Bay Packers
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