Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who was the 79th overall pick in the third round of this year's draft out of the University of Georgia, has been quickly learning the team's offense and building chemistry with his teammates in OTAs this offseason, according to Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com. The 22-year-old proved to be one of college's most explosive playmakers in 2025 with the Bulldogs, leading the SEC with 81 catches and gaining 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 14 games played. He has drawn the attention of new quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who played with two elite speed receivers in Miami in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. "I mean, dude's fast," Tagovailoa said. "Dude can play very shifty. Kind of reminds me of Waddle." Branch caught 159 passes for 1,634 yards and nine touchdowns in his three collegiate seasons (two at USC), and he did most of his damage after he already secured the football. He was targeted 96 times and caught 92 passes behind the line of scrimmage in college. Speed is not in question with Branch, but his durability at 5-foot-9, 177 pounds, and his role in his rookie season are up for debate. Expect him to compete with Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson for the WR2 role in Atlanta in 2026 behind WR1 Drake London.

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (undisclosed) hasn't taken part in on-field workouts during the offseason program after having two undisclosed surgeries, but he's "feeling good" and is expected to be back on the field for training camp this summer, according to John Boyle of the team's official website. The 24-year-old was on the weekly injury report for Seattle regularly late last season, being listed with hip, elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle, and calf injuries. He still made 20 starts, including the postseason, and he finished with 52 receptions (68 targets) for 519 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season starts in his second year in the NFL. "I'm going to feel much better, and I'm already feeling much better, and I think that's where I'll see strides," Barner said. "I'm feeling good, and I'm chomping at the bit trying to get back out there." The third-year TE should remain a threat in the red zone for the defending Super Bowl champs in 2026, but the expected emergence of Elijah Arroyo will certainly cap his fantasy ceiling in 2026. RotoBaller has Barner ranked as the No. 27 fantasy TE going into the upcoming season.

Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III appears to be the one ready to step up after Chicago traded DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills this offseason. According to former NFL tight end Clay Harbor, Burden is "doing everything you'd think a No. 1 receiver would do" during OTAs this offseason. The 22-year-old former second-rounder (39th overall) out of the University of Missouri looks bigger and faster and is playing both inside and outside in head coach Ben Johnson's offense. Johnson even said himself last week that he's "buying Burden stock right now." He finished his rookie year as a real weapon in Chicago's offense, catching 47 of his 60 targets for 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (five starts). Former first-rounder Rome Odunze remains in town, but he may never be the same after heel issues that could continue to be a concern for him. Burden looks like the real deal and is quickly becoming one of the top breakout candidates at the receiver position in 2026. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 19 fantasy WR for the 2026 season.

Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee), who is calling his nixed offseason trade to the Baltimore Ravens "water under the bridge," is improving physically and is "almost back to being" on the field, according to Sam Warren of The Athletic. The 28-year-old was in the early stages of his recovery from surgery to fix a torn meniscus when the Ravens withdrew from a potential Crosby trade due to a failed physical. Baltimore's doctors reportedly were worried about Crosby's long-term prognosis of his surgically-repaired left knee, despite his short-term outlook being positive. New head coach Klint Kubiak said the team is "counting on" Crosby being back for training camp in July, adding that he "wouldn't be surprised if Maxx was ahead of schedule." Barring a setback, the five-time Pro Bowler should be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season, which will make him a highly coveted D-lineman in IDP fantasy formats despite added injury risk after he missed seven games in the last two seasons due to injuries.