Training camp is the proving ground for late‑round picks and undrafted free agents, and a few have turned the opportunity into lasting success. Tyrod Taylor earned a starting job with the Bills in 2015 after a standout preseason, eventually helping the team break its playoff drought in 2017.

The 1996‑draft rookie Zach Thomas shocked the Dolphins by earning a starting spot and recording 120 solo tackles in his first season, while Malcolm Butler slipped in as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and famously saved the Patriots’ Super Bowl run with a game‑changing interception.

Other notable risers include Wayne Chrebet.IOException ofcepc Jets, who started as the 10th receiver and became a franchise legend; Will Demps of the Ravens, who returned a kickoff for a touchdown in his first preseason game; and Damion Willis, who earned a roster spot as an undrafted player in 2019 and started in Week 1.

These stories underscore that a single strong preseason can launch a career, turning unknowns into franchise‑impacting stars.