The second week of the NFL preseason is in the books, and while it’s difficult to make definitive judgments on player performances during this time of year, some individuals have certainly made a strong case for themselves.

One player who stands out as a breakout star is San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, the 33rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Stribling has been on fire this preseason, catching 11 passes for 109 yards on 13 targets in his first two games. This marks the first time since at least 2017 that a player has produced at least 11 catches combined within the first 20 minutes of two consecutive preseason games, according to CBS Sports Research.

His impressive performance has earned him a spot on head coach Kyle Shanahan’s play call sheet, and it’s likely that Stribling will be a key contributor for the 49ers this season, especially considering the team’s injury issues at the wide receiver position.

Every De’Zhaun Stribling Target from Week 2 of the Preseason

The Houston Texans’ defense was another story to tell in Week 2 of the preseason. Despite not having their starters on the field, the Texans’ defense was fierce and tenacious, bullying Las Vegas Raiders first overall pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the first half. They generated an 80-yard pick-six by fourth-round rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz and an 11-yard sack by second-round rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.

McDonald’s impressive pass-rushing skills were on full display, and if he can find his groove early on, Houston’s defense could be a much greater problem for the rest of the league. McDonald’s ability to flash pass-rushing chops like this should send shivers down the spines of offensive coordinators all around the league.

Jermod McCoy, the Tennessee All-SEC cornerback, also caught the eye in Week 2. Despite being drafted in the fourth round due to medical concerns surrounding his knee, McCoy appeared to be moving well and in phase with opposing wide receivers when tasked with dropping back into man coverage. Perhaps he can end up becoming the best value pick of the 2026 rookie draft class if given the opportunity to receive snaps with Las Vegas’ starting defense.

Geno Smith, the two-time Pro Bowler, returned to the New York Jets after being acquired from the Raiders in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. He kicked off his second stint with the Jets with a perfect drive while leading the Jets’ starting lineup on the opening possession against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Smith completed all seven of his throws on New York’s opening drive, including the 13-yard scoring strike to tight end Jelani Woods.

The 2025 New York Jets became the first team in NFL history to finish a season with zero interceptions in a regular season. That dry spell unofficially ended in Week 2 of the preseason, thanks to safety Andre Cisco’s takeaway of a throw by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard. Jets cornerback Samuel Womack III also generated a takeaway, and it’s safe to say New York is an exponentially better ball-hawking group than their 2025 squad.

Finally, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix returned to action in Week 2 of the preseason after breaking his ankle in an overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional round. He thrived in his two drives, helping generate 10 points for Denver. Nix connected with new No. 1 target Jaylen Waddle up the seam, and the former Miami Dolphins speedster blew by Green Bay Packers All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney for a gain.