NFL Preseason: 32 Players to Watch from 32 Teams
The time has come. All that film studying. All that hype towards our rookie selections. The anxiety from the anticipation of what we hope to happen. All of it. It is here. The time is now. The NFL pre-season is upon us. Here are the 32 NFL teams with one player I am watching from each team this pre-season.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens- LB- Trenton Simpson
The third-round versatile linebacker on paper is part of the second-string defense. However, he has shown the ability to play both inside and out at his position. Thus, it will be interesting to see where the Ravens line him up. If on the outside it is possible, we see a defense with Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen, and Simpson on the field at once. If inside, it is possible he takes over Patrick Queen’s role. Nonetheless Simpson is a great defensive prospect that should make an impact on Raven’s defense.
Cincinnati Bengals- DB- Dax Hill
The former first round pick has some ground to make up. A poor performance in coverage last season pushed him down the depth chart. He only saw over 50% snap share once in 16 games played. The bright side the team lost safeties Jessie Bates & Von Bell. The bad side the team drafted safety Jordan Battle in the second-round. This was after the team signed veteran safety Nick Scott to a three-year deal. To me Hill was a great prospect coming into the league. He did battle through some injuries in 2022. He is now healthy and ready to compete.
Cleveland Browns- RB- Jerome Ford
Running Back Kareem Hunt is currently still a free agent. Ford could secure the RB2 behind star Nick Chubb. To do this he will need to have a stellar performance in some pre-season games. He only got to see the field in two games last season. His final year in college he had over 1,500 all-purpose yards with 20 touchdowns. He has good hands and good speed. He is capable. The opportunity is his to lose.
Pittsburgh Steelers- TE- Darnell Washington
My TE1 in the 2023 rookie class is impressing at camp. The 6’7 monster is showcasing his blocking abilities in camp. He already has the team talking about him…
https://twitter.com/NFLRookieWatxh/status/1685060145116549120?s=20
Current TE1 for the team Pat Freiermuth might be one on depth chart. If Washington continues to “bully” in his blocking technique he could see the field a lot more.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills- WR- Khalil Shakir
The team lost slot Wide Receiver Isaiah McKenzie. The team only invested a 5th round pick in an additional Wide Receiver. Former Florida athlete Justin Shorter brings size to the table at 6’4. Shakir has the edge on speed. He will need to showcase his route running even more. Probably increase his catch rate after only catching 50% of his targets last season. To me the starting Wide Receivers for the Bills are Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, and Shakir. Shakir could lose this spot if Shorter comes out and balls in the pre-season.
New England Patriots- DL- Keion White
The talk may be on first-round pick Christian Gonzalez. I am interested to see how their second-round pick White stacks up. He has opportunity to learn early from solid veterans Deatrich Wise and Lawrence Guy. The 6’5 Defensive End is a versatile enough to play inside or outside. He should fit right in with the Patriots defensive scheme. The pre-season will show how he is adjusting to the pros. Be on the lookout for how easily he gets to the Quarterbacks.
New York Jets- RB- Israel Abanikanda
An incoming rookie that showed his explosiveness at the combing. During his pre-season debut he average 3 yards per carry on 9 rushing attempts with one catch and one touchdown. Aaron St. Dennis of the Mad Science Lab shows a clip of every play by Abanikanda in his debut here-
https://twitter.com/FFMadScientist/status/1687431333457354752?s=20
He has been seen as a returner on special teams. The team is likely taking it slow with former rookie sensation Breece Hall after tearing his ACL last season. The Running Back room currently consist of Abanikanda, Michael Carter, and Zonovan Knight. (Carter and Knight did not suit up for the pre-season opener) All three can potentially start in the absence of Hall. Abanikanda has an edge with his size and speed. I want to see a little more from Abanikanda throughout this pre-season. More involvement in the passing game, or over 10 carries. His debut looked promising, but one can always argue it is pre-season. If given the shot Abanikanda can start early during the season.
Miami Dolphins- DB- Cam Smith
The second-round pick might be getting a shot sooner than expected. The Dolphins acquired star Defensive Back Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey, however, recently had an injury that will sideline him for majority of the season. (Targeting to return in December) Smith on the lighter side (180 lbs) for Defensive Backs has excellent coverage skills. The question will become if he can match up well against your bigger Wide Receivers. I think he will transition well into the NFL. He will need to make an impact during the pre-season to potentially be starting week one opposite Defensive Back Xavier Howard.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans- WR- Xavier Hutchinson
The 6’3 sixth-round draft pick has been getting buzz at the Texans camp…
https://twitter.com/CotyDavis_24/status/1687475344809279489?s=20
Pre-draft I was comparing him to Amari Cooper. I say this because he is not a flashy Wide Receiver. He will not necessarily bring in a spectacular catch. He will bring consistency and a good IQ for the game. He is a solid route runner that has NFL size for the position. I do not expect to see much of rookie Quarterback C. J. Stroud, but I hope to see plenty of Hutchinson. The Texans Wide Receiver room does not have a true WR1. Veteran Robert Woods should see is share of targets. If Hutchinson has a solid preseason, he could be in talks for taking the WR1 role.
Indianapolis Colts- RB- Evan Hull
What is going on with the Colts Running Back room? Former star Johnathan Taylor is hurt or just in disagreement with the Colts currently. Zack Moss broke his arm during camp. The team recently signed veteran Kenyan Drake. My eyes will be on fifth-round rookie pick Evan Hull. A duo threat Running Back that progressively saw more work each year at Northwestern. Last season he had 55 receptions for 546 yards. To me this job is wide open if Taylor does not report back with the team. Drake may be the early work back, or maybe even Deon Jackson. Hull will need to show his running abilities from 2021 (5.1 yards per carry for 1,009 yards) plus his pass catching abilities from 2022. If shown it is very possible, he gets the starting nod come week one.
Jacksonville Jaguars- RB- Tank Bigsby
I find it interesting that the team spent a third-round draft pick on a Running Back. The 6’0 213 pound Running Back averaged just under 5.4 yards per carry during his Auburn career. I fully expect Travis Etienne to get majority of the carries this season. But if Bigsby comes out and just dominates the pre-season there is a chance we see closer to a 50/50 split than we think. If anything, I want to see his goal line work since it is possible that is where the Jaguars use him most of the season.
Tennessee Titans- QB- Malik Willis
Yes, the team traded up to grab Quarterback Will Levis. Reports are saying Willis is impressive during camp. I want to see it. The NFL is 90% physical and 10% mental. Willis did not impress much with his opportunity last season. I want to see his confidence. How will he approach the game knowing he is probably the third Quarterback on the roster. Will he come out and dominate the pre-season? I hope. Will he be the Quarterback we saw last year? The one that brings no excitement. I am excited to see the “raw” prospect after a full year in the NFL under his belt.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos- WR- Marvin Mims-
The team recently lost veteran Tim Patrick due to injury. Allowing the slot position to become an open competition. The speedy second-round pick did miss some time due to a hamstring injury. Since then, he has had full practices impressing the coaches. He is perfect piece to the puzzle to pair along with veterans Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. Quarterback Russell Wilson likes to throw deep. Now he has another weapon to beat defenders over the top.
Kansas City Chiefs- WR- Ihmir Smith-Marsette
The Chiefs Wide Receiver room is another what if type of room? What if Kadarius Toney is in fact a bust? What if Rashee Rice was what we saw at the senior bowl? What if Skyy Moore is not the vertical threat we want? During the pre-draft process a couple years ago I was all in on Smith-Marsette. I think he is a fluid route runner. With a bunch of what ifs on the table, what if Smith-Marsette becomes a top target for Patrick Mahomes? He will need to impress during the pre-season to have a roster spot week one.
Las Vegas Raiders- QB- Aidan O’Connell
A rookie Quarterback from Purdue with a lot to prove. He might be battling just to make the team. However, it is possible if he does, he sees extended playing time during season. The current Quarterbacks ahead of him are Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer. Two veterans that have started some games. Two veterans that have also been backups throughout their careers. Pre-season will do O’Connell well. Regardless of the competition he plays. He needs to show he belongs in the NFL. If he shows poise and confidence in the pocket, we may see him as the QB2 for the team. Plus, that may lead to a starting opportunity later in the season.
Los Angeles Chargers- RB- Isaiah Spiller
Reports are saying Spiller is getting more work with the 2nd string offense than expected backup Joshua Kelley. These are early reports.
https://twitter.com/Alvaresjose11/status/1686374202847485952?s=20
The A&M prospect came into the league at 20 years old. He has great size at 6’1 215 lbs. He can catch the ball or run the rock. Ekeler is the man. If Spiller can put together a nice pre-season though then the backup spot may be all his.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears- LB- Noah Sewell
The fifth-round Oregon prospect has a depth chart to climb. The team signed veteran Tremaine Edmunds to a four-year deal this off season. Sewell showed some promise his first two seasons at Oregon. He led the team in tackles both seasons. He will see the field this season. His pre-season performance will indicate how early and how often.
Detroit Lions- LB- Malcolm Rodriguez
It seemed Rodriguez was a solid contributor for the Lions last season. The former sixth-round pick looked promising coming into 2023. However, the team drafted Linebacker Jack Campbell in the first. Then they gave leading tackler Alex Anzalone an extension. Right now, he is a starter. I think he will need to show his contributions a little bit more in the pre-season to be safe.
Green Bay Packers- TE- Luke Musgrave
The second-round pick will likely be the starting Tight End. Assuming he can stay healthy. He battled with injuries throughout college. He finished his four years in college with only 47 receptions. The athleticism is there.
https://twitter.com/NFLRookieWatxh/status/1688198306856337408?s=20
Now the question will be can he bring it all together. If able, he will be a threat. He is one of the players I am most excited to see at the pro level.
Minnesota Vikings- RB- DeWayne McBride
McBride comes into the league with over 3,500 yards in his three-year collegiate career. His knock? His lack of receptions. Five in three years with only 29 yards. The counter? When you averaged 7.28 yards per carry in your career why do you need to catch? The league is transitioning to duo threat backs. McBride not only as to beat out Alexander Mattison, the presumed RB1. Running backs Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu are also on the depth chart. Like Mattison they both have experience with the Vikings. He will need to show some sort of pass catching abilities during the pre-season. All that running talent he must be able to catch too, right?
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys- RB- Deuce Vaughn
The Running Back to have in Dallas is Tony Pollard. However, if you want a handcuff to him then it is a dart throw. The undersized prospect is making a name for himself during camp.
https://twitter.com/NFLRookieWatxh/status/1688228650406010880?s=20
At 5’6, 176 pounds Vaughn will rely on his speed and ball handling skills. If he can showcase those skills during the pre-season, we may see him more on the field. More than just a backup to Tony Pollard that is.
New York Giants- WR- Bryce Ford-Wheaton
The undrafted Giant from West Virginia has a lot to prove. Luckily for him the Giants Wide Receiver room has no true alpha, yet. I initially had him as late day two early day three pick. The NFL saw him differently. He has great size and playmaking abilities. Who will become the favorite target for Daniel Jones? Probably Darren Waller, but he is a Tight End. If Ford-Wheaton can showcase his route running abilities during the pre-season then he could climb the ranks rather quickly.
Philadelphia Eagles- QB- Tanner McKee
During the pre-draft process I had McKee as my QB5. I liked his structure in the pocket. He did not seem to fold under pressure. He made the throws he needed to make. He seemed confident. Right now, the young prince Jalen Hurts is obviously the QB1. Behind him right now is Marcus Mariota. He did not impress last season in Atlanta. A solid pre-season from McKee could bump him up to the backup role behind Hurts.
Washington Commanders- TE- John Bates
Logan Thomas is the TE1 for Washington. Thomas has also missed 14 games the past two seasons. The team has Wide Receivers. Bates does not need to be a pass catching Tight End. He just needs to show he belongs. I want to see him take the next step. If not, the team could be looking to add a Tight End next off season. Cough, cough, Brock Bowers.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons- LB- Troy Andersen
Anderson took the opportunity given last season and ran with it. As a rookie he took over as a core piece in the Falcons defense. The team brought in veteran Bud Dupree. They also loaded up their secondary with some tackling machines. I loved what I saw in Anderson. I want to see some dominance in the pre-season from him to show he belongs on the starting roster.
Carolina Panthers- WR- Terrace Marshall
The forgotten Wide Receiver from LSU it feels like. Big names like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase will have one think LSU is the university for Wide Receivers. Then we have Marshall who has not lived up to that hype. The Panthers Wide Receiver room is currently led by veteran Adam Theilen. Behind him is an open spot for the WR2 role. Marshall should play some pre-season snaps. When he does, he needs to show he belongs in the NFL. This could be a make-or-break year for him.
New Orleans Saints- WR- Rashid Shaheed
The showstopper showed his big play ability in week seven last season. Having his only reception go for 53 yards. He is in line to be the teams WR3 currently. Behind only rookie sensation Chris Olave and veteran Michael Thomas. The team did draft 6’5 matchup nightmare A T Perry from Wake Forest. Basically, the starting role is Shaheed’s to lose.
https://twitter.com/BootKreweMedia/status/1686044510072066048?s=20
If he plays some pre-season showing he is more than just a big play Wide Receiver, then we may see more of him during the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- QB- Kyle Trask
The starting Quarterback should be Baker Mayfield. Key word should. However, Trask is going into his third year with the team. He sat behind Tom Brady for two years. He knows the system. There is a world where he completely dominates during the pre-season to become the starter week one. Will that happen? Time will tell.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals- QB- Clayton Tune
A Quarterback with a chance to start week one. Is Kyler going to be out for some extended amount of time? I have heard he will be back week one. I have heard he will be out until week 8. The Cardinals invested a fifth-round pick in Tune. It seems he has shown the coaches that he is a fearless leader.
https://twitter.com/PHNX_Cardinals/status/1687201734844981248?s=20
Head Coach, Jonathan Gannon, is even noticing is arm talent. We should see him for a few quarters during the pre-season. He does not have to win in the pre-season. He does have to show the offense is his. At least while Kyler is out. If he gets the nod to start week one, then he will need to win to keep Kyler out of the picture.
Los Angeles Rams- QB- Stetson Bennett
The National Champion steps into a team that just won the Super Bowl two years ago. A team with a solid veteran in Matthew Stafford. A veteran that has had an injured shoulder bother him through his whole career. Stafford when healthy is the unquestioned starter. If Bennett can pull together a solid foundation during the pre-season though then the Rams may have found a gem late. He has shown he can lead a team on the big stage. Why not show he can lead a team to the biggest stage of them all? The pre-season will be a test to see if he has what it takes.
San Francisco 49ers- DL- Clelin Ferrell
The former first-round pick is circling around the “bust” talk. He has not had more than 40 tackles in a season. He has not seen over 5 sacks in a season. His best campaign came in his rookie year with 38 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Sometimes a change of scenery helps. Maybe being around ruthless defenders could help him rise. He will need to show why he was a first-round pick during the pre-season to see any playing time in the top-notch 49ers defense.
Seattle Seahawks- RB- Kenny McIntosh
Kenneth Walker is the RB1-A. Second-round pick Zach Charbonnet is the RB1-B. Both have injury concern to start camp. Meaning there could be some early work to be given. The team still does have Deejay Dallas. A Running Back that has shown he is a backup. McIntosh has an opportunity to fight for a roster spot. If shown well enough he could even push for playing time during the regular season. He will be sidelined for a couple weeks due to knee sprain. Hopefully, he is back for their pre-season finale to show he belongs.
Thank you for reading. Who are you excited to watch during the pre-season?
Follow me on Twitter (X, I should call it now) @ThePPRShow
If you want to win a championship, make sure you check out our 2023 rankings! Follow @RPO_Football for news on all our latest articles!