Arizona Cardinals:
RB Trey Benson – Benson was the first running back taken off the board this year in the draft, and Arizona surely has big plans for him. He’s had a fantastic camp so far with the talent to make for a superstar 3 down back. Benson is a key player to watch during preseason as he attempts to become Arizona’s top running back for the future.
Atlanta Falcons:
WR Rondale Moore – Moore was a promising player for the Cardinals being selected 49th in the 2021 draft, but has landed in Atlanta after multiple disappointing seasons with lack of touches. Moore projects to be the Falcons starting slot receiver and is surely a player to keep an eye on now that he’s on a legit offense with a good quarterback.
Carolina Panthers:
LB Trevin Wallace – An extremely athletic rookie linebacker for Carolina. He has tons of flexibility with extremely high upside and great instincts that I expect to be put on full for the Panthers in preseason. I Wallace does impress early on I see him easily making his way to be a long term starter for the Panthers.
Chicago Bears:
Edge Austin Booker – The rookie edge rusher has fantastic athleticism and a great build at 6’6 245 with plenty of raw upside. He was a 2nd round talent on my board this offseason and has a clear path to a starting role in Chicago opposite of Montez Sweat. These preseason games are those first steps of that path. Booker already had a fantastic debut in the HOF game and I’m looking forward to seeing what else he does as week 1 draws closer.
Dallas Cowboys:
CB Caelen Carson – The rookie cornerback selected in the 5th round has so far been extremely impressive and training camp being absolutely locked down while playing in the slot. Training camp will be a first preview of what’s to come for the rookie as he may take over as the starting slot corner very early for Dallas.
Detroit Lions:
WR Antoine Green – The 2nd year receiver taken in the 7th round last year is being given an opportunity to fight for the WR3 role on Detroits offense over Kalif Raymond and Donovan Peoples-Jones. I’d keep an eye on Green to see if he has legitimate potential to be a consistent contributor for the Lions.
Green Bay Packers:
Edge Lukas Van Ness – Last year’s 13th overall pick, Lukas had somewhat of a disappointing season as a developmental prospect and should get decent play time in preseason. I’m keeping an eye on Lukas Van Ness to dominate these games and show his progression as a star edge rusher. If Lukas can put on multiple standout performances then I expect him to earn a role as the starter moving forward.
Los Angeles Rams:
WR Jordan Whittington – The rookie receiver has been pretty impressive in camp climbing the ladder for catches and displaying fluid route running. Jordan has a chance to become the WR3 in a high flying offense over Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell so eyes should be on him to see how the rookie performs.
Minnesota Vikings:
CB Akayleb Williams – The 3rd year corner has a chance to prove his worth as a viable starter for Minnesota, who currently has maybe the worst cornerback room in the league. Akayleb may be the only option in the room with good upside so Vikings fans should hope he takes advantage of that.
New Orleans Saints:
IDL Bryan Bresee – Last year’s first round pick had a very promising season with 4.5 sacks from the interior, yet isn’t a projected starter for the Saints as of now. I believe that will change and Bresee will have a breakout season for New Orleans, establishing himself as the clear best interior defensive lineman on the roster. Preseason will be a first step towards that as Bresee looks to dominate against undeveloped offensive linemen.
New York Giants:
TE Theo Johnson – An extremely great athlete out of Penn State, Theo is looking to fight for the starting tight end job with Daniel Bellinger. Theo Johnson has so many tools that could prove to make for an excellent franchise tight end. If Theo has a standout preseason then the Giants will likely opt to go with the younger player with more upside as the starter moving forward.
Philadelphia Eagles:
CB Kelee Ringo – The sophomore corner looks to have a big jump this season as he’s had an immensely impressive training camp lining up anywhere at corner. Ringo has a great chance to be the starting outside corner opposite of Darius Slay, or the starting slot over Avonte Maddox. Ringo is looking to continue to impress in preseason though as the Eagles are stacked at just about every position.
San Francisco 49ers:
CB Renardo Green – The rookie corner out of FSU was the best man coverage defender in the class and I project to become the starter outside opposite of Charvarius Ward very quickly. Renardo I expect to lock down his side of the field just about every snap in preseason as he fights to be a contributor on maybe the best defense in the league.
Seattle Seahawks:
QB Sam Howell – I believe Howell has extremely high upside and he really impressed me on a dysfunctional Washington offense last season. I expect a great showing from Howell in preseason and I believe he may be the franchise quarterback in Seattle if they give him an opportunity to be.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
WR Jalen McMillan – Jalen has been extraordinary at camp lighting up the scene each and every day. The Buccaneers believe they might have a 3rd star wide receiver on the team and I’m definitely going to be looking for highlight performances by McMillan in preseason to see if the rookie truly is a star.
Washington Commanders:
WR Luke McCaffrey – Christian’s brother was selected in the 3rd round by Washington and is currently the WR3 on the depth chart. Many people are wondering if Luke will carry on with the success his brother and father found in the NFL, and Luke is certainly ready to put in the work and prove he is a star. Preseason will be a nice introduction to what will come in Luke’s future with Washington.