Arizona Cardinals:
Overall the Cardinals had a very lackluster showing against New Orleans in their first preseason showing, however there were still some notable performances. Running back Michael Carter looked fantastic with 41 yards and a touchdown on the ground averaging 5.9 yards per touch on 7 carries. Carter may prove to be a good contributor as a rotational back for Arizona. Rookie edge rusher Xavier Thomas out of Clemson had a fantastic showing displaying quick burst and a few great snaps putting pressure on the quarterback as well as adding a sack. Arizona has a very lackluster edge unit so Thomas may have an opportunity to see the field plenty this season.
Atlanta Falcons:
Yet another team with a lackluster showing however first year receiver Chris Blair impressed a decent bit having 2 catches for 45 yards which led the team. The more impressive player though was rookie linebacker Donovan Mutin who seemed to be around the ball every snap he played registering 6 total tackles. On a poor defense Mutin may earn himself a role on the team soon enough.
Carolina Panthers:
The Panthers had a miserable showing on offense with just 3 points however there were many impressive young defenders. First off Trevin Wallace is a very talented athletic rookie linebacker with massive upside for Carolina who I believe has a chance to start. Trevin was extremely impressive flying around the field for some nice plays despite the stats not doing his performance justice. Undrafted rookie Derrick McLendon II at edge out of FSU also had a great showing for Carolina registering a sack and contributing multiple wins off the line. On an extremely underwhelming defensive front following the loss of Brian Burns, Derrick may have a chance to see the field for Carolina.
Chicago Bears:
Chicago dominated against Buffalo in the first preseason game with multiple standouts but I’ll only focus on the big surprises, not including Caleb Williams who looked fantastic. Rookie running back Ian Wheeler looked insanely good for Chicago having 43 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns on just 5 carries. Wheeler was dominant and may prove to be a great contributor for Chicago. Rookie edge rusher Austin Booker continued to impress having a sack last week and over doubling that with 2.5 sacks this weekend. I had Booker as a 2nd round talent and Chicago got him in the 5th, I believe Chicago got a STEAL and may have their franchise starter at edge opposite of Montez Sweat.
Dallas Cowboys:
The Cowboys offense almost entirely led by Trey Lance was disgustingly bad, however the defense was nothing short of elite. The one standout for the Dallas offense was 2023 7th round pick Jalen Brooks who hauled in an impressive 43 yard bomb from Cooper Rush to put Dallas in scoring position. Defensively 3rd year safety Markquese Bell was extremely productive having 9 total tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception. If Bell keeps up performances like that he will surely get starting reps for Dallas this year.
Detroit Lions:
The offense for Detroit was quite atrocious however there were some nice showings by some rookie defenders. Nathaniel Lynn who was a UDFA for Detroit had a great showing with 2 tackles and a sack however he got hurt in the performance early getting placed on IR. If the Lions choose to commit to Lynn though it may pay big dividends as a promising young player and great special teamer. More notably rookie Brandon Joseph at safety is certain to make the roster after a great showing with 3 strong tackles as well as an interception.
Green Bay Packers:
Dontayvion Wicks had a promising season last year with nearly 600 yards and 4 touchdowns as a rookie and looked dominant in preseason with a deep 65 yard touchdown leaving Green Bay with all of the momentum. Defensively, last year’s first round pick at edge Lukas Van Ness looked nothing short of dominant with 3 forceful tackles for loss as well as a sack for the Packers. LVN is looking to have a breakout season for the Packers and this was a VERY strong start.
Los Angeles Rams:
Rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington whom I wrote about previously as a highlight player for the Rams this offseason continued to impress majorly. He seemed to get open every rep with strong consistent hands having 6 catches for 74 yards. Jordan I believe has a strong chance to be the Rams WR3 this season and he’s certainly projecting towards that with performances like this. 2nd year linebacker Zach VanValkenburg had a very impressive showing with great instincts sideline to sideline as well as adding a sack. Zach has a chance to breakout as a starting linebacker for the Rams alongside Ernest Jones IV.
Minnesota Vikings:
Both of the Vikings 1st rounders played very well in JJ McCarthy and Dallas Turner however I’d like to recognize the other names. 26 year old WR Trishton Jackson had 100 yards (most in the league) and a touchdown on 4 catches, if Jackson continues making plays he may compete to be the Vikings WR3 and get major snaps especially with Jordan Addison facing suspension. I’d also like to take this opportunity to show more recognition to Ivan Pace Jr. a player I had as a 2nd round talent in 2023 and became a major contributor on the Vikings as an UDFA last year. Ivan continued displaying dominance in preseason with 5 tackles flying across the field every rep he got.
New Orleans Saints:
Two players I said to watch for on the Saints dominated against the Cardinals. Wide receiver AT Perry was extremely impressive outside with 85 yards on just 4 catches, Perry has a legitimate chance to become the Saints WR2 behind Chris Olave. Former 1st round defensive tackle Bryan Bresee also dominated on limited snaps having a sack and TFL from the interior with multiple snaps wrecking through the line and disrupting the offense.
New York Giants:
Last year’s 5th round pick at running back, Eric Gray was the entire offense for the Giants this week having 52 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 4 carries AND being the team’s leading receiver with 4 catches and 46 yards. The 2nd year back will certainly make the roster and has a chance to compete with Devin Singletary for snaps with the starters this year especially if he keeps up impeccable production like this. Gray may be the biggest riser of the week in the entire league. Rookie linebacker Dyontae Johnson also has a very impressive showing with 4 tackles and a sack playing all around the field for the Giants.
Philadelphia Eagles:
There were no standouts offensively but the defense had many. Leading that list is rookie linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. I had Trotter as a 2nd round prospect and the Eagles got him in the 5th round, he dominated Baltimore having 5 tackles and a sack flying across the field to make a play every opportunity he got. Nolan Smith Jr. the former 1st round pick at edge also impressed having a sack as he looks to breakout with more opportunities this year.
San Francisco 49ers:
The 7th round rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune has a very strong campaign as he fights to make the roster, finding his way to the ball carrier constantly with 8 tackles against the Titans. More notably 2nd round corner Renardo Green displayed exactly why he deserved a high selection by an elite team playing exceptional in coverage as well as having a fumble recovery and multiple tackles making plays the entire day for SF. Renardo will likely cement himself as the CB2 on the 49ers by the end of the year.
Seattle Seahawks:
Both players that impressed for Seattle were people I said to watch for in preseason. Sam Howell ran the offense very efficiently, despite his line not giving him much time, having 130 yards and a touchdown. Defensively Derick Hall played exceptionally for Seattle with 5 tackles stopping the run game in its tracks as well as adding a dominant sack. Howell and Hall both have real opportunities to fight for a starting opportunity in Seattle this season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Rookie running back Bucky Irving had a fantastic showing on limited snaps for the Bucs with 28 yards and a touchdown on just 6 carries with multiple nice plays to make a gain out of nothing. Bucky has a good chance to compete for snaps with Rachaad White. There weren’t too many other standouts for the Buccaneers but rookie receiver Tanner Knue has a good chance to make the roster having 2 catches for 30 yards as well as being Tampa’s return man.
Washington Commanders:
If you’re a Washington fan you should certainly be happy as your rookie class looks as advertised so far. Jayden Daniels on very limited snaps looked legit going 2/3 passing for 43 yards and finishing the drive with a 3 yard rushing touchdown. He wasn’t the only rookie on offense who impressed though as 2nd round rookie tight end Ben Sinnott had an incredible showing. Ben is a great blocker with strong hands and is smart at finding the soft spot in a defense racking up 57 yards on 3 catches for Washington including a 44 yard gain in which he rumbled down field for a massive gain. With Zach Ertz as a mentor Sinnott has a great chance to be one of the league’s best young tight ends and a best friend for fellow rookie Jayden Daniels.