The NFL preseason is an exercise in properly modulating expectations.
For fans who have waited for months for any glimpse at the newest iteration of their teams, the exhibition slate might seem like a window into what to expect in the coming fall. But with many franchises placing a diminishing emphasis on the matchups and instead prioritizing the work done in training camp practices and scrimmages, the sessions might provide merely a few data points rather than a treasure trove of meaningful takeaways. And with many established veterans either being held out or only making the briefest of appearances, the games hardly reflect teams’ true forms.
But there’s still important work to be done throughout August, and the contests can help teams better evaluate some of their younger talent. With the first week of preseason games set to kick off Thursday, here’s one player to watch for every team:
Arizona Cardinals: CB Will Johnson
Injury concerns played a substantial role in the draft slide of Johnson, who lasted to the second round amid reports of a knee issue. Now, teammate Starling Thomas V’s torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered at the start of camp could fast-track the Michigan product’s pro rise. The 6-2, 200-pounder has gotten additional burn with the first team since Thomas went down and held his own, flashing the ball skills and coverage instincts that prompted many to consider him a top prospect before his disappointing final season. The Cardinals seem set in base packages with 2024 breakout Garrett Williams on track to play more on the outside opposite Max Melton. But if Johnson remains sturdy through the preseason, he can seal extensive work in nickel packages when Williams moves back inside.
Atlanta Falcons: OLB James Pearce Jr.
Seeking to repair a sluggish defense, the Falcons are embracing a bit of chaos. That effort began in earnest in April, when the team ceded a 2026 first-rounder to the Los Angeles Rams to select Pearce at No. 26 overall, even though next year’s selection almost assuredly will be higher in the draft order. For Atlanta, however, that gamble could be the key to invigorating a pass rush that ranked 31st in sacks last season. New defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is rolling with the volatility that is inherent to Pierce’s game, as he last week praised the edge rusher for his intensity in camp before acknowledging that igniting two skirmishes with teammates was a step too far. But with fellow first-round pick Jalon Walker sidelined by a hamstring injury, Pierce has set himself apart from his peers with his disruptive play. If he keeps up the pace in preseason, he could take over for veteran mentor Leonard Floyd sooner rather than later.
Baltimore Ravens: RB Keaton Mitchell
Few teams can match Baltimore in top-to-bottom stability. That means John Harbaugh has every reason to continue exercising caution in the preseason with his veteran starters, so expect plenty of run for names further down the roster. Even if he continues to wow in game settings after setting a promising tone in camp, Mitchell won’t significantly cut into Derrick Henry’s massive workload. But the league’s top-ranked ground game should be invested in the trajectory of a player who averaged 8.4 yards per carry as a rookie before a torn ACL sidelined him in December 2023. Getting back the explosiveness that seemed absent in last year’s initial return will be vital to Mitchell’s comeback, and the early summer returns have been favorable.
Buffalo Bills: WR Keon Coleman
A midseason wrist injury halted the progress Coleman built in his rookie season, and the second-round draft pick exited the year with a mixed outlook. In averaging 19.17 yards per catch, the 6-4, 215-pound target demonstrated how formidable of a downfield threat he could be for Josh Allen, particularly in contested catch scenarios. But he too often proved unreliable, finishing with just 29 catches on 57 targets. Though the opportunities to hone his connection with Allen likely will be limited in preseason, but greater consistency and polish will be demanded of him after Buffalo seemed to back him this offseason by largely standing pat at receiver.
Carolina Panthers: WR Tetairoa McMillan
Xavier Legette and Ja’Tavion Sanders could have been fitting selections here given their importance to the passing game in their second seasons. And former Pro Bowl wideout Hunter Renfrow is also a compelling figure after spending 2024 out of the NFL. But no other receiver measures up to the 6-5, 212-pound McMillan when it comes to the potential to take the passing attack to the next level. The Arizona product has already made a habit of hauling in passes well outside his frame by contorting his body. Establishing trust with Bryce Young for contested catches in game settings, however, is an integral step for his introduction to the league, especially as he better learns how to create separation.
Chicago Bears: WR Luther Burden III
Attention to detail isn’t just a talking point for Ben Johnson. The first-year Bears coach served a reminder of that in camp when he yanked Burden from a drill for lining up improperly. Still, in working his way back from a hamstring injury that kept him out of action since the spring, Burden has seemingly managed to get back into coaches’ good graces with his dynamic play. Precision has never been his calling card, but the 6-0, 210-pound target might have gotten the wake-up call he needed to thrive as the all-important slot in Johnson’s scheme.
Cincinnati Bengals: DE Shemar Stewart
A prolonged holdout amplified questions about what Cincinnati could expect from its top draft pick given the 21-year-old’s underdeveloped approach to pass rushing. Yet Stewart has made a strong early impression in camp, with teammates applauding his tenacity, explosiveness and improving fundamentals. The havoc that the 6-5, 267-pounder can create up front likely won’t translate into splash plays instantly, as Stewart famously had trouble establishing a finishing touch in a college career that only saw him record 4 ½ sacks. But preseason reps will give him opportunity for additional refinement, and a Bengals defense desperate for difference-makers beyond Trey Hendrickson – whose status remains murky amid his continued hold-in – has to bring him along as quickly as possible.
Cleveland Browns: QB Shedeur Sanders
Any notion of Sanders overtaking the Browns’ four-man quarterback competition early in training camp have been summarily dismissed, with the fifth-rounder primarily relegated to second- and third-string work as others rotate in with starters. Still, no other rookie is likely to be as closely monitored throughout the preseason, and his debut as the starter in Friday’s game against the Panthers likely will be appointment viewing. With only so many snaps to go around in practice, the exhibition slate could give Sanders his best chance to prove himself, even if it comes with backups and players not likely to make the roster. But any opportunities to demonstrate his handle of the offense – as well as an improved internal clock and ability to navigate pressure – could help his standing.
Dallas Cowboys: DE Donovan Ezeiruaku
The early story of the Cowboys’ pass rush in camp was how quickly Ezeiruaku reached a level of comfort in getting to the quarterback. Then everything changed with Micah Parsons’ trade request. While the spotlight won’t stray far from the four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher and his contract clash, Dallas has every reason to be excited with what it has seen from its second-round pick. Ezeiruaku can continue to make a strong case to be featured heavily in the defensive end rotation, though the 6-2, 255-pound edge rusher will have to show he can hold up against the run.
Denver Broncos: RB RJ Harvey
Sean Payton engineered plenty of offseason intrigue with speculation on how he would repair Denver’s run game after last year’s backfield repeatedly failed to capitalized on the opportunities that the team’s superlative offensive line provided. The solution only came into focus in June, when veteran J.K. Dobbins was signed to team with Harvey, a second-round pick out of UCF. While the former could pace the backfield in touches given his experience, the latter might be the answer to Payton’s desire for more explosiveness from the ground game. With his quick cuts and knack for bouncing off would-be tacklers, the 5-8, 205-pound ball carrier can rack up yards in chunks and ease the burden on Bo Nix and the passing attack. One of the most critical tasks for Harvey in preseason might be working on blitz pickup, as his role in the passing game likely can’t expand unless he can be trusted as a blocker.
Detroit Lions: WR Isaac TeSlaa
Three third-round picks is a hefty bill for any prospect. That’s the price, however, that Brad Holmes and paid to trade up and secure TeSlaa. A Wing-T quarterback in high school near Grand Rapids, Michigan, the 6-4, 214-pounder only had 62 catches in two years at Arkansas after transferring from Hillsdale College. But the Lions weren’t scared off by the raw receiver and instead saw the possibilities that could be unlocked by his massive build, 4.43-second speed in the 40-yard dash and nearly 40-inch vertical leap. An immediate threat on downfield shots and an already formidable run blocker, TeSlaa can take the next step in his development by figuring out how to beat press coverage consistently while elevating the overall level of precision in his game.
Green Bay Packers: WR Matthew Golden
Expectations for Golden have been sky-high ever since the Packers’ long-awaited selection of a first-round receiver produced a collective sigh of relief more than two decades in the making. Somehow, though, the No. 23 overall selection has only built the buzz even further throughout the spring and summer. The 5-11, 191-pounder racing past cornerbacks has been a welcome sight for Jordan Love, who also lauded his new target’s reliability and aggressiveness in jump-ball situations. If Golden does to opponents what he’s managed to pull off against teammates, he could allow Love and the offense to rediscover a more daring nature after the receiver corps’ limitations helped turn the attack stale in 2024.
Houston Texans: WR Jayden Higgins
The Texans have one of the most enviable collections of young talent in the league, but many of those players won’t be fixtures of the preseason given how firmly established they are. One area with less clarity is at receiver, with the team having spent two Day 2 selections on former Iowa State teammates Higgins (second round) and Jaylin Noel (third). The former is listed alongside Nico Collins and Christian Kirk as a starter on the opening depth chart, and the 6-4, 215-pounder could be a major weapon for an offense that too often stalled out in the red zone in 2024.
Indianapolis Colts: QB Anthony Richardson Sr.
Writing off Richardson this summer would have been easy. Between the Colts signing Daniel Jones and then shoulder soreness temporarily shutting down the incumbent starter, things seemed to be stacking up against the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft to hold onto his spot. But with camp play that coach Shane Steichen has touted as ‘cleaner,’ Richardson – who will start the preseason opener against the Ravens – seemingly has narrowed the path by which Jones could pass him. With his ample upside already evident, his most essential task for August is likely inspiring greater confidence in Steichen that he can convert short-to-intermediate throws and keep drives going after Indianapolis ranked 28th in offensive success rate last season.
Jacksonville Jaguars: WR/CB Travis Hunter
Let’s not get cute with this pick. A Jaguars preseason game likely has one draw for anyone outside of Duval County, and that’s Hunter. The Heisman Trophy winner has the green light – or maybe it’s a teal one – to continue pulling double duty in the pros, with Jacksonville listing him as a first-string receiver and second-string cornerback on its initial depth chart. Don’t get too bogged down with his early usage, as first-year coach Liam Coen continues to experiment with the best way to prep for this singular setup. But the juggling act in and of itself certainly bears watching.
Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jalen Royals
First-round left tackle Josh Simmons was a strong candidate for this slot given how rapidly he has locked down the crucial role of Patrick Mahomes’ blindside protector. But to avoid any sweeping declarations about line play in an exhibition setting, let’s turn our attention instead to Royals. The fourth-round pick from Utah State has been lauded by Andy Reid for earning the trust of the team’s quarterbacks, including Mahomes. Targets might be limited in the regular season given the presence of Rashee Rice, Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy and Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown, but having a quick study at receiver will no doubt help Kansas City if the group gets hit by injuries again.
Las Vegas Raiders: CB Darien Porter
With Pete Carroll, Geno Smith and Ashton Jeanty all coming aboard in the last seven months, the Raiders don’t seem far off from a return to relevance. But a shaky secondary could put a ceiling on any potential Year 1 turnaround. A third-round pick out of Iowa State, Porter is competing with 2024 fourth-round pick Decamerion Richardson for the starting spot opposite veteran Eric Stokes. At 6-3 and 195 pounds with 4.3-second speed in the 40-yard dash, the former wide receiver fits the bill of the hyperathletic project Carroll covets at cornerback – though Richardson does as well. With only seven career starts at the position, Porter has ground to make up for as he tries to acclimate to NFL coverage schemes. But with Las Vegas sending Jakorian Bennett to Philadelphia on Monday, it’s clear Porter will play a crucial role as a rookie even if he doesn’t start right away.
Los Angeles Chargers: WR Tre’ Harris
A speedy rookie receiver emerging in camp as a deep threat for the Chargers came as no surprise. Many, however, assumed Harris would be the one to stand out, but fifth-rounder KeAndre Lambert-Smith has had the hotter start. Harris was held without a catch in the Hall of Fame Game, and Keenan Allen’s return could spell trouble in a suddenly crowded receiver room. There’s still time to build momentum heading into the season, but with only so many targets to go around in a run-heavy attack, Harris could get lost in the shuffle as a rookie if he can’t get up to speed in a hurry.
Los Angeles Rams: RB Blake Corum
Sean McVay sits his starters in the preseason, preferring instead to place a greater emphasis on joint practices. If the head coach isn’t putting much stock into his team’s exhibitions, then you shouldn’t either. But even after Kyren Williams struck a three-year, $33 million contract extension this week, the backfield remains a point of interest for the Rams. With fourth-rounder Jarquez Hunter potentially applying some pressure as a more explosive option, Corum has to string together some strong showings after the third-round pick logged just 207 yards on 58 carries as a rookie.
Miami Dolphins: CB Cam Smith
Minnesota Vikings: QB J.J. McCarthy
A player uniquely positioned to elicit overreactions has now reached the peak of hyperbole season. Beware any definitive assessments of McCarthy at this time, as the 2024 first-round pick and the Vikings staff are still calibrating the quarterback’s risk tolerance amid an unprecedented transition behind center for a 14-win team. But the mixed outings throughout camp add even more intrigue for how one of the most fascinating players in the league will handle his next challenge. Facing off against Brian Flores’ vexing defenses should leave McCarthy well-situated to handle far less complicated looks from opponents in exhibitions, but there’s little question that Minnesota’s staff hopes both the signal-caller and the offense its their footing in short order.
New England Patriots: RB TreVeyon Henderson
Much of the Patriots’ offseason efforts have focused on putting Drake Maye more at ease as well as creating more explosive plays for the second-year quarterback. With the addition of Henderson, those goals are intertwined. The second-round pick out of Ohio State is adept at ripping off long gains when given a runway. As both a runner and receiver, he gives the offense a chance to pick up yardage in chunks without forcing Maye to hold onto the ball for long, which could be a problem for a signal-caller safeguarded by two likely rookie starters in left tackle Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson. Expect Rhamondre Stevenson to begin the season as the lead run game option given his standing as the steadier presence, but Henderson is clearly trending up as one of the few figures capable of changing the complexion of the offense.
New Orleans Saints: QB Tyler Shough
For much of the summer, it seemed a foregone conclusion that the Saints’ starting quarterback job would go to Shough, the second-round rookie out of Louisville. But Spencer Rattler has kept this an earnest competition, and the incumbent starter might even have a few built-in advantages. If Shough is to stake a claim to the job, the first preseason game might have to be the platform to do it. Decisiveness could be a sticking point for the 6-5, 219-pounder, so operating quickly in live action will be paramount for his development.
New York Giants: QB Jaxson Dart
Unlike most others on this list, Dart doesn’t stand to gain much in the immediate future with Russell Wilson firmly entrenched as the Giants’ starter. That gives the quarterback rare latitude for experimentation in the preseason and training camp, as the first-rounder can feel his way through things without the same level of scrutiny that other passers might face. Make no mistake, though: How Dart fares will surely factor into the inevitable questions surrounding Wilson’s job security at the first sign of trouble.
New York Jets: QB Justin Fields
First-year coach Aaron Glenn might be reticent to leave Fields in the line of fire for long, especially after the brief scare last week with the quarterback suffering a dislocated toe. But with Gang Green’s passing offense has yet to click in training camp, getting in more work could serve the unit well. Whatever action Fields does see likely won’t reflect a realistic approximation of the offense’s capabilities, as the Jets might not want to fully unleash his running ability in this setting given the potential for injuries. But Glenn has extolled the virtues of getting the ball out quickly, and any opportunity for Fields to work on speeding up his decision-making is one New York should pounce on. Fields has bought into that mentality, saying Tuesday the offense should play in each preseason game to clean up several issues.
Philadelphia Eagles: CB Kelee Ringo
The immediate star turns of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean assuaged many fears about the future of Philadelphia’s secondary. But the air of invincibility that has cloaked Howie Roseman’s roster – and specifically Vic Fangio’s defense – could be challenged by how the team fills the vacancy at outside corner left by Darius Slay Jr.’s release. Since he surprisingly tumbled to the fourth round in 2023, Ringo hasn’t managed to harness his considerable physical tools and become a trustworthy coverage presence. That’s left the door open for Adoree’ Jackson to secure the open starting spot, and the trade for Jakorian Bennett might make the competition even more heated. This is the time for Ringo to make his move or risk getting lost in the shuffle.
Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Aaron Rodgers
Who else could it be? There’s only so many reps that the four-time NFL MVP has been able to squeeze in since signing with Pittsburgh just before mandatory minicamp, so this stretch holds a rare level of importance to both the 41-year-old and his team. Rodgers has applauded offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for being flexible with his scheme, but there’s still plenty to sort out before the passing attack can truly take flight. The all-important deep ball connection with fellow offseason addition DK Metcalf seems to be a work-in-progress at best, and handling pressure remains a potential pain point given the problems that dogged Rodgers with the Jets last season.
San Francisco 49ers: RB Jordan James
Everything appears to be trending in the right direction for Christian McCaffrey’s comeback bid. Yet the outlook behind him on the depth chart seems substantially less clear. Backup Isaac Guerendo is expected to miss a few weeks with a shoulder injury. That could open the door for James, a fifth-round pick out of Oregon, to carve out a place for himself in the backfield. James’ no-nonsense running style makes him an enticing fit for Kyle Shanahan’s scheme, and he could further endear himself to the offensive staff if he continues to impress both as a runner and pass blocker.
Seattle Seahawks: TE Elijah Arroyo
The offseason remaking of Seattle’s pass-catching crew didn’t stop at the outset of training camp, as the team decided to part ways with starting tight end Noah Fant. While AJ Barner’s strong blocking gives him a leg up to take over as the starter for an offense that will be rooted in the run game, Arroyo still could be on track to make heftier contributions than many expected of him in Year 1. After averaging 16.9 yards per catch in his final season at Miami, the 6-5, 250-pounder sizes up as the seam threat needed to complement Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. And with the second-rounder earning praise for his handle on the playbook, he could be a significant asset to Sam Darnold.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Emeka Egbuka
Taking a receiver with the No. 19 overall pick seemed like a luxury for a team that returns Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and 2024 third-round pick Jalen McMillan. Egbuka, however, has stood out so starkly during the spring and summer that it might be difficult for the Buccaneers to keep him off the field in his rookie campaign. General manager Jason Licht said Egbuka has been ‘everything we thought plus some,’ and the 6-0, 202-pounder has drawn rave reviews from teammates and coaches alike for his advanced route running and awareness. The preseason could allow him to showcase some of that polish, though Tampa Bay might not feel compelled to give him an extensive run given how far along he already is.
Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward
The No. 1 overall pick is unquestionably the main – and potentially sole – attraction for the Titans this season. But even with a smattering of big plays to show what the unit is capable of, Tennessee’s offense seems to have a long way to go before things click. Ward offered a frank and Gen Z-appropriate assessment of the group earlier this week, calling it ‘very mid.’ After being plagued by Will Levis’ rampant turnovers and sacks last season, coach Brian Callahan is no doubt eager to establish some level of consistency from the attack. For Ward, then, the primary measure of preseason success might be whether the unit can sync up its timing after seeming out of sorts in the early going.
Washington Commanders: WR Jaylin Lane
Washington’s well-rounded and veteran-laden roster seems robust at most spots … except wide receiver. Now, a group that was already being propped up by Terry McLaurin looks iffy amid the two-time Pro Bowler’s contract standoff and Noah Brown’s minimal action. While the two and Deebo Samuel Sr. should carry the passing attack once the season starts, the preseason should provide a chance for the Commanders to build some depth. Lane, a fourth-round pick out of Virginia Tech, has impressed early with his blistering deep speed, which he should be able to leverage on special teams. More progress in the preseason for the 5-10, 196-pounder might put Washington a bit more at ease about its ability to navigate any hits to this group.
