10 Players to Watch this NFL Preseason

The NFL preseason officially got underway with the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night, when the Chicago Bears defeated the Houston Texans 21-17. This coming week will see the rest of the teams contest their 2024 openers.

Although the real thing does not kick off until September, and specifically with Thursday Night Football on September 5 between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, football has arrived.

Even in the preseason there are plenty of storylines taking shape both on and off the field. Let’s take a look at 10 players worth keeping an eye on throughout the preseason.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Perhaps no player’s status with his current team is more in limbo than Brandon Aiyuk’s with the San Francisco 49ers.

Since Aiyuk is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year and San Francisco may want to trade him if they don’t think re-signing is on the cards.

There does not seem to be much progress being made in the department of contract talks, so Aiyuk could be traded sooner rather than later. Needless to say, the Arizona State University product would be a hot commodity if he truly is available.

He has made at least 75 receptions in each of the past two seasons and exceeded the 1,000-yard mark both times, as well as scoring 25 touchdowns during his four-year career, so Aiyuk is definitely one to watch in preseaon.

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Atlanta Falcons

The most curious selection of the 2024 NFL Draft was Michael Penix Jr. to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8 overall. After all, they had just signed Kirk Cousins to a massive deal.

Penix certainly won’t be starting this season, but it will be interesting to see how he looks in the preseason. If he secures the backup job, Atlanta could move Taylor Heinicke.  

Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills

We know one thing: Keon Coleman is extremely fun in interviews, but can he play?

The Buffalo Bills better hope so, because they traded out of the first round and allowed the rival Kansas City Chiefs to draft fellow wide receiver Xavier Worthy.

For Buffalo’s sake, Coleman needs to be at least as good as Worthy if not better.

Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Richardson showed plenty of promise during his rookie season in 2023 with the Indianapolis Colts. However, it was cut short by a shoulder injury after just four games.

Although the Colts definitely want to protect Richardson’s health, he should see some preseason action. If he is back to his best, this team has a chance to make the play-offs.

Zamir White, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

The Josh Jacobs era is over for the Las Vegas Raiders now that he has taken his talents to the Green Bay Packers.

There will be a new RB1 in Las Vegas and while Zamir White has the inside track on that distinction, he will have to earn it by holding off Alexander Mattison.

White’s preseason performance could determine his workload in the Raiders’ backfield. 

Chase Young, DE, New Orleans Saints

Don’t forget about the defensive side of the ball, where one of the more interesting moves of the offseason has been the New Orleans Saints’ acquisition of DE Chase Young.

Although Young hasn’t really lived up to the hype of his No. 2 selection of the Washington Commanders in the 2020 draft, he remains a major talent.

If he is looking as good in practice as reports indicate, Young could totally revamp New Orleans’ defense. 

Luke McCaffrey, WR, Washington Commanders

Yes, there is another McCaffrey in the NFL. Luke, the younger brother of Christian, was selected by Washington in the third round of this year’s draft.

A converted quarterback, the former Rice University standout is already turning heads on the practice field and is projected to earn a starting spot at wide receiver. 

Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots

No. 1 pick Caleb Williams is obviously starting for the Chicago Bears and second selection Jayden Daniels will undoubtedly top the Commanders’ depth chart. But what is the situation with No. 3 pick Drake Maye and the New England Patriots?

Maye and Jacoby Brissett are in the mix for the starting job and both players should see a lot of time on the field during the preseason. 

Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets

The 2023 NFL campaign was supposed to be headlined by the Aaron Rodgers-inspired rise of the New York Jets, but a torn Achilles’ just minutes into Rodgers’ tenure with his new team changed that idea in a hurry.

One year later, will the veteran signal-caller be able to take the Jets to where they wanted to go in 2023? We probably won’t see any of Rodgers on the preseason field, but it will be interesting to see the dynamic of New York’s offense during training camp.

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Arguably the most intriguing quarterback battle of the preseason is in Minnesota, where J.J. McCarthy was drafted No. 10 overall to replace Cousins. Just how soon McCarthy becomes ready to take the step up remains to be seen.

The Vikings also signed Sam Darnold this spring, so the next few weeks of practices and game action will likely determine who becomes QB1 for head coach Kevin O’Connell.

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