Whats next for 10 standout players of preseason?
With no stakes and limited implementation of teams’ schemes, the NFL preseason can often feel like a throwaway. But it also can serve as a stage for several of the league’s promising young stars to show what they’re capable of.
Thursday marks the end of the exhibitions for all 32 teams, with many teams holding their starters out of action.
Ahead of the finales, we took a look at 10 players who stood out in the preseason and assessed what could be ahead for them once the regular season begins:
DeShone Kizer, QB, Cleveland Browns
Just two weeks after his own quarterbacks coach said he wasn’t ready for the top job, the second-round pick from Notre Dame impressed Hue Jackson so much that he was named the Week 1 starter. Kizer’s raw numbers (including a 6-of-18 passing performance in his third outing) weren’t impressive, but he established himself as the best playmaker for the offense.
What’s next: Kizer will become the 27th different starting quarterback for the Browns since 1999, and he should have considerable license to play through mistakes after Jackson said the rookie’s designation is “permanent.” Kizer should jolt an offense that had just 15 passing touchdowns in 2016, but he needs to be more consistent and make better decisions to make progress.
Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers
Considered a front-runner for offensive rookie of the year, the No. 8 overall pick has met the immense expectations facing him this summer. He racked up 72 total yards and a touchdown in his second preseason outing and has comfortably split first-team reps with Jonathan Stewart.
What’s next: McCaffrey’s full role within the Panthers’ offense is likely yet to be revealed. In addition to operating in a backfield timeshare with Stewart, he should take on a more vital function in the passing game as a checkdown option for Cam Newton, who was limited earlier in training camp while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings
The former Florida State standout made a smooth transition to his new surroundings by making the most of his first-team reps while Latavius Murray was out with an ankle injury. He also proved to be an all-purpose threat with solid work as a receiving and pass blocker.
What’s next: Murray is back, but every indication shows that Cook has a runway to the starting job. After scoring 48 touchdowns through three years in college, Cook brings a big-play facet to a team dedicated to improving the league’s worst rushing attack in 2016.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
A third-round pick from Toledo, Hunt quickly made his mark in Kansas City. He had 63 yards on 11 carries in the Chiefs’ second preseason contest.
What’s next: With Spencer Ware expected to miss the season with a knee injury, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Hunt now will take on the featured back role. Working in a solid offense, he should be in for a substantial workload and could be one of the year’s breakout players.
Chris Carson, RB, Seattle Seahawks
The seventh-round pick from Oklahoma State quickly displayed a skill set beyond his draft status. Carson has steadily earned more reps in the running back rotation and notched 90 total yards on 10 touches in the third preseason game.
What’s next: It’s important to keep the hype pumping out of Seattle in perspective after Christine Michael’s “awakening” last preseason resulted in the running back being waived by the Seahawks in November. Carson finds himself behind Eddie Lacy, Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise, but all three have had trouble staying healthy.
Taywan Taylor, WR, Tennessee Titans
With No. 5 overall pick Corey Davis sidelined, the thirdround selection from Western Kentucky stepped up to give Tennessee an explosive new dimension in the passing game. Taylor has averaged 18.1 yards per catch, and teammate Brice McCain compared him to Indianapolis Colts standout T.Y. Hilton.
What’s next: With Davis and free agent acquisition Eric Decker back at practice, Taylor will likely be pushed down the depth chart. Early opportunities will likely be limited for the rookie as he operates behind the other wide receivers and tight end Delanie Walker in a run-heavy offense. But Taylor presents a needed big-play threat and could become a more integral piece as the season progresses.
DeVante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins
It was easy to see why Miami’s coaching staff talked up the former first-round pick all offseason. Parker showed the ability to capitalize on big-play strikes, including a 72-yard catch-and-run in his third preseason game.
What’s next: Parker could stand to be the biggest beneficiary of Jay Cutler stepping in as starter after Ryan Tannehill sustained a season-ending knee injury. The veteran quarterback called the third-year wide receiver a faster version of Alshon Jeffery, his former Chicago Bears teammate.
Kenny Golladay, WR, Detroit Lions
After building a considerable buzz in training camp, the third-round pick from Northern Illinois roared into the preseason by catching two touchdowns in his debut.
What’s next: Despite showing plenty of promise and working with the first-team offense, Golladay might find opportunities difficult to come by as a rookie given the presence of Marvin Jones, Golden Tate and other established options in the passing game. Still, he should thrive as a red zone threat and stands as a promising prospect.
Derek Barnett, DE, Philadelphia Eagles
As the first player in Southeastern Conference history to record 10 or more sacks in three straight seasons, Barnett displayed his pass rushing prowess early by record three sacks in his first two preseason games.
What’s next: Philadelphia’s defensive line is loaded, but coordinator Jim Schwartz has stated an intent to work plenty of players into his rotation. Barnett should have ample pass opportunities despite his likely role of working behind projected starters Brandon Graham and Vinny Curry.
Reuben Foster, LB, San Francisco 49ers
After missing time in the offseason with a shoulder injury, Foster showed little rust in the preseason, which included eight tackles and several big hits in his third outing.
What’s next: Foster has already locked down a starting role at weakside linebacker and could be a leading candidate for defensive rookie of the year. Coach Kyle Shanahan said the Alabama product and second of his first-round picks is “ahead of schedule,” though he wants to see JNQSPWFNFOU PO TPNF GVOEBNFOUBMT 64" 5PEBZ 5/4