The preseason is always a fun time of the year. We get a sneak preview at roles and at how explosive players look – all while wondering whether it will transfer over to the regular season. Here are some early findings from preseason Week 1 that have potential fantasy implications:
Keon Coleman
His talent is still in question per his prospect profile, but his usage appeared to be favorable.
Keon Coleman posted a 100% route participation with the starting WRs for the Bills this weekend. He also tied for the team lead with three targets (27%).
Yes, asmall sample, but very encouraging for the rookie.
— Dwain McFarland (@dwainmcfarland) August 10, 2024
If Keon Coleman has a favorable route participation and is getting targets, he will have some value. Whether he can parlay that into a difference-making season is a different question. One thing we know for certain: the Bills are desperate for a wide receiver to step up at Josh Allen’s alpha.
Marshawn Lloyd
Explosive rookie Marshawn Lloyd has re-injured an existing hamstring injury.
#Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd said he’s been pushing through a hamstring issue in camp and felt it pull while bouncing a run outside. “I’ve had hamstrings before, so I’ll just rehab and get back as fast as I can,” he said. Said he can walk on it OK, so he’s hoping it’s not bad.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) August 11, 2024
While we love Lloyd’s ability and underachieving competition, it’s a problem when a young rookie can’t be on the field to learn and show his talent. Until further notice, he should likely be pushed down draft boards – especially with Josh Jacobs firmly entrenched as the starter (for now) and A.J. Dillon receiving positive reviews from Green Bay’s coaching staff.
Tank Dell
I’ve written extensively about Dell’s rookie year. He made noise in his return to the field on Friday night.
Stroud to Dell for 6 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nkQwAMNfIl
— 32BeatWriters (@32BeatWriters) August 9, 2024
Dell continues to be the most cost-efficient way to play the Texans offense.
Hollywood Brown
Preseason games are a lot less fun when injuries take place. Hollywood Brown left the Chiefs game with a shoulder injury.
If this is the play where Hollywood Brown got injured, looks like a potential Left AC sprain as he lands on that side.
Hopefully it’s just that and minor.
pic.twitter.com/zPhyoNqjFH— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) August 10, 2024
The early video diagnosis suggests that it could be minor. Let’s hope that’s the case. If he is scheduled to miss time, Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy should shoot up draft boards.
Dontayvion Wicks
The Packers are a team with a lot of wide receiver talent. Jayden Reed is an intriguing second-year wide receiver, while Christian Watson is the athletic former 34th overall selection. Romeo Doubs is arguably the favorite to lead all of the wide receivers in snaps, and some owners are even in on Bo Melton.
Yet, Dontayvion Wicks continues to make noise:
Packers are the anti-Browns when it comes to QBs pic.twitter.com/rdChPtngIX
— 32BeatWriters (@32BeatWriters) August 10, 2024
His underlying metrics were excellent: Wicks finished his rookie season with over 500 yards at over 10 yards per target. He just began his first preseason game with a 65-yard touchdown.
Braelon Allen
Braelon Allen clearly made an impression in training camp as he quickly earned the backup running back job behind starter Breece Hall. This impressive play carried over to the first preseason game.
Jets RB Braelon Allen so far:
6 rushes
54 yards
9.0 YPCpic.twitter.com/evSiSQ25PD— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) August 10, 2024
Braelon Allen appears to simply be good at football: at just 20.5 years old, he has a 95th percentile speed score. His contingent value in the case of a Hall injury is massive.
Jayden Daniels
The dual-threat star didn’t disappoint in his first preseason game.
Jayden Daniels, welcome to the NFL!pic.twitter.com/fYibDevD4g
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) August 10, 2024
His impressive deep ball was as advertised, and he capped the drive off with a read-option rushing touchdown. At 23 years old, Daniels may be a little more NFL-ready than many rookie quarterbacks. He makes a solid selection for when you plan to wait to draft your quarterback.
