Preseason is always an exciting time. After a long offseason, we finally get to see our favorite athletes take the field – many for the first time in an NFL uniform. In this article, I’m going to mention some players that have looked impressive during the preseason thus far.
Christian McCaffrey
Amidst offseason concerns of whether he can be a primary back, Christian McCaffrey looked fantastic in early preseason action. He dominated all of the first-team reps and was the focal point of the Panthers offense. McCaffrey rushed five times for 92 yards and caught four of five targets for 28 yards.
He also broke an impressive 71-yard touchdown.
Christian McCaffrey TO THE HOUSE! #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/zOpuniqFCo
— CarolinaMafiaTV (@CarolinaMafiaTV) August 17, 2018
Joe Mixon
After a disappointing rookie season, Joe Mixon looked good in his first preseason game. While he only touched the ball four times, he caught an impressive 24-yard touchdown.
Joe Mixon lines up wide right, breaks two tackles and scores. #NorrisNotes pic.twitter.com/VjaBwot0fY
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 9, 2018
Carlos Hyde
Despite being stuck in a crowded backfield with Duke Johnson and Nick Chubb, Carlos Hyde has looked great during the preseason. Although it’s easy to forget, he really has always looked good, when healthy. Assuming he sits out next week, Hyde finishes the preseason with 17 rushes for 108 yards, a touchdown, and a really nice stiff-arm.
Carlos Hyde just stiff-armed Jordan Poyer into pieces.#Browns pic.twitter.com/1q1fbzPdJ3
— Roto Street Journal (@RotoStJournal) August 17, 2018
Taywan Taylor
With Rishard Matthews struggling to get healthy, Taywan Taylor has receiver more playing time. Taylor has played well since being selected in the 3rd round and has really flashed this preseason.
Titans spent a 3rd round pick on Taywan Taylor because of his movement skills and explosiveness. I’d assume they want him to win the starting slot job to add some dynamic ability to the WR core.
https://t.co/W3jnfNFPEV— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) August 20, 2018
Should Matthews miss the start of the season, Taylor would be a great flyer in the late rounds.
James Washington
We were intrigued by James Washington’s impressive collegiate profile. He’s been as good as advertised in the preseason, making multiple impressive catches.
James Washington Ladies and Gentlemen. pic.twitter.com/Kh2pPoVZ5d
— Boone Pickens State (@BP_State) August 17, 2018
Like JuJu Smith-Schuster last year, it’s likely that Washington forces his way onto the field.
Christian Kirk
Despite the Cardinals listing Christian Kirk outside of their top three receivers to start the preseason, those who have studied the prospect know he’s superior to the players he is competing with. We loved Kirk as a prospect and he’s looked good in the preaseason.
Christian Kirk's main competition for #Cardinals WR2 job:
-Brice Butler (injured)
-Chad Williams (3 catches in rookie year)-
-J.J. Nelson (160 pounds) pic.twitter.com/dpH7V0aZPe— Chris Raybon (@ChrisRaybon) August 20, 2018
After the game against the Saints, Cardinals coach Steve Wilks said Kirk has played himself into the mix for the No. 2 receiver job. With no other reliable pass catchers outside of Larry Fitzgerald, Kirk could develop into a fantasy asset earlier than most expect.
Courtland Sutton
Courtland Sutton is another receiver that we loved coming out of college. By all accounts, he’s excelled in Broncos camp and has already won the No. 3 receiver job. He caught his first NFL touchdown against the Bears.
IF Case Keenum does not work in Denver. The #Broncos shouldn't have any worries about giving Chad Kelly a chance in the future. In the preseason Chad Kelly has thrown some money balls and has shown potential. On this play, he threw a perfect pass up the seam to Courtland Sutton. pic.twitter.com/rKFDR6jNer
— Cut N Dryve (@CutNDryve) August 21, 2018
Sutton could be good enough as a rookie to take targets away from Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders.