A lot of things can happen in the preseason. This is where the hype begins with high-profile rookies, breakout players and players climbing the depth chart. Here are some of the things you should keep a close eye on or push off to the side.
Winners
DeShone Kizer QB, CLE
During the NFL draft process, Kizer was all over the board. At one point he was even considered the No. 1 overall pick. He has all the tools and at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds with the big arm to project into an NFL starter. The only issue was his intelligence and how he would need time to transition into the NFL game.
Week 1 of the preseason he showed critics otherwise posting an 11-of-18/184 yards/one touchdown stat line. He showed the big arm with his deep ball — but with accuracy. The best trait he showed was his pocket presence and how he stood tall in the pocket. This is when he was hitting big throws before getting hit. Watch the rest of the preseason for Kizer because he could be ready sooner rather than later.
All other big name rookie quarterbacks.
This goes for Mitchell Trubisky, Deshaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes and Nathan Peterman
Kenny Golladay WR, DET
Not many people made a name for themselves in Week 1. Golladay is someone who has risen the most. With three catches, 53 yards and two touchdowns against the Chargers Sunday, it may be time to make a reservation at the Golladay Inn.
Dalvin Cook (MIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Leonard Fournette (JAC) and Christian McCaffrey (CAR)
The revolution is now. These four running backs look like they are the real deal.
Cook showed the vision and pass catching we all expected out of him. What was surprising is his power through the hole which makes him a rising player.
Mixon displayed everything. Vision, balance, speed, explosiveness, catching and power. Mixon should steal carries and sooner rather than later take that job.
Fournette, despite his foot, he showed his true big-boy power. This is a man among boys and if healthy, should be a running back one for the foreseeable future.
McCaffrey is just a jitterbug. The best comp for him could be a way, way better Danny Woodhead. Look for the Panthers to get this guy the ball a lot!
Losers
LeGarrette Blount RB, PHI
Blount is a guy who scored 18 touchdowns last season. Now, we all see regression, but Blount has never produced, besides his Tampa Bay years, outside of New England. He didn’t look good behind a good offensive line in Philadelphia. Look for Blount to be over-drafted in leagues.
Allen Robinson WR, JAC & Blake Bortles QB, JAC
Don’t overreact. Robinson is a great player but Bortles is not. Robinson will suffer due to Bortles and won’t produce to his second- or third-round price. If Bortles loses his job, we can only hope, Robinson might be a value if you can get him in the fourth or fifth round.
For Bortles……time’s up….
OJ Howard TE, TB
The talent is there, but the need for an extra blocker is more of a need. In recent news, Cameron Brate will be the pass-catching option at tight end and Howard will be more of an in-line blocker. This will hurt Howard’s value in 2017. This will create a great buy-low for dynasty leagues though in the middle of the season.
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