Players to Watch as the NFL Preseason Continues
Roster spots are never a guarantee. The NFL Preseason is not only fun for fans, as football returns from a half-year hiatus, but it is also enjoyable for the players. Some of them find it more fun than others, though. Myles Garrett, for instance, is not going to play. This is because he is a proven superstar, an All-Pro-type player who does not need to convince anyone of anything. With that being said, there are a plethora of guys fighting for not only a starting position, but to make the roster in general. Here are three names to watch throughout the NFL Preseason.
Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR, Raiders
There is not much experience in the Raiders’ wideout room, and that means that the preseason is not only the time to fight for a roster spot, but also to earn a starting role. Jakobi Meyers has the number one WR spot locked up, but behind him, it is wide open. Rookie Jack Bech and veteran Tre Tucker are in the mix and will make the roster, but watch out for six-foot-five fourth-round pick Dont’e Thornton Jr. The former Tennessee standout brings some serious speed and much-needed size to a shorter Las Vegas receiving corps. He caught a 17-yard pass in his first preseason game. The Raiders want to be a threat to the Chiefs this year, and with guys like Maxx Crosby, Germaine Pratt, and Jeremy Chinn, the defense looks primed to succeed, but the offense needs work.
Gunnar Helm, TE, Titans
Gunnar Helm was listed as the number two tight end on the Titans’ initial depth chart, and that is thanks to a very strong camp. Helm was good as a receiver at Texas, but what the fourth-rounder has brought to Nashville is how good he is at blocking. He is six-foot-five, 241 pounds, and he uses all of his frame. He is very physical and could give veteran TE Chigoziem Okonkwo a run for his money.
Shilo Sanders, S, Buccaneers
Sometimes it is better to enter the year with zero expectations. Much of the attention on Shilo Sanders is due to his brother, Shedeur Sanders, but Shilo shined in the Bucs’ first preseason game. He delivered multiple big hits and did what he did in college: held his own. He is not a flashy, fast defensive back, but he can be counted on to make tackles and lay the boom. He really might earn a roster spot in Tampa, which is impressive because he was signed as an undrafted free agent.
