The NFL preseason is now in the rear-view mirror and the regular season is but a few short days away. Before jumping into Week 1, fantasy managers should take a moment to reflect upon the last three weeks to judge if some of the stars (or duds) of the preseason are real or just figments of our imagination.
Ascertaining meaningful data is difficult since most NFL teams will opt to rest their high-profile players for the vast majority of snaps, not wishing to risk injury on games that don’t count. This also provides players on the bubble a chance to prove themselves in live action. Whittling down the roster to the final 53 is a tricky process, and each snap is precious for those fighting for one of the last few spots.
Here are a few players who caught my eye during the preseason and performed well when given the opportunity.
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NFL Preseason Risers
Anyone checking social media sites during the Rams’ preseason games would see plenty of comments about Jordan Whittington becoming “the next Puka Nacua” for Los Angeles. That comparison might be a total stretch, but I’m not so quick to write off how comfortable Whittington looked in Sean McVay’s offense. At best, Whittington is the WR4 for Los Angeles behind Nacua, Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson, but he will push for snaps to rise the depth chart. Securing 11 receptions for 126 yards, this sixth-round pick from the University of Texas fits best as a slot receiver, where he can use his larger frame and toughness to make contested catches on crossing routes.
Few players have steadily risen in ADP over the last several weeks like Rashee Rice, who is expected to dodge any suspension for his off-field transgressions until next season. To start the summer, Rice’s ADP was well into the eighth or ninth rounds, but now he is being selected as a top-25 option at the position instead. The second fiddle to Travis Kelce in the Kansas City Chiefs’ passing game, Rice will look to surpass his robust 79/938/7 statistics as a rookie. He will still need to compete with Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown for targets at receiver, but his strong rapport with Patrick Mahomes should separate him from the pack.
Perhaps it is a rite of passing to be stuck behind Zach Ertz before breaking out at the position (just ask Trey McBride). Regardless, Ben Sinnott caught my eye multiple times this preseason with Mark Bavaro-esque receptions where he would drag several defenders for multiple yards before finally going down. Washington further cleared his path to the field by trading Jahan Dotson to Philadelphia. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has raved about their connection. I don’t believe it will be long before the torch is passed from Ertz to Sinnott in Washington, where he could develop as the next Sam LaPorta. Sinnott’s collegiate tape at Washington State was eye-opening.
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