Chargers undrafted CB Eric Rogers is dominating: His 97.0 PFF overall grade ranks first among all defenders this preseason. He also tops the charts in coverage (95.3) and run defense (92.6).
Rookies are powering the Patriots: Left tackle Will Campbell, running back TreVeyon Henderson and undrafted wide receiver Efton Chism III are flashing this preseason with hopes of breathing new life into New England.
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Although preseason games don’t count in the win-loss column, the results have real consequences. Some players in the games have aspirations of becoming their franchise’s next cornerstone talent, while others hang on to slim hopes of making an NFL roster.
No matter how you slice it, these are the contests that can take unknown talents and thrust them into the NFL spotlight.
Here is one player who has emerged this preseason at each position.
Quarterback: Jarrett Stidham, Denver Broncos
After signing an extension in March to back up Bo Nix through 2026, Stidham wasted no time showing what he could do in Sean Payton’s offense if called upon. He posted the highest PFF passing grade (90.0) among quarterbacks with 20 or more snaps so far this preseason, highlighted by his five-to-one big-time-throw-to-turnover-worthy-play ratio.
That showing could produce trade interest as the season wears on. Should other franchises run into injuries at quarterback, expect Denver brass to field some calls.
Running Back: TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots
It took only 18 preseason snaps for first-year back TreVeyon Henderson to establish himself as one of the most explosive weapons in New England. On just 10 total touches, the rookie has already produced 7.6 yards per carry, three missed tackles forced and a pair of touchdowns, including his kick-return score on his first NFL touch.
Even as an early second-round pick, Henderson looks like one of the steals of the draft class. He is on track to have a massive impact on this Patriots' offense right out of the gate.
Wide Receiver: Efton Chism III, New England Patriots
Despite going undrafted and jumping from the FCS to the NFL, Chism is already a name to watch. The Eastern Washington product posted the second-highest PFF receiving grade (92.6) in college football last season. His talent as a route runner is already translating, as he leads the preseason in receptions (12), missed tackles forced (six) and contested catches (four).
Chism and Josh McDaniels in New England is a perfect fit. The Patriots' offensive play-caller has one of the most creative offenses in football and knows exactly how to implement a dynamic receiver out of the slot.
Tight End: Gunnar Helm, Tennessee Titans
The Titans found a serious weapon in fourth-round pick Gunnar Helm. So far this preseason, he has generated the highest PFF overall grade (90.6) among tight ends with more than 10 snaps, showcasing his all-around blocking and receiving ability. In the passing game, the first-year tight end has hauled in all five of his targets, including a pair of contested catches.
If that talent can translate to the regular season, Helm will give the Titans' offense a desperately needed dynamic weapon with personnel versatility.
Offensive Tackle: Will Campbell, New England Patriots
Concerns about arm length didn’t stop the Patriots from drafting Will Campbell in the top five, and now that belief is being rewarded. The first-year tackle is looking like a franchise cornerstone right out of the gate, standing as the only tackle so far this preseason to post an 80.0-plus PFF grade as both a run blocker (87.6) and a pass protector (80.1).
Not only is Campbell shaping up to be as advertised, but he may be even better. He will be a significant piece in the Patriots' potential revival in 2025.
Guard: Grey Zabel, Seattle Seahawks
After ranking near the bottom of the league in interior PFF pass- and run-blocking grades, the Seahawks look to have taken a big step forward heading into 2025. And Grey Zabel is the driving force. He’s surrendered no pressure in pass protection while recording a 33.3% impact run-block rate so far this preseason.
With an overhauled offense, the Seahawks will need time to mesh. But the offensive line is already on a path to improvement, which will help level out the learning curve.
Center: Willie Lampkin, Los Angeles Rams
After being passed over in this year’s draft due to his limited size, Willie Lampkin stepped into the preseason looking to prove he can compete at the pro level. He’s done just that. His 94.1 PFF overall grade in Week 1 of the preseason was the second-highest single-game grade posted by an offensive lineman this year.
While he struggled a bit in the run game the following week, he’s proven to be a capable pass protector throughout the process, having allowed zero pressures across 16 pass sets at both guard and center.
Edge Defender: Austin Booker, Chicago Bears
The 2024 fifth-round pick is making a name for himself early in his second year, tearing up camp and producing off the edge. Booker is a vicious pass rusher, having produced an impressive 93.8 PFF pass-rushing grade and nine pressures — including an NFL-leading five sacks — and a 25.9% pass-rush win rate this preseason.
An unfortunate knee injury knocked Booker out of the Bears’ preseason Week 2 matchup. The severity remains unclear, but should he miss time, it will be a tough loss for the team's defense.
Interior Defender: Kenneth Grant, Miami Dolphins
Dolphins first-round pick Kenneth Grant is living up to the lofty expectations that came with his draft billing. While he hasn’t flashed as a pass rusher yet, he has proven to be one of the most effective run defenders in the NFL this preseason. His 84.4 PFF run-defense grade leads all interior defenders so far, as the first-year defensive tackle has earned a positive grade on a whopping 40% of run plays while also logging zero negative grades.
With the versatility to make plays from various alignments, Grant is sure to have a significant impact on the Dolphins' run defense from day one.
Linebacker: Jay Higgins, Baltimore Ravens
Despite going undrafted, first-year linebacker Jay Higgins is proving he belongs at the NFL level. The former Hawkeyes linebacker is making plays all over the field, evidenced by his 90.3 PFF overall grade with highlight plays in multiple facets. He’s best suited as a late-down rush and cover linebacker, having already produced a turnover in each of his first two outings — a strip sack and an interception.
While Higgins has shown enough to make the Ravens roster, his future is uncertain. If he were to get cut, there would be no shortage of suitors vying for his services.
Cornerback: Eric Rogers, Los Angeles Chargers
The award for breakout player of the preseason has to go to the undrafted cornerback out of Rutgers. Rogers is a playmaking defender with a nose for the football. He has already forced a fumble in the run game and snagged a pair of interceptions, including a pick-six against the Saints.
Rogers takes no plays off, and that effort has not gone unnoticed. His 97.0 PFF overall grade is the highest among all defenders this preseason, and he tops the charts in both PFF coverage grade (95.3) and PFF run-defense grade (92.6).
Safety: Andrew Mukuba, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles know how to find impact players in the draft, and second-round pick Andrew Mukuba is just another example. The former Texas safety is having an excellent preseason, boasting the highest PFF coverage grade (94.2) at the position, thanks to an impressive pick-six against the Browns in preseason Week 2.
Don’t be surprised if Mukuba is given the starting nod over Sydney Brown heading into Week 1.