The NFL preseason is not just a tune-up for veterans; it’s a full-blown audition for rookies. And if you are into fantasy leagues, futures bets, or just love scouting young talent, this is the best time to get ahead of the curve.
Some rookies will earn starting jobs. Others will flash potential that turns into value later in the season. And a few will steal the spotlight before Week 1 even kicks off.
Here are the rookies already making waves, and why they’re worth watching during the preseason.
Cam Ward, Quarterback – Titans
Ward was the first overall pick for a reason. He is athletic, confident, and the type of Quarterback who can take off running or hit deep throws in his sleep.
The Titans may not start him right away, but don’t be surprised if he pushes for QB1 before the season starts. He is already drawing comparisons to Justin Fields, big arm, big legs, and big play potential.
His performance is already generating buzz in NFL betting news, especially among fans watching preseason quarterback competitions.
Luther Burden III, Wide Receiver – Bears
Luther Burden was one of the most electric wide receivers in college football. Now he’s in Chicago, where new head coach Ben Johnson is building a creative offense.
Burden’s ability to make defenders miss after the catch gives him instant value in a system that leans on short passes and YAC (Yards After Catch). If he gets preseason targets, expect highlight-reel-worthy performances.
Colston Loveland, Tight End – Bears
Another weapon for the Bears, Loveland has a chance to make an immediate impact. Johnson used tight ends well in Detroit, and Loveland’s hands and route running fit that mold perfectly.
He may not get red-zone work right away, but he is the kind of rookie who quickly becomes a quarterback’s safety valve.
Matthew Golden, Wide Receiver – Packers
With Christian Watson coming off an ACL injury, Golden enters a wide-open situation in Green Bay. He was their first WR taken in decades, and it is clear they see him as a long-term asset.
He has top-tier speed and should be featured heavily in the preseason, exactly the kind of rookie who can sneak into a starting role with one big game.
Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver – Tampa Bay
Egbuka is a polished slot receiver with reliable hands. The Bucs love running three-WR sets, and he could slot in behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin right away.
He may not put up massive stats early, but he fits into the type of offense that quietly feeds its slot man six catches per game.
Bhayshul Tuten, Running Back – Jaguars
The Jaguars’ backfield is wide open. Travis Etienne was inconsistent last year, and Tuten is already impressing in camp.
He’s a strong inside runner with sneaky burst. If he holds onto the ball and picks up blitzes in preseason, he could steal serious reps early in the year.
Jaydon Blue, Running Back – Cowboys
Tony Pollard is gone. Dallas needs a running back who can break big plays and catch passes. That is where Jaydon Blue comes in.
He was underused in college but showed flashes of elite ability. Watch how Dallas uses him in passing downs this preseason. If he shines, he could jump the depth chart fast.
Jayden Higgins, Wide Receiver – Texans
C.J. Stroud needs weapons beyond Nico Collins, and Higgins could be the guy to fill the wide receiver shoes. He’s a big-bodied target with strong chemistry already developing in camp.
This is a name bettors should follow closely in preseason game lines, especially if Higgins becomes a red-zone target early.
Mason Taylor, Tight End – Jets
The Jets are desperate for pass-catchers outside of Garrett Wilson. Mason Taylor has the size and athleticism to earn early snaps, and he is a capable blocker, too, which helps him stay on the field.
If he catches just a few balls in preseason, he could leapfrog others on the depth chart.
Kyle Williams, Wide Receiver – Patriots
New England loves slot receivers, and Williams fits the mold. He is already running crisp routes and earning praise from rookie QB Drake Maye.
The Patriots have a thin receiver room, so Williams could go from unknown to Week 1 starter. If he gets five or more targets per game in the preseason, take notice.
Tre Harris, Wide Receiver – Chargers
Tre Harris joins a run-heavy Chargers team, but that may help his chances. New head coach Jim Harbaugh loves blocking receivers, and Harris has the size to play that role and more.
He is not flashy, but he is physical and smart, two traits that show up fast in preseason games.
Cam Skattebo, Running Back – Giants
The Giants’ run game is still figuring things out, and Skattebo has the tools to take advantage. He is tough, dependable, and excellent in short-yardage spots.
He is the kind of player who turns a good preseason into a third-down role or even goal-line carries. Do not overlook him.
Tyler Warren, Tight End – Colts
Warren lands on a team with a lot of tight ends but no real standout. He is athletic, plays tough, and has soft hands, especially in the red zone.
If Anthony Richardson builds trust with him in preseason, Warren could end up being a sneaky weapon when the season begins.
Jack Bech, Wide Receiver – Raiders
Bech is more of a long shot, but the Raiders’ WR room is thin behind Jakobi Meyers and rookie Brock Bowers at tight end.
If Bech shows up in preseason and earns third-down reps, he could stick. Pete Carroll has always had success developing rookies with heart and hustle.
Why Preseason Rookie Watch Matters
The preseason is more than just filler football. It is a goldmine for information, especially if you are playing fantasy or following NFL betting news. Depth charts shift. Roles change. A few breakout plays can reshape expectations.
Smart fans and bettors use these games to track player usage, snap counts, and chemistry with starters. Those insights can give you an edge, especially when evaluating preseason game lines.
Most importantly, the preseason is where future stars start. Every big-name pro was once a rookie trying to make an impression in August.
*This article is based on information as of 2025/07/30. Subject to change.
