Yes, we know — there are myriad reasons nobody should get over-excited about preseason performances in the NFL. The vast majority of the league run vanilla defensive schemes, trying to ensure they don’t give anything away before the real football begins, and teams have so many rotating pieces on both sides of the ball that the teams we’re seeing right now end up being nothing like their counterparts a month from now.
Need more convincing? The Giants and Browns were the most dominant teams in preseason a year ago, while the Seahawks and Packers both looked like they were struggling. From a top-down view it’s critical not to get carried away with full-team performances, but we can start to see trends emerge in the preseason when it comes to individual players, particularly young guys who already appear as if they’re adjusting to the NFL and ready to surprise. These are the biggest standout performers now that every team has played at least one game.
Ty Simpson, QB, Los Angeles Rams
I still don’t know how much I believe in Ty Simpson, but lord knows I believe in Sean McVay when it comes to spotting quarterback talent he knows how to harness. The Rams ran a pedestrian version of their offense this weekend, but goodness, did the first-round pick shine. At no point did the game look too big, or too fast for the Alabama rookie — as Simpson finished 21-for-25 with 190 passing yards and 2 TDs.
The young passer saw the field well, responded appropriately to pressure, went through his progressions correctly, and found an array of receivers. It’s pretty much the best start to an NFL career you could possibly imagine, and while we can pump the brakes when it comes to “Stafford heir apparent,” there’s a lot to like about what we saw from Simpson this week.
Jalen Brooks, WR, Arizona Cardinals
The biggest reason that Brooks is a standout this week is that he’s performed in back-to-back games, and that has made him a player to watch. Formerly with the Dallas Cowboys, Brooks really seems to be clicking in the new-look Arizona offense to the point where Brooks is straight up outplaying much more heralded guys like Marvin Harrison Jr and Michael Wilson.
Brooks has shown a knack for generating separation in both preseason games so far, and against the Raiders this week he finished with six catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals are desperate to find an offensive pop from someone and thus far he’s fitting the bill.
Jamin Davis, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
We’ve become accustomed to the QB turnaround with guys like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold finding their footing after years of struggles, but Jamin Davis looks like he could do the same on the defensive side. The former 1st round pick of the Commanders is flourishing with the Steelers, and became their biggest impact player on defense in the first preseason outing.
Davis finished with 8 total tackles and 2.0 sacks in a performance that showed his ability to be used in a variety of different ways, both as a standup linebacker and as a gadget pass rusher with a knack to get to the quarterback. This could be one of the more impactful acquisitions of the offseason. Davis has gone from being a back-end rotational player hoping to land a roster spot, to becoming a guy to seriously watch in Pittsburgh.
Beanie Bishop Jr, CB, Chicago Bears
Another journeyman player making waves is cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr., who nabbed two interceptions in the Bears win over the Cleveland Browns this past weekend. Sure, making Browns QBs look bad is a little like shooting fish in a barrel, but the one thing that the Chicago defense prioritizes is the ability to force turnovers.
Bishop Jr. showed excellent timing, sense of place, and an ability to hang on his man’s hip. The Bears depth chart at corner is stacked, which is going to make it really difficult to find a place — but this has become a player to watch as he tries to justify making the final 53.
Robert Henry Jr, RB, Washington Commanders
One of the guys I was most impressed with this week was UDFA Robert Henry Jr, who shined in Washington’s win over the Dolphins. He is a very small running back, but ultra-shifty, and really turned heads — not just with his every down running ability, but knack for generating explosive plays. This 30-yard TD run really encapsulates what he brings to the table.
Henry Jr. looks like one of those players who will never be a 20-carry-a-game guy for you, but easily step in as the 2nd or 3rd back to change up the pace. Another guy battling for a spot on the depth chart, it’s worth keeping an eye on him.
Joe Milton III, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Rounding out the best performances of the week is Joe Milton III. While this is a lesson in not buying too much into watching players against vanilla defenses, the way Milton operated against the Seahawks’ defense was still really impressive. Completing 80-percent of his passes for 107 yards and a TD, the role didn’t see too big for him and he looked really comfortable inside the offense.
The Cowboys have been looking for a reliable backup for some time now, and this performance was a real head-turner that could become something special.