The NFL Preseason is fully underway, with most teams in their second week of action. Most teams use the preseason the same way: to get a few reps for starters and to see what they have in their young or new players. The preseason is a great way for players to showcase their skills and prove that they have what it takes to get a coveted spot on an NFL roster. Here are some breakout players from week two of the NFL Preseason.
Wade Woodaz – LB – Texans
Woodaz helped turn Fernando Mendoza’s second taste of NFL action into a lowlight, taking his first-quarter pass back 80 yards for a touchdown. The rookie linebacker out of Clemson was consistent and reliable in his time for the Tigers.
Jacob Cowing – WR – 49ers
Cowing had a relatively pedestrian game on offense, but his major contribution came on special teams. The third-year wideout returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown to spark the 49ers in the second quarter.
Quincy Skinner Jr. – WR – Jets
The first-year receiver out of Vanderbilt hauled in all four of his targets for 47 yards and a touchdown. Skinner Jr.’s long reception on the day was a 31-yard touchdown from QB Brady Cook.
Joey Aguilar – QB – Jaguars
Aguilar was nearly perfect against the Panthers, going 9/10 for 130 yards and a touchdown. An impressive performance from the Tennessee product who is trying to make a move up the depth chart.
Will Sheppard – WR – Packers
Sheppard was the Packers’ most reliable target in their decisive win over the Broncos. The former Colorado Buffaloes’ night was highlighted by a toe-drag touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone.
Athen Kaliakmanis – QB – Commanders
Kaliakmanis was efficient and stayed out of trouble during his series against Detroit. Another young quarterback who is on the wrong end of the depth chart, Kaliakmanis hopes this performance cements him on an NFL roster.
Ja’Mori Maclin – WR – Bills
Maclin, the rookie out of Kentucky, exploded for 108 yards and a touchdown against the Browns. He hauled in a 71-yard touchdown pass from Shane Buechele to blow the game open for the Bills.
Keondre Jackson – S – Ravens
Jackson was a force out of the Ravens’ secondary, wreaking havoc against an anemic Vikings offense. The second-year man out of Illinois State racked up eight tackles, a sack, and two tackles-for-loss.
Cash Jones – RB – Falcons
Jones recorded over 100 yards from scrimmage to pace the impressive Falcons offense. He rushed 7 times for 41 yards and added 62 yards and a touchdown through the air. The versatile Georgia rookie made a case to be a part of the Atlanta offense going forward.
Dru Phillips – CB – Giants
The Giants corner forced two fumbles from the struggling Dolphins Saturday. The 2024 third-round pick also had three tackles, making it a good all-around day for Phillips.
Al’zillion Hamilton – CB – Rams
Hamilton was a big part of the Rams’ shutout victory over the Saints. He totaled 6 tackles during the game and added an interception off of Zach Wilson.
Dohnte Meyers – WR – Bengals
Meyers was the Bengals’ go-to return man against Chicago, and he was more than up to the task, taking 4 returns for 88 total yards. He also contributed on offense, taking in 5 receptions for 41 yards. The Bengals might want to work the versatile first-year into their game plan going forward.
Carson Steele – RB – Eagles
Steele becomes the second running back on this list to have totaled over 100 scrimmage yards. He had 33 on the ground and 84 through the air. The second-year back out of UCLA also added a touchdown to cap off his day.
Jalon Daniels – QB – Buccaneers
The Bucs’ fourth-string QB ate up most of the reps against the Chiefs, and he played well, throwing for 71 yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts. Daniels is another signal-caller who hopes that his preseason performance keeps him in the league.
Owen Pappoe – LB – Cardinals
A 2023 fifth-round pick out of Auburn, Pappoe was all over the field against Dallas, racking up 10 total tackles and forcing a fumble.
Jacardia Wright – RB – Seahawks
Wright was explosive on Sunday Night Football, totaling 81 yards and a touchdown on only eight carries. He ripped off a 69-yard rush against the Titans defense. Wright hopes this showcase could earn him some playing time while Seattle’s main running backs deal with injuries.
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