The NFL Season is fully underway, with every team now having at least a game under their belt. 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 NFL Preseason Week 1 breakout players.
The Steelers will be on the Aaron Rodgers goodbye tour for most of the season, but they need a plan at quarterback for the future. Allar made a case for why he should be in the running, throwing for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns on 13 attempts.
Smack was drafted by the Packers in the sixth round out of Florida in the hopes that he would alleviate the kicking problems that have plagued them recently. He had a great debut, hitting 3/3 field goals, one from 58 yards, and scoring the Packers’ only points.
Hassanein was drafted in the sixth round out of Boise State by Detroit in 2025. He had a great all-around game against the Bengals, totaling four tackles, two sacks, two tackles-for-loss, and a forced fumble.
Curry had a solid performance in his first taste of NFL action. The sixth-round pick out of Ohio State had six tackles, two tackles-for-loss, and 2 passes defended, along with three QB hits and a sack.
It seems as though Washington, a 2026 fourth-round pick, will slot in behind Ashton Jeanty as the Raiders’ secondary running back. I will give them confidence going forward after he ripped off a 53-yard run, finishing with 63 yards on the day.
Klein only had one reception Thursday, but it was for 31 yards. It was enough to impress head coach DeMeco Ryans, who had a lot of praise for the rookie out of Michigan.
Stribling hauled in 7 passes for 63 yards during the game against the Titans. The second-round pick out of Ole Miss could factor into a 49ers receiver room that has been marred by injuries.
Barron provided a highlight Friday night when he returned a pick-six 97 yards off of a tipped pass by Cooper Rush. The second-year player looks to build on a solid rookie campaign.
The Buccaneers corner totaled 12 tackles against the Jets and even added a sack on top of it. Williams is trying to make the roster in Tampa Bay, as he hasn’t appeared in a regular-season game since 2023.
Allen clearly intends to climb the Commanders depth chart in his first year out of Penn State. He rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown Friday to lead the team.
Brown totaled 62 yards and two touchdowns on only three receptions against the Seahawks. Impressive efficiency from the rookie out of Georgia Southern.
Wheeler paced the Bills on Saturday with 41 rushing yards and a touchdown. The second-year player out of Howard averaged almost six yards per attempt.
The Bears defense feasted on the abysmal offense of the Browns, and Kromah was right in the middle of it. He recorded six tackles and two sacks, as well as forcing and recovering a fumble.
Price hauled in four receptions for the Vikings during their game against the Giants. He totaled 51 yards and a touchdown, good for almost 13 yards per reception.
Simpson was the subject of a lot of skepticism when the Rams drafted him in the first round of the 2026 draft. They clearly wanted to take a player they thought had upside for the future. He showed why, going 21/25 with 190 yards and two touchdowns in his first NFL action.
Taylor was the workhorse back for Jacksonville Saturday. He carried the ball 22 times for 78 yards and a touchdown. The rookie out of Virginia hopes those numbers help get him into a crowded Jaguars running back room.
Sarratt grabbed six receptions Saturday night against the Eagles for 66 yards. The fourth-round pick out of Indiana looks to be a solid depth option for Baltimore.
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