Five rookies you shouldn’t lose sight of this preseason

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - English Jaydon Blue - English Konata Mumpfield - English NFL - English Rodrigo Oscós - Raíz Sports Tahj Brooks - English Tory Horton - English

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While many NFL fans and even some coaches view preseason games as low-stakes affairs, for rookie players, these matchups represent their most crucial opportunity to prove their value. As the official slate of preseason games begins on Thursday, August 8, several young prospects will take the field hoping to carve out a spot on their team’s final 53-man roster. Here are five names you’ll want to keep an eye on-they might surprise you.

Tory Horton – WR, Seattle Seahawks

Seattle underwent significant changes this offseason, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. A new offensive coordinator, new receiving corps, and a revamped offensive line-including a new center-have created a fresh dynamic. Amid this transition, one player has stood out above the rest: rookie wideout Tory Horton, a fifth-round pick out of Colorado.

Horton wasted no time making an impression in camp. The coaching staff has taken notice of his strong start, and head coach Mike Macdonald praised the young receiver, saying he is:

Making multiple plays every day.

His teammates have also recognized his natural ability to haul in tough catches. While it’s still early, Horton’s skill set seems like a perfect match for the Seahawks’ evolving offensive identity.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt – RB, Washington Commanders

Taken in the seventh round, Croskey-Merritt wasn’t projected to make major waves, but his performance in training camp has forced people to pay attention. At 5-foot-11 and 203 pounds, he brings a solid frame to the backfield and has demonstrated a knack for breaking off explosive plays.

He’s currently the only Commanders running back consistently generating big gains, something even starter Brian Robinson Jr. hasn’t managed during camp.

If Croskey-Merritt can maintain this level of consistency, he could become a key offensive piece in Washington,one that nobody saw coming.

Jaydon Blue – RB, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have struggled for years to stabilize their ground game, and the search for a reliable running back has been ongoing. Enter Jaydon Blue, a rookie who could turn out to be a diamond in the rough.

Dallas waited until the fifth round to take a back, opting for a committee approach with veterans like Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. But neither acquisition has excited fans or analysts, and both signal the team’s continued problems running the ball.

That opens the door for Blue. With the bar set relatively low, he could seize the opportunity and make a case for a bigger role if he impresses this preseason.

Konata Mumpfield – WR, Los Angeles Rams

Mumpfield has already flashed big-play potential in camp, showing exceptional route-running and the ability to shake defenders. He’s quickly becoming a legitimate option for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Star receiver Davante Adams didn’t hold back in his praise:

Kill some of our better corners on some amazing routes.”… “like a proud dad watching him out there.

Head coach Sean McVay has echoed the sentiment, calling him a “mature” rookie who is “wired to be able to separate.”

Tahj Brooks – RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Though a late-round pick, Brooks isn’t content with just playing special teams. Since arriving in Cincinnati, he’s shown a determination to make an immediate offensive impact.

He excels at creating yardage by making defenders miss at the line of scrimmage and also contributes in the passing game. His versatile skill set makes him a compelling player to monitor.

Now, all that remains is to see whether these five rookies can turn preseason momentum into regular season roles.

This news was originally published on this post .

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Jacory Croskey-Merritt - English Jaydon Blue - English Konata Mumpfield - English NFL - English Rodrigo Oscós - Raíz Tahj Brooks - English Tory Horton - English

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