15 Hidden Gems and Breakout Stars from Preseason Week 1 You Need to Know About

What We Learned in the First Week of Preseason: Surprises, Standouts, and Storylines

Ah, preseason football—the time of year when hope springs eternal, and every fan base believes their team is a dark horse for the Super Bowl. It's also the time when second-stringers, rookies, and a few grizzled veterans battle it out for a spot on the 53-man roster. Week 1 of the preseason is in the books, and while these games don’t count in the standings, they certainly matter for those fighting for jobs. So, what did we learn from this initial round of games? Let’s dive in.

1. Patriots’ Rookie Guard Layden Robinson Could Be a Hidden Gem

New England Patriots 17, Carolina Panthers 3

When you think of the Patriots, you think of disciplined football, and rookie guard Layden Robinson embodies that perfectly. He was a force in the trenches, rarely making mistakes and showing a ton of promise. Robinson was rock solid in pass protection, allowing just two quarterback hurries across 30 snaps. He also dominated in the run game, hinting that he could be a cornerstone of the Patriots' line for years to come. Not bad for a guy who was a bit of an underachiever in college.

2. Eric Gray Has RB2 Potential in New York

New York Giants 14, Detroit Lions 3

Eric Gray lit up the field with a performance that Giants fans won’t forget soon. The rookie running back showcased his dual-threat capability with 52 rushing yards, including a 48-yard touchdown scamper, and four receptions for 46 yards. His ability to catch out of the backfield might just be his ticket to a significant role in the Giants' offense, despite being third on the depth chart behind Singletary and Tracy. If he keeps this up, Gray could force his way into the RB2 spot.

3. Kevin King Still Has a Nose for the Ball

Miami Dolphins 20, Atlanta Falcons 13

Kevin King reminded everyone why he was once a highly touted prospect. King snagged an interception and forced a fumble in a standout performance. Although the fumble rolled out of bounds, King's knack for making plays on the ball is something the Falcons will need this season. He’s not just fighting for a roster spot—he’s making a case to be a key contributor in Atlanta's secondary.

4. Kyle Allen Shows He Belongs in Pittsburgh

Houston Texans 20, Pittsburgh Steelers 12

Kyle Allen, now on his fifth team in seven years, made a strong case to be the Steelers’ backup quarterback. Completing 17 of 23 passes for 193 yards, Allen looked poised and in control, even making a couple of "big-time throws." Sure, he threw an interception, but his overall performance showed that he might be the reliable QB2 Pittsburgh has been searching for.

5. Nate Wiggins Impresses Despite Injury

Philadelphia Eagles 16, Baltimore Ravens 13

Ravens fans were thrilled to see first-round pick Nate Wiggins on the field, and he didn't disappoint. Wiggins forced four incompletions—more than the entire Eagles defense—before leaving the game with a shoulder injury. The Ravens need depth in the secondary, and Wiggins looked like he could fill that role nicely. The injury is a concern, but his performance suggests he could be a vital part of Baltimore’s defense this season.

6. Jarrick Bernard-Converse Shines for the Jets

New York Jets 20, Washington Commanders 17

Jets safety Jarrick Bernard-Converse might have been a sixth-round pick, but he played like a starter in Week 1. Allowing just one catch on six targets and forcing a contested grab, Bernard-Converse was solid in coverage and also made a tackle for loss in the run game. With a performance like this, he could earn more playing time as the season progresses.

7. Amen Ogbongbemiga is Making the Most of His Opportunity

Chicago Bears 33, Buffalo Bills 6

The Bears’ new linebacker, Amen Ogbongbemiga, showed up and showed out. With a tackle for loss, a forced incompletion, and three stops, he was all over the field. After signing with the Bears this offseason, Ogbongbemiga is making a strong case for a roster spot. The Bears’ defense is known for being tough, and Ogbongbemiga fits right in.

8. J.J. McCarthy Bounces Back After Early Mistake

Minnesota Vikings 24, Las Vegas Raiders 23

Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy didn’t start off great, but he quickly found his groove. After throwing an early interception, McCarthy rebounded to throw two touchdowns and showed why he’s the expected successor to Sam Darnold. His ability to make big-time throws and get the ball out quickly will serve him well as he fights for playing time.

9. Lukas Van Ness Lives Up to the Hype

Green Bay Packers 23, Cleveland Browns 10

Packers edge rusher Lukas Van Ness was a force on Saturday, racking up four pressures and two additional pass-rush wins. The 13th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Van Ness showed why he was so highly regarded, dominating his pass-rush reps with a 28.4% win rate. His performance is a promising sign for a Packers defense that could use a disruptive force off the edge.

10. Graham Barton Could Be a Key Piece for the Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17, Cincinnati Bengals 14

Rookie center Graham Barton made his presence known in the run game and pass protection. His block on a Bucky Irving touchdown run was textbook, and he didn’t allow a single pressure on his 11 pass-blocking snaps. Barton’s overall game grade of 85.2 is a testament to his solid performance, and the Buccaneers may have found themselves a future anchor for their offensive line.

11. Terrell Edmunds Wants a Spot in Jacksonville

Jacksonville Jaguars 26, Kansas City Chiefs 13

Veteran safety Terrell Edmunds made sure everyone knew he wants to be a part of the Jaguars' safety rotation. With two forced fumbles and just six yards allowed in coverage, Edmunds made a strong case for himself. Jacksonville’s safety depth is still up in the air, but Edmunds’ physical play and ability to make big hits could earn him a spot.

12. Derick Hall Could Be a Steal for the Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks 16, Los Angeles Chargers 3

Derick Hall, the Seahawks' defensive end, put on a clinic with a 20% pass-rush win rate and four stops against the run. Hall’s performance across 26 snaps showcased his versatility and potential. If he continues to develop, Hall could be one of the steals of the 2023 draft for Seattle.

13. Willie Gay Jr. Makes a Statement in New Orleans

New Orleans Saints 16, Arizona Cardinals 14

Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. made a strong debut in Saints colors, recording two tackles for loss and allowing no catches on eight coverage snaps. The former Chief showed that he’s ready to bring his hard-hitting style to New Orleans, and his efficient play in limited snaps could lead to a starting role in the Saints’ defense.

14. Jonah Elliss Makes an Impact for Denver

Denver Broncos 34, Indianapolis Colts 30

Broncos third-round pick Jonah Elliss made his presence felt with a game-high four quarterback pressures, including a sack and a hit that led to an interception. Elliss is proving to be a versatile defender, playing both the run and pass effectively. He could become a key rotational piece for Denver this season.

15. Jordan Whittington: The Rams' Latest Late-Round Gem?

Los Angeles Rams 13, Dallas Cowboys 12

The Rams might have struck gold again with wide receiver Jordan Whittington. The rookie out of Texas was a standout in the first half, catching six passes for 74 yards and moving the chains with four first downs. Whittington’s ability to make contested catches and rack up yards after the catch could make him a fan favorite in Los Angeles, especially if he continues to impress in preseason action.

As we wrap up the first week of preseason, it's clear that the road to the regular season is paved with unexpected talent and surprising performances. These early glimpses might just be the start of something special for these players, but only time will tell who rises to the occasion and who fades into the background. Keep your eyes peeled—preseason is just heating up, and the next big star might be one snap away from making their mark. Stay tuned for more insights as we continue to break down the action leading up to Week 1 of the NFL season!