Five NFL players who could stand out in preseason

The first week of the NFL preseason begins Thursday with the New England Patriots taking on the Carolina Panthers and the Detroit Lions taking on the New York Giants. The remaining 28 teams are all scheduled to compete over the next three days.

Last Thursday’s Hall of Fame game between the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans was a great appetizer, even if it wasn’t completed due to weather.

Here are five under-the-radar players who could make a splash before the regular season begins.

WR Roman Odunze, Chicago Bears

A lot of the attention on Chicago’s offense is focused on No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, and rightfully so, but Odenzee comes in at No. 7 and should have plenty of opportunities to break through opposing defenses.

Stars DJ Moore and Keenan Allen will be the leaders of the Bears’ receiving corps, which means Odunze should usually be the open man.

Moore and Allen had limited snaps during the preseason, so Odunze will have a chance to make a big noise.

LB Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions

Campbell, another first-round pick in this year’s draft (No. 18 overall), did an excellent job helping Iowa remain a top defensive player during his four years with the Hawkeyes.

Campbell totaled 305 tackles during his career at Iowa State and was named the 2022 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. He joins a passionate Detroit team that will contend for the NFC Championship, and he should thrive in the Lions’ system.

Campbell may not be as dominant as he was in college, but he has all the potential in the world to develop into a star in the professional ranks.

WR Demario Douglas, New England Patriots

New England is clearly a shell of its former self, and someone is going to need to step up this season if the Patriots want to break into the fold more than once or twice.

Don’t be surprised if Douglas answers the call.

Douglas is entering his second season in New England after hauling in 49 catches for 561 yards in 2023. Meyer) passed him the ball while serving as No. 2 option Kendrick Bourne behind him.

QB Bonix, Denver Broncos

It looks like Jarrett Stidham will start the season as QB1 in Denver, but we feel the starting spot is still up for grabs.

If the Knicks perform well in the preseason, he’ll be fine with that.

As one of Oregon’s best signal-callers, Nix will certainly have more pressure than Stidham and third-stringer Zach Wilson. There will be a lot of growing pains in the post-Russell Wilson era. However, Nix could help the Broncos get back on track sooner than you think.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts

Let’s not forget how good Richardson looked before missing the 2023 season with a shoulder injury.

The 22-year-old played in just four games last year, totaling seven touchdowns (three passing, four rushing) and only one interception. With his 2-2 record as a starter in Indianapolis, you have to wonder what the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year would be like if Richardson played a full season.

Can he bounce back? Hopefully we’ll get some answers before the regular season begins.