After the dust settles and we all look back at week one of the preseason we probably won’t remember any of the guys who made big-time plays, but the NFL is officially back. For most, preseason is a meaningless game, but it means a lot for the players who haven’t established themselves as starters.
As fans and NFL media, we’ll watch the preseason for the rookies and guys who may or may not make the roster. After all, we rarely get to see stars play in week one. Of course, there was an exception with Deshaun Watson, who looked a bit rusty — I digress.
It’s always fun to watch guys step up to make a name for themselves even if it is the preseason. Instead, week one is a time for other players to shine, both vets and rookies alike. Speaking of rookies, Malik Willis made his debut. He looked solid with the ball ripping out of his hand. He showed off his athleticism when he made Kyle Hamilton look foolish. The third-round pick is settling in and showing why he could be the future of the Tennessee Titans. He finished the game 6/11 for 107 yards and a touchdown.
Other notable guys were Seattle Seahawks Drew Lock, who made a case to be the starter, but Geno Smith didn’t do anything to lose the job. Steelers running back Anthony McFarland looked great in his third year finishing the game with 56 yards averaging eight yards per carry.
Eight players got to the quarterback two times, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Arden Key. And a defensive tackle sixth-round pick, Tanzel Smart, who could find a home with the Jets.
Tom Kennedy was the top pass catcher with 8 catches for 104-yards. Could he be a player the Detroit Lions can use in the slot, or a piece worth trading for? Jake Hummel led all players in tackles for the defending Super Bowl champs. Those were just a few notable ballers from week one who didn’t make this list.
NFL preseason Week 1 star no. 7: Chase Hansen, LB, New Orleans Saints
Perhaps year three is a charm for Chase Hansen. If the Saints found another star on the defensive side of the ball, look out. Based on week one of the 2022 NFL Preseason they have. The former Utah linebacker is a third-year player who had the best defensive performance in week one.
His ability to drop in coverage, lay the run and attack jumped off the screen. He was a talking machine who made ball carriers pay including a tackle for loss. One of his better plays came on an interception where he took it up the right sideline for 45-yards.
The third-year pro opened up some eyes in his first game. Hopefully, he’s been impressive at camp, or perhaps he’s just a gamer. Hansen at the very least earned himself a roster spot with that performance. If he can string together a couple more games. Who knows? We could be looking at Hansen taking over as a full-time starter.
NFL preseason Week 1 star no. 6: Lance McCutcheon, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Preseason is made for players like Lance McCutcheon. The 6-3 200-pound small school prospect is looking to make an impression. There’s no better situation to be in than playing for the defending Super Bowl champs. There’s an opening for the Rams, who don’t use high draft picks on players. Si.com didn’t mince words when it came to their scouting report for McCutcheon.
"[Lance McCutcheon] lacks the speed and hands to make an NFL roster."
McCutcheon proved them wrong in his first game as a pro. The Montana State prospect caught five passes for 87-yards and two scores. His two touchdowns led all receivers from week one. If he continues to make plays he’d find himself on the Rams roster as a big-bodied downfield target. Given his leaping ability, he’s someone they can use in red zone packages.
No. 5: Desmond Ridder, QB, Atlanta Falcons
The Matt Ryan era is over, maybe it’s time to make room for Desmond Ridder. The Atlanta Falcons snatched the 6-3 211-pounds quarterback in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft despite some mocking him as a late day one pick, or early day two at least. With Marcus Mariota etched in as the starter, Ridder looks to be a project for now. However, the former Cincinnati Bearcats outplayed his draft position in week one of the 2022 NFL preseason. Ridder stepped onto the field and took command of a team looking for a franchise quarterback.
He showed off his arm strength by throwing lasers. The big-armed quarterback fit balls in tight windows, showing impressive velocity and power. His receivers let him down, there were at least five drops from his wideouts.
His football IQ was on full display. He appeared to have full command of the offense getting the ball to at least nine pass catchers. The end result saw Ridder finish 10/22 for 103-yards and two touchdowns. He also showed off the athleticism that made him one of college football’s most dynamic quarterbacks. Against the Lions, he ran the ball six times for 59-yards. Ridder showed poise and a great feel for the pocket in his first outing. Ridder showed some late-game heroics with a roll-out touchdown on a rope for the win.
NFL preseason Week 1 star no. 4: Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers
Davante Adams is gone, and the Green Bay Packers are looking for that guy to step up. They have Allen Lazard the big body four-year pro to do what big wideouts do. They brought Sammy Watkins in to help with the heavy lifting, especially with Randall Cobb being up there in age. Christian Watson is a deep threat who could dominate as a rookie, but in week one of the preseason fellow rookie, Romeo Doubs make a name for himself. Aaron Rodgers will need a guy who can make the tough catches, Doubs can.
However, his best trait is his explosiveness which he displayed in his first preseason game. The former Nevada star finished with three catches for 45-yards and a touchdown. Replacing Adams in the offense won’t be easy, but Doubs is making a case to be the next man up. He could take on a heavier load as a target for Aaron Rodgers. He was targeted seven times and caught three passes for 45 yards and a score. If he’s showing out in camp and in the pre-season, the Packers could have a star on their hand.
3. Jaquan Brisker, S, Chicago Bears
There was some rookie-on-rookie crime when the Bears and Chiefs faced off. The Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker gave Skyy Moore his welcome to the NFL moment. He was only getting started. Brisker showed why he’s a rookie to keep an eye on after a jaw-dropping hit sent Moore spinning. He followed up with a textbook hard tackle on running back Derrick Gore, but he didn’t stop there.
He then jumped a route and nearly came up with a pick. Here’s the thing for the former Penn State defensive back: that was on one drive.
The Bears are a rebuilding team looking for foundation pieces. Brisker was selected in the second round as one of those pieces. The 6-1 200-pound safety looked like a star in his first preseason game. It’s a long way to go before he can become one in the NFL. However, Bears fans should celebrate the potential that Jaquan Brisker displayed.
NFL preseason Week 1 star no. 2: George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
All offseason word coming out of Steelers training camp was how impressive George Pickens was. He missed time in the spring last season which dropped his stock to the second round. Make no mistake about it, Pickens is a stud in the making. He’s a deep threat with excellent body control and suddenness to his route running you don’t always see from players his height.
In his first outing as an NFL player, Pickens showed out. He’s a willing run blocker who could dominate. During the game against the Seahawks, he showed bully tendencies as a run blocker.
In the passing game, he showed why he’s a ready-made downfield target. The 6-3 195-pound rookie wideout has star potential. If he’s given the opportunity, he could shine as a top target for either Mitchell Trubisky or Kenny Pickett. He finished the game with three catches for 43-yards and including a 23-yard touchdown where he caught a pass on one of the better corner prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft.
1. Boye Mafe, Edge, Seattle Seahawks
Boye Mafe was a star in college and his week one preseason is indicative of the type of player Pete Caroll expects him to be. Mafe was known for his flashes or brilliance, where he’d dominate with his explosiveness and rare athletic traits. Saturday, he was that and more. The second-round pick got to the quarterback quite a bit and managed two sacks.
He added a forced fumble to his resume, showing he’s capable of making game-changing plays. When it’s all said and done, we could be looking at a player who’ll have his name in the defensive rookie of the year conversation.