5. Emmett Johnson
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson has been a guy who has stood out since the spring. Coach Andy Reid, who also coached LeSean McCoy in his prime, compared the rookie to the legendary back. Over the course of the preseason, Johnson showed why Reid said that.
Johnson was a star over the last few weeks. In the preseason, he ran for 123 yards on 26 carries (for 4.7 yards per carry), in addition to 35 yards through the air on 6 receptions (for 5.8 yards per catch), totaling 4.9 yards per touch. In addition, Johnson showed his shiftiness and play-making ability, probably landing himself as the second running back spot on the depth chart in Kansas City.
6. Bryce Lance
Bryce Lance had a consistent showing all preseason, but the final week was by far his best outing. He put up a personal-best 28 yards on Friday on just two receptions. It was not a mind-blowing performance this preseason by any means, but it did not have to be for the rookie; in doing so, Lance may have boosted his stock in this offense.
With the New Orleans Saints dealing with an injury to Jordan Tyson, which is expected to last for months, the team was looking for someone to step up into the second wide receiver role in his absence. Lance might not have walked away with that spot, but his play earned him a spot on this roster. In the process, he played himself into the conversation of being the second wide receiver in New Orleans, even if it is only temporarily.
7. Barion Brown
The New Orleans Saints have more than just one rookie receiver vying for the second wide receiver job for the team with the absence of Tyson for the opening stretch of the campaign. Barion Brown is also in the mix for that role. Unlike Lance, Brown can be used around the field, and not just as a pass catcher.
That was on full display on Friday, when he did not catch a single pass, yet still made an impact. The rookie receiver took an end-around for a 7-yard score, displaying his athleticism and speed to get past defenders. Brown and his versatility locked him into a roster spot with the Saints and will keep him in the conversation for the second wide receiver job.
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