5. CJ Daniels
After Puka Nacua, any time the Los Angeles Rams select a rookie wide receiver in the later rounds, it feels like a good idea to pay attention to them. For those who did that on Saturday, it certainly feels like the Rams did it again. CJ Daniels did not look anything like a sixth-round rookie in the second week of the preseason.
Daniels looked like a composed veteran out there on Saturday, garnering 13 targets throughout the game. He caught eight of them for a total of 68 yards, in a stat line that feels like a roster lock. There is no debate on the top two guys for the Los Angeles Rams this season; however, Daniels firmly placed himself into the conversation with Jordan Whittington for a chance to land the third spot in three receiver sets for this offense.
6. Ja’Mori Maclin
The Buffalo Bills signed Ja’Mori Maclin as an undrafted free agent this offseason. The rookie wide receiver showed big play potential on Saturday as he caught a ball and took off for a 71-yard touchdown. If the name Maclin sounds familiar doing that, that is because Ja’Mori is the cousin of the NFL great Jeremy Maclin.
The rookie receiver showed off his speed and ability to shake defenders en route to creating immaculate plays. With Maclin showing his ability to do that this week, there could be an argument for him to make the initial 53-man roster, even if he does not see the field as an every-down player. Even though the Buffalo wide receiver room is stacked, a guy who has shown big-play ability and has familial legacy in the league feels like he would be a great addition to any team.
7. Athan Kaliakmanis
Now, there is a very good chance that Athan Kaliakmanis is an unknown quarterback for several readers. That is why what he did Saturday morning was so special. He threw for 11/17 and 162 yards for the Washington Commanders.
There is not an expectation for the rookie quarterback to step up and challenge Jayden Daniels for the starting job. However, performances like that do not grow on trees. While it is even unlikely that Kaliakmanis contends for the backup job currently held by Marcus Mariota, his play on Saturday is going to have the Commanders questioning whether the team should carry a trio of quarterbacks on the opening day roster, and, as a seventh-round pick, that is a fantastic situation to find himself in.
Add us as a preferred source on Google