The NFL preseason is full of undrafted free agents and players low on the depth chart trying to impress the coaches enough with their ability on the field, whether it be through their assigned role or special teams, to be a part of the 53 man roster come opening day of the regular season. Here’s a list of players to keep an eye on during the games.
Miami Dolphins – RB Lex Hilliard out of Montana. He’s listed at 5′11 240 and will likely try to make the team as a FB behind Lousaka Polite. His competition will be FB Chris Brown out of the University of Tennessee who’s listed at 6′0 250.
Minnesota Vikings – RB Ian Johnson out of Boise State. The Vikings currently have 3 FB and 5 RB on their roster. Johnson will have to beat out the likes of fellow rookie Kahlil Bell and Albert Young to have a shot at claiming the 3rd RB spot on the depth chart.
New York Giants – WR Micah Rucker out of Eastern Illinois was picked up by the Steelers last year as a UDFA. He has great size at 6′6 221 but has tough competition to make a roster spot. He’ll likely have to beat out Taye Biddle, Shaun Bodiford, and Derek Hagan to have an outside chance at claiming the 7th spot on the Giants WR depth chart, if they carry that many. The one upside is his size, but WR Ramses Barden out of Cal Poly is a mirror image of Rucker.
Philadelphia Eagles – WR Danny Amendola out of Texas Tech was on the Cowboys preseason roster last year but struggled with fumbles. Has the potential to be a Wes Welker clone but like Rucker, has a lot of competition in the form of Brandon Gibson, Shaheer McBride, Brandon Robinson, and Marcus Thigpen for a chance at claiming the 7th spot on the WR depth chart. Again, it depends on if the Eagles will carry that many.
San Francisco 49ers – RB Kory Sheets out of Purdue offers versatility as a receiving RB as well. The 49ers currently have 2 FB and 6 RB on their roster. Sheets will likely have to beat out FB sized Zak Keasey, Thomas Clayton, and fellow rookie RB Glen Coffee out of Alabama for the 3rd RB spot.
