The 2016 NFL Preseason is here and while most modest fans may not care, there are important aspects every fan should be watching for. The Preseason is often times a great indicator to see a specific position battle or how a player may be used in each coaches scheme. What 5 offensive players should you keep your eye on this preseason?
- Carlos Hyde:
I don’t think there is a player who I am more intrigued to watch than Carlos Hyde. Fantasy runningbacks tend to be slim pickings now a days unlike 5-10 years ago. With the arrival of Chip Kelly it will be interesting to see if he finally modifies his play calling. The prototypical back for his offense is a one cut, allusive back who can run outside of the tackles. Carlos Hyde is not that guy and would be better suited for a smash-mouth brand of running style. If Kelly does not adapt this will become the DeMarco Murray situation all over again. If you draft Hyde in your fantasy leagues make sure you handcuff him with Mike Davis and or Kelvin Taylor, both those guys could have huge impacts and are better fits for this offense.
For a more in depth look at the rest of the 49ers outlook click here!
2. Robert Griffin III
RG3 found a new home in Cleveland this offseason and could realistically have a productive campaign in 2016. Hue Jackson is the perfect head coach for him as it will be interesting to see the play calling approach this season. Jackson will likely keep most of his stuff buried until the start of the season, but I am more interested to see how RG3 plays. Is he still as explosive as he was coming out of Baylor? How will he build confidence with this new young group of receivers? If we see some flashes of the rookie version of Griffin he may be a good choice as a sleeper quarterback option for fantasy owners.
For a more in depth look at the rest of the Browns outlook click here!
3. Rookie Quarterbacks
All of the rookies will get a shot this preseason but interestingly enough not one will start the first week of the preseason. Case Keenam will start for the Rams week one which means even first overall pick Jared Goff will face 2nd teamers. Many of these quarterbacks are adjusting to pro style systems so don’t expect every quarterback to look like a stud immediately. None of these guys are probably fantasy difference makers this year but more importantly we are looking for progression. Carson Wentz and Paxton Lynch are two guys in particular I will be watching for coming from smaller schools (North Dakota State and Memphis).
For a more in depth look at the rest of the Rookie quarterback outlook click here!
4. Seattle’s Runningbacks
Marshawn Lynch is gone and there are a lot of carries to be had. That’s not to say there is a lot of competition as well. If the Seahaws were completely satisfied with Thomas Rawls they wouldn’t have drafted 3 runningbacks this year. The Preseason could indicate who takes the lead in that battle. My money is on Alex Collins to shock some people with a productive season in 2016.
For a more in depth look at the rest of the Seahawks outlook click here!
5. Jimmy Garopollo
We all know that Tom Brady is suspended for the first 4 games of the season. That means Jimmy G will take the reigns in the early portion of the season. What can we realistically expect out of the 3rd year man from Eastern Illinois? The Preseason should be a good indicator of what we could possibly expect. In any event I predict Garopollo will be just fine and perform admirably.
For a more in depth look at the rest of the Patriots outlook click here!
