Rookies to Look for in Thursday’s Preseason Games
Preseason Week 1 is due to kick off at midnight Irish time tonight, which is the perfect opportunity to lay out a rookie on each team that I am looking forward to seeing. Once you’re done reading here, check out my articles on my favourite 2025 classes and picks. (Spoiler Alert: Some of the guys listed below are featured there also).
Baltimore Ravens vs Indianapolis Colts, Friday, August 8th, 12:00 AM GMT
Baltimore Ravens - Malaki Starks, Safety
I said in my article back in May that it seemed Starks was destined to be a Raven. Early indication in Training Camp suggests that assertion was correct, as he has been lights out in the secondary thus far. Granted, it is early in the process, however fans in Baltimore have every right to be excited about a secondary that includes Marlon Humphrey, Jaire Alexander, Kyle Hamilton and Starks. He has been getting looks at nickel corner and safety, so I will be interested to see where he lines up and if he can bring some of that insane splash from his Georgia days to the fore.
Indianapolis Colts - DJ Giddens, Running Back
Giddens has a legit shot at the #2 RB spot in Indianapolis, and I am not ashamed to admit I have been on the DJ Giddens train since he was taken at Pick 151 by the Colts. He is earning rave reviews from Coach Steichen at Training Camp for his contact balance and burst, some of the many traits he displayed at Kansas State as the featured back. With a big showing or two in the Preseason, Giddens could overtake Tyler Goodson and Khalil Herbert in the pecking order behind Jonathan Taylor. There is an increasing chance Giddens gets a helmet when the Colts take the field vs the Dolphins in 4 weeks’ time.
2. Philadelphia Eagles vs Cincinnati Bengals, Friday, August 8th, 12:30 AM GMT
Philadelphia Eagles - Smael Mondon, Linebacker
While all the buzz at Training Camp is around first-round pick Jihaad Campbell (and rightly so), I am looking forward to seeing how Smael Mondon looks in an Eagles jersey. There were reports back in June that Mondon was getting some starting reps, and while Zach Baun and Nakobe Dean are undoubtedly ahead of him on the depth chart at this stage, Mondon could feature in a deep rotation in 2025. If he can stay healthy, Mondon should make an impact for Philadelphia sooner rather than later and continue the tradition of Bulldog defenders on the Super Bowl champs.
Cincinnati Bengals - Tahj Brooks, Running Back
Long before Zack Moss was cut in Cincinnati, I was talking up Brooks as a potential sleeper in the Bengals’ offense. Nestled in at RB3 right now behind Samaje Perine, he should see plenty of the ball vs the Eagles. He displayed some patience in his running at Texas Tech, and he may need it here playing behind the backup offensive line for Cincinnati. But Day 3 rookies typically earn playing time early by doing the fundamentals well, and Brooks impressed me in the scouting process with his vision and pass protection, so a solid showing here will continue the rise in his stock.
3. Seattle Seahawks vs Las Vegas Raiders, Friday, August 8th, 3:00 AM GMT
Seattle Seahawks - Tory Horton, Colorado State
I am delighted to hear there is finally some buzz around Horton, a criminally underrated receiver during his time at Colorado State. His stock seemed to be in free fall ever since his ridiculous performance against Travis Hunter and Colorado back in 2023, culminating in him sliding to Round 5 in April. I think the Seahawks got a steal, and it’s one of the reasons I had them as my No.3 favourite draft class. With JSN and Cooper Kupp firmly entrenched at the top 2 WR spots, Horton will be competing with Jake Bobo, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and fellow rookie Ricky White III for a prominent spot on the roster. I wouldn’t bet against him at this stage to have a big Preseason and force the hand of Seahawks’ management.
Las Vegas Raiders - Cam Miller, Quarterback
Miller is clearly QB3 behind both Geno Smith and Aidan O’Connell, but neither of them can say they’ve been endorsed by a 6x Super Bowl champion. All kidding aside, I think Miller was a Day 3 Steal at QB and was among my favourite picks by any team on the final day of the draft. Miller takes care of the football with only 9 turnover-worthy plays, per PFF, in his final year, while O’Connell had 10 in only 7 starts in 2024. Given Coach Carroll’s more conservative nature, my guess is he’s looking for a more efficient QB to lead his offense than what both O’Connell and Garoppolo have shown in recent years. That’s why it made so much sense to trade for Smith, who is entrenched as the starter, however Miller might fit that profile better than the current backup. A strong, confident showing from Miller may go some way in solidifying that idea in the mind of his Head Coach.