2023 NFL Preseason: Top 10 Players to Watch

The 2023 NFL preseason is finally here. For fans, it can be a little bit of a mess and yes, even boring at times. But that's because there are so many unknown players taking the field that you don't really know what to look for.  That's why today, we look at the Top 10 players […]

Mauricio Rodriguez Dallas Cowboys News Writer
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 NFL preseason is finally here.

For fans, it can be a little bit of a mess and yes, even boring at times. But that's because there are so many unknown players taking the field that you don't really know what to look for. 

That's why today, we look at the Top 10 players to watch this month as we gear up toward the intense regular season days.

2023 NFL Preseason Preview: Top 10 Players to Watch

49ers QB Trey Lance

San Francisco 49ers QB Trey Lance in training camp practice. Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

Okay, I get it. The 49ers are all in on QB Brock Purdy and they should be. The kid has earned it and head coach Kyle Shanahan has talked about how consistency is the reason why they're rolling with him.

But come on, you've got to be intrigued about Lance. The former FCS standout was drafted by the Niners with hopes of unlocking Shanahan's scheme to its fullest. Can he show enough to raise questions if Purdy struggles in the future? 

READ MORE: Shanahan talks about Purdy’s Week 1 status

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Colts QB Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson will get the start in preseason Week 1. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

I could go with every rookie quarterback in the NFL but that would be cheating. So I’m going with the most fun: Anthony Richardson.

Reports out of Indianapolis have all pointed toward Richardson having a strong camp and being the freakish athlete that he is, I expect him to light it up in August. Colts head coach Shane Steichen has already confirmed him as the starter for Week 1 of the preseason.

Steelers TE Darnell Washington

Darnell Washington (0) leaps over Oregon defensive back Bryan Addison (13) during the first half of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff NCAA college football game
Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK

Did the league make a collective mistake by allowing this man to fall all the way into the third round? So far, he's looking great in camp. As long as he stays healthy, Washington is quite the prototype.

I'm hoping we get to see him tear it up in August. 

READ MORE: Washington says he’ll show something he never did in Georgia

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Cowboys RB Deuce Vaughn

Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn (42) makes a catch during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

College Football fans know exactly what Vaughn can do. His electrifying play at Kansas State led to an extraordinarily productive career in college. He's shifty and explosive and is looking for a role with the Cowboys.

But there's one problem: At 5-foot-5, his size leaves questions about whether he can make it on Sundays.

The preseason will allow him to get plenty of touches at running back and we'll also get to see him work as a returner as Dallas has confirmed it won't have Pro Bowler KaVontae Turpin playing on special teams these next few weeks.

READ MORE: Mike McCarthy explains why Vaughn will be fine in pass protection.

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Bengals S Dax Hill

Cincinnati Bengals safety Dax Hill (23) reacts to a tackle for loss in the third quarter during a Week 15 NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Bengals defense said goodbye to Jessie Bates and Von Bell in the same offseason. For defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s unit, that could spell trouble.

The guy who can change that is the versatile Hill. A big-time athlete who barely got playing time as a first-round rookie, he needs the preseason reps. He's got to be one of the most exciting players on Cincy's roster.

Cowboys DL Isaac Alarcón

Dallas Cowboys DL Isaac Alarcón in practice as OL last year. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

As a fan of the game in Mexico, I’ve got to admit to some degree of bias here. But for those unaware of Alarcón, this is his story: He arrived at the Cowboys as an offensive lineman through the International Player Pathway in 2020

His three years as an international player have expired and now he's on the team without an exemption, which speaks to the fact that the Cowboys see him as a legit option. 

But there's one catch this year: He's switched to defensive tackle. Talk about a unique challenge. Can't wait to see the 6-foot-7, 320-pound man get after it.

Falcons RB Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) on the field during training camp at IBM Performance Field. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

We’ve spent so much time arguing about the value of running backs this offseason and I’m, frankly, quite sick of it. They’re still extremely fun to watch at the highest level and I can’t wait to see Bijan do his thing.

I'm betting on a memorable preseason performance as early as this weekend.

Titans QB Malik Willis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) and quarterback Will Levis (8) work through drills at training camp, Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Sure, I'm excited about second-round rookie Will Levis but can Willis show us something?

It almost seems like the NFL world has forgotten about the fact that every single scouting report pointed out that it would take a lot of time for the former Liberty quarterback to be ready. After one year of being rushed onto the field, he's already being ruled out? 

I'll be watching closely to see if that changes.

READ MORE: 5 Titans players that need to thrive in the preseason.

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Eagles DT Jalen Carter

Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles ninth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

During the draft process, the most fun player to watch had to be DT Jalen Carter, who would’ve likely been a Top 5 or Top 3 pick if it weren’t for his involvement in an incident resulting in the death of two people, which in turn led to an arrest warrant being brought on against the player in March.

His off-the-field issues shouldn't be overlooked. 

That being said, expect him to be one of the biggest standouts in August as the starting-caliber player takes on preseason foes.

Jaguars RT Anton Harrison

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Chandler Brewer (67) and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Anton Harrison (76) participate in training camp at Miller Electric Performance Center. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The Jaguars had one of the best offenses in the entire league last year and Trevor Lawrence did so with a questionable offensive line that at least had Jawaan Taylor. Now, first-round rookie Anton Harrison will step into the starting role after being a highly-debated prospect during the draft season.

Who is he today? We'll get an early look very soon. 

Featured image via Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports