Ultimate 2025 NFL Preseason Guide: 7 Players to Watch
Get ready for the 2025 NFL season! Our ultimate preseason guide highlights 7 key players to watch, from high-profile rookies to under-the-radar sleepers.
Michael Rodriguez
Former scout and lifelong football analyst breaking down the Xs and Os.
Ultimate 2025 NFL Preseason Guide: 7 Players to Watch
The NFL preseason. For some, it’s a watered-down, meaningless prelude to the real show. For those in the know, it’s a treasure trove of compelling storylines, fierce competition, and the first glimpse of a team’s true identity. It's where jobs are won and lost, where unheralded rookies become fan favorites, and where veterans fight to prove they’ve still got it.
Forget the final scores. The preseason is all about individual evaluation. It’s a four-week-long job interview played out in front of millions. As we gear up for the 2025 season, the slate is clean and every rep matters. To help you get the most out of the August action, we’re zeroing in on seven players whose performances could have a massive ripple effect on their teams and the league.
1. Caleb Vance, QB, Las Vegas Raiders: The Franchise Savior?
There’s no story more captivating in the preseason than a top-drafted quarterback. Enter Caleb Vance, the gunslinger from USC selected first overall by a Raiders franchise desperate for a new identity. The hype is real: a cannon for an arm, uncanny off-script playmaking, and the swagger of a franchise cornerstone. But training camp reports are one thing; performing under the lights is another.
Vance won’t be playing full games, but his series will be under a microscope. We’re not just looking for completed passes. We're looking for the intangibles.
What to Watch For:
Does he look poised in the pocket when the first-team offensive line isn't there to protect him? How quickly does he process NFL-level blitz packages? Watch his chemistry (or lack thereof) with the second and third-string receivers. His ability to elevate the talent around him, even in a vanilla preseason scheme, will tell us a lot about his readiness for Week 1.
2. Isaiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs: The Comeback Trail
We all remember the devastating ankle injury that cut Isaiah Pacheco's dominant 2024 season short. The heart and soul of the Chiefs' running game, Pacheco’s violent, energetic style is his signature. But after surgery and a long rehab, the biggest question in Kansas City is: will he still be that guy?
The Chiefs will be extremely cautious, likely giving him only a series or two in the second or third preseason game. But in those few carries, we can learn a lot.
What to Watch For:
Forget the yardage. Watch his feet. Does he have the same explosive, decisive jump-cut that made him a nightmare for defenders? More importantly, how does he react to that first real contact? Does he bounce off a linebacker with the same ferocity, or is there a moment of hesitation? His confidence in his surgically repaired ankle will be the key to unlocking the Chiefs' ground game in 2025.
3. Marcus Thorne, WR, Chicago Bears: The Veteran's Last Stand
Just three years ago, Marcus Thorne was a 1,100-yard receiver for the Saints. Now, after a down year and a quiet free agency, he’s in Chicago on a one-year, non-guaranteed deal. At 31, he's in a crowded receiver room, fighting against younger, faster, and cheaper players for a roster spot. This is the classic "prove-it" scenario.
For veterans like Thorne, the preseason isn't about stats; it's about showing reliability and value. He needs to prove he’s more than just a name.
What to Watch For:
Look for Thorne on third downs. Is he the guy the backup quarterback looks for when he needs a conversion? Watch his route running. Can he still create separation against press coverage, or has he lost a step? Pay attention to his blocking in the run game and his sideline demeanor. Coaches notice the players who act like pros, mentor young guys, and do the dirty work.
4. Jaxon Pierce, S, Green Bay Packers: The Small-School Sleeper
Every year, an undrafted player from a small school captures our imagination. This year, keep an eye on Jaxon Pierce, a hard-hitting safety out of North Dakota State. While he didn't get a draft-day call, his college tape was full of instincts and explosive tackles. Now, he's trying to make the Packers' 53-man roster.
For a player like Pierce, the path is clear: dominate on special teams and make a splash play on defense when you get the chance. He needs to be impossible to ignore.
What to Watch For:
When the punt and kickoff teams are on the field, find his number. Is he the first one down the field? Is he a sure tackler in the open field? When he gets defensive snaps late in the game, does he look lost or does he fly to the football? One forced fumble or interception could be the difference between a spot on the practice squad and a life-changing NFL contract.
5. Darius Freeney, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars: The Sophomore Surge
Drafted in the second round in 2024, Darius Freeney had a typical rookie season for a pass rusher: a few flashes of brilliance mixed with long stretches of quiet. He recorded 3.5 sacks and showed promise, but now it's time to turn that potential into consistent production. The Jaguars need a reliable bookend opposite Josh Allen, and Freeney is the top candidate.
Year two is often when the game slows down for players, especially on the defensive line. This preseason is Freeney's chance to show he's made that leap.
What to Watch For:
Focus on his pass-rushing repertoire. Last year, he relied heavily on his speed rush. Has he developed a counter-move? Can he convert speed to power and bull-rush a tackle? Also, watch him on running downs. Has he improved his ability to set the edge and shed blocks? A more complete game is what will earn him a starting role and a breakout season.
6. Nate Herbig, C, Pittsburgh Steelers: The Trenches War
Position battles on the offensive line are the unsung drama of the preseason. In Pittsburgh, a critical battle is brewing for the starting center spot between third-year player Nate Herbig and last year's second-round pick, Zach Frazier. Herbig is a powerful, mauling blocker, but the center position is also about communication and intelligence.
This isn't just a battle of strength; it's a battle of wits. The winner will be the anchor of the Steelers' line for the foreseeable future.
What to Watch For:
When Herbig is in the game, watch the pre-snap phase. Is he correctly identifying the defensive front and making the right line calls? Watch how the offensive line as a unit handles stunts and blitzes. A blown protection is often on the center. In the run game, can he create a push and get to the second level to block a linebacker? His command of the offense is just as important as his blocking.
7. "Jet" Jones, WR/KR, Los Angeles Chargers: The Roster Bubble Specialist
Meet "Jet" Jones. He's a 5-foot-7, 170-pound undrafted receiver from Houston who reportedly ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash. He's the definition of a long shot to make the team as a receiver, but his ticket to the 53-man roster is as a return specialist. With the NFL's new kickoff rules, explosive returners are more valuable than ever.
Every time Jones touches the ball on a punt or kick return, it’s an audition. He has to prove he’s a threat to score every single time.
What to Watch For:
It’s simple: can he make things happen? Watch his decision-making. Does he know when to fair catch and when to take a chance? Look for his burst and vision in the open field. The most important trait for a returner is the ability to make the first tackler miss. If Jet can break one or two long returns in the preseason, he might just force the Chargers to create a roster spot for him.