The preseason is over, but before we move on to the regular season, it’s time to take a look at the best players from the Summer.<\/p>\n
Every year, players excel during preseason games to earn their way into more playing time or onto an NFL roster. Usually, rookies steal the show in their first taste of NFL action, but sometimes journeymen players are able to take advantage of playing time and play some of the best football of their careers.<\/p>\n
While playing well in the preseason isn’t a precursor to succeeding in the league during the season, it does at least give a glimpse into which players may be breakout candidates during the year. Here’s a look at which players shined in the 2025 preseason.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf2 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp<\/a><\/p>\n NFL preseason MVP: QB Jaxson Dart, Giants<\/p>\n Dart was the second quarterback taken in the 2025 NFL Draft, as the Giants<\/a> traded up to select him No. 26 overall. The former Ole Miss quarterback had some questions entering his rookie season, but he seemed to pass many tests during his first NFL preseason.<\/p>\n Dart has a stellar preseason for New York, only adding to his hype ahead of his rookie season. The quarterback had three touchdowns without turning the ball over once against the Bills, Jets and Patriots, and although he ended the preseason early due to an injury, he already made noise by that time.<\/p>\n With his success, Dart earns preseason MVP, as no other player’s success in the preseason meant more to their team than his. The Giants only feel better about their decision to take Dart over other players like Shedeur Sanders and Tyler Shough, as Dart proved he may be more ready for the NFL than most analysts believed.<\/p>\n MORE:\u00a0Tracking the most notable cuts from NFL preseason<\/a><\/p>\n StatTotalCompletion Percentage68%Passing yards372Passing Touchdowns3Interceptions0Passer Rating113.1Rushing yards52Rushing Touchdowns1<\/p>\n Dart’s preseason included a passing touchdown in each game, which began on the road in Buffalo and ended with two games at home.<\/p>\n JAXSON DART FIRST TD PASS IN THE NFL.<\/p>\n Lil’Jordan Humphrey on the other end!<\/p>\n Watch on @NFLNetwork<\/a> \u2014 NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Jaxson Dart down the seam to Greg Dulcich for a TD!<\/p>\n Watch on @NFLNetwork<\/a> \u2014 NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n A DART FROM DART<\/p>\n Watch on Prime Video \u2014 NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2025<\/a>NFL Preseason All-StarsQB: Jarrett Stidham, Broncos<\/p>\n While Dart’s success was more important to his team’s future, Stidham lit up defenses more in the preseason. In two games, Stidham produced 376 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions as he prepares to be Bo Nix’s backup for the second-straight season in Denver<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jarrett Stidham goes long to Trent Sherfield Sr.<\/p>\n TOUCHDOWN \ud83c\udfaf<\/p>\n Stream on @NFLPlus<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/8FESKuvyIy<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n With the preseason, Stidham cemented himself as one of the better backup quarterbacks in the league. Stidham didn’t play in a game in 2024, and has only started four games since entering the league in 2019, but still provides Denver confidence that he can fill in for Nix if something happens.<\/p>\n RB: Ollie Gordon, Dolphins<\/p>\n The Dolphins<\/a> running game always feature the potential for breakout player, and Gordon is the latest recipient. A sixth-round pick out of Oklahoma State in April, Gordon won the Doak Walker Award when he rushed for 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns in Stillman.<\/p>\n During the preseason, Gordon has already impressed with 83 rushing yards an one touchdown on 18 carries. If De’Von Achane misses time with injury, Gordon could quickly become a household name.<\/p>\n Rook’s first touchdown \ud83e\udd79<\/p>\n Let’s gooo @Ollie_Gordon2<\/a>! pic.twitter.com\/YmRLIEnk05<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 10, 2025<\/a>WR: Isaac TeSlaa, Lions<\/p>\n A third-round rookie out of Arkansas, TeSlaa had a strong preseason to show he may be the next Lions<\/a> big contributor on offense. TeSlaa was breakout player of the Hall of Fame Game, when he totaled 46 yards on two catches, and that continued over the course of the preseason as he produced several highlights.<\/p>\n TeSlaa’s preseason included a pair of touchdowns, one against the Dolphins and one against the Falcons<\/a>. He ended his preseason with 10 catches for 146 yards and three scores.<\/p>\n Kyle Allen finds the rookie Isaac TeSlaa for the @Lions<\/a> score!<\/p>\n Stream DETvsATL on @NFLPlus<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/y5ouC4GarE<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n OK THEN ISAAC!!!#MIAvsDET<\/a> | \ud83d\udcfa Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com\/87msJ88uIN<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 16, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Another TD (and the worm!) from Isaac TeSlaa \ud83e\udd81<\/p>\n Stream on @NFLPlus<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/OGx6NrPUIE<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n MORE NFL:\u00a0Tracking the latest trade rumors for Micah Parsons, Terry McLaurin and Trey Hendrickson<\/a><\/p>\n WR: Mason Tipton, Saints<\/p>\n Mason Tipton is fighting for playing time in New Orleans<\/a>, so it’s a good thing that he’s had a strong preseason. Tipton produced 158 yards on eight catches in three preseason games, which includes a six-for-100 performance against the Jaguars in Week 2.<\/p>\n Rattler to Tipton on the MONEY.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa @FOX8NOLA<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/G5kGb3uoY6<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 17, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Tipton also scored an impressive long touchdown in his first preseason game against the Chargers<\/a>, which also marked Tyler Shough’s first NFL score.<\/p>\n Shough it. Tipton down there somewhere.<\/p>\n TOUCHDOWN SAINTS! \ud83d\ude4c<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa: FOX pic.twitter.com\/Cbg4XqVQkr<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 10, 2025<\/a>TE: Robert Tonyan, Chiefs<\/p>\n Years ago, Tonyan was the Packers<\/a>‘ top tight end, but injuries have hampered his career. Still, Tonyan is just 31 years old and has shown this Summer that he could contribute again in the NFL, this time for the Chiefs<\/a>.<\/p>\n In preseason, Tonyan totaled eight catches for 90 yards and a score, all of which led the team. His contributions may have earned him a roster spot as a backup behind Travis Kelce and Noah White.<\/p>\n Gardner Minshew buys time and finds Robert Tonyan for a Chiefs TD!<\/p>\n Watch on @NFLNetwork<\/a> \u2014 NFL (@NFL) August 16, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL:\u00a0Top 300 overall cheat sheet for 2025 PPR drafts<\/p>\n OL: Grey Zabel, Seahawks<\/p>\n A first-round pick out of North Dakota State, Zabel has been able to seamlessly transition to the NFL with his performance in the preseason. Zabel is set to start at left guard for the Seahawks<\/a> this season, and his production in August could be a sign that Seattle made the right choice.<\/p>\n Grey Zabel (#76) looked excellent against the Chiefs. Look at the climbs to the second level! the backside cutoffs! https:\/\/t.co\/ZHSkbN8ygu<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/bRgeWi8J45<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) August 16, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The Seahawks looked to upgrade their offensive line, with Zabel being the most notable addition of the past offseason.<\/p>\n DE: Austin Booker, Bears<\/p>\n Very few players popped in preseason like Austin Booker, a second-year player who played in all 17 games last year for the Bears<\/a>. In 2024, Booker had just 1.5 sacks and 21 tackles, but his preseason this year alone featured eight tackles and 4.0 sacks.<\/p>\n Booker especially dominated against the Dolphins, when he had three sacks and six tackles, both leading the team. He then followed that up with another solid performance vs. the Bills<\/a>, as it appears he is ready to take the next step as a player.<\/p>\n .@austinbookerr<\/a>‘s at it again \ud83d\ude08<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa: FOX pic.twitter.com\/okJT78WwBj<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 18, 2025<\/a>DT: Jordan Phillips, Dolphins<\/p>\n A fifth-round pick out of Maryland in the 2025 NFL draft, Jordan Phillips has had a strong start ot his NFL career thus far. The defensive tackle had four tackles in his first NFL game against the Bears, then followed that up with four more tackles and 1.5 sacks against the Lions in Week 2.<\/p>\n The Dolphins really might\u2019ve gotten a steal in the 5th round with DT Jordan Phillips\u2026<\/p>\n He had himself another great performance in his 2nd NFL game. pic.twitter.com\/TBe3UmjX9O<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Jake (@FinsCentral) August 16, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Phillips is currently slated to be a backup on Miami’s defensive line, but could quickly earn playing time if he keeps up this play.<\/p>\n MORE NFL:\u00a0How Jets RB depth chart is shaping out ahead of the season<\/a><\/p>\n EDGE: Anfernee Jennings, Patriots<\/p>\n Jennings is a veteran player for the Patriots<\/a>, as he has been with the team since 2020 and played in 61 games in that span. Still, he’s been fighting to prove himself to his new coaching staff, which should be paying off.<\/p>\n In two preseason games, Jennings had six total tackles and three sacks, which is among the more productive efforts in the NFL this Summer.<\/p>\n Anfernee Jennings is FEASTING against inferior competition pic.twitter.com\/oBD3eR5aUT<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ben Brown \ud83c\udf3b (@BenBrownPL) August 16, 2025<\/a>LB: Nick Jackson, Buccaneers<\/p>\n Jackson is an undrafted free agent who has significantly improved his stock since the Spring. After a six-year college career in which he started 73 games, Jackson is instantly one of the more experienced rookies in the NFL this year.<\/p>\n In two preseason games, Jackson has totaled four tackles, two sacks and a one-handed interception, which gives him a chance to make Tampa Bay<\/a>‘s initial roster out of training camp.<\/p>\n Nick Jackson with the one-handed INT for the @Buccaneers<\/a>!<\/p>\n Stream on @NFLPlus<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/BJykLGe0CD<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025<\/a>LB: Cedric Gray, Titans<\/p>\n Gray is a second-year player for the Titans<\/a> who seems to be figuring out his place in the NFL. The former fourth-round pick out of North Carolina played in just seven games in 2024, and he already is making a case for more playing time this year.<\/p>\n During the preseason, Gray totaled 19 tackles and 0.5 sacks for Tennessee’s defense, which could use the boost of Gray taking his game to another level.<\/p>\n Before it is lost to preseason obscurity, let\u2019s take one minute to appreciate this stretch of plays from Cedric Gray (#Titans<\/a> LB #51). These are the three plays after the Titans failed to convert on a 4th down. He makes back-to-back-to-back plays to immediately force a punt. pic.twitter.com\/51LRkF3F1j<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Mr. Positivity (@jlomas72) August 15, 2025<\/a>CB: Eric Rogers, Chargers<\/p>\n Rogers is an undrafted free agent fighting for a roster spot, but he’s certainly given Los Angeles something to think about. The 23-year-old had four passes defended, two interceptions and two total tackles in the preseason, which, at the very least, gives him a chance to impress other teams if he can’t crack the Chargers’ 53-man roster.<\/p>\n Rogers’ preseason peaked in the Chargers’ second game of the Summer, when the rookie picked off Tyler Shough and took the interception back for a touchdown.<\/p>\n Chargers rookie Eric Rogers intercepts the pass for a Pick-6!<\/p>\n Watch on @NFLNetwork<\/a> \u2014 NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025<\/a>S: Andrew Mukuba, Eagles<\/p>\n The Eagles<\/a> defensive depth is among the best in the league, as the team seems to always nail its draft picks. This year, that includes Andrew Mukuba, a safety out of Texas whom Philadelphia selected in the second round in April.<\/p>\n Mukuba produced one of the best defensive highlights of the preseason when he picked off Dillon Gabriel and took it 75 yards to the endzone. It marked the longest pick-six of the regular season and potentially sealed Mukuba’s starting spot over Sydney Brown.<\/p>\n Andrew Mukuba PICK-6!<\/p>\n The @Eagles<\/a> second-round pick takes Dillon Gabriel’s pass to the house.<\/p>\n Watch on @NFLNetwork<\/a> \u2014 NFL (@NFL) August 16, 2025<\/a>KR\/PR: TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots<\/p>\n Henderson impressed in his limited playoff action, showing that the Patriots were wise to take him in the second round. The former Ohio State running back will likely be New England’s best running back this year, but he also succeeded in the return game.<\/p>\n On the opening kickoff against the Commanders<\/a>, which was his first NFL touch, Henderson scored a 100-yard touchdown, showing off his blazing speed in the process.<\/p>\n TreVeyon Henderson goes 100 yards for the TD on the opening kickoff!<\/p>\n Stream WASvsNE on @NFLPlus<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/purYDocDTF<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n MORE NFL:\u00a0Commanders RB depth chart after Brian Robinson trade<\/a><\/p>\n K: Cam Little, Jaguars<\/p>\n Little made this team for one play and one play only. The Jaguars<\/a> kicker nailed a 70-yard field goal in his first preseason action against the Steelers, which would have been an NFL record if it happened in the regular season.<\/p>\n CAM LITTLE 70-YARD FIELD GOAL<\/p>\n Stream on @NFLPlus<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/OCIZ1W5M5f<\/a><\/p>\n
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