5 Rookies With Most To Prove In Preseason Week 2

Week 2 of the preseason began on Thursday with the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the New England Patriots 14-13. Several rookies stole the spotlight. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 6-of-11 passing attempts for 47 yards. The dual-threat Maye scored the first touchdown of the game via a four-yard scramble. 

Eagles undrafted rookie running back Kendall Milton also ran for a touchdown. Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, and Will Shipley are some of the other rookies that featured throughout.

All of the aforementioned players played with something to prove. We've identified five additional rookies who need to string together a good performance during this weekend's preseason action.

Cooper Beebe, OC, Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys rookie interior lineman Cooper Beebe entered camp in a position battle with Brock Hoffman to start at center. Hoffman initially received the bulk of the workload with the starting unit when camp began, but there's been a shift in recent practices. Beebe is starting to earn more opportunities with the first-team offense.

Beebe played a healthy 42 snaps at center in Dallas' first preseason game. Pro Football Focus assigned him a rock-solid overall grade of 71.4 for his performance. Beebe continued taking steps forward in recent joint practices with the Los Angeles Rams and could completely overtake Hoffman if he dominates against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday evening.

Maason Smith, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars released an updated depth chart on Aug. 6 and second-round rookie defensive tackle Maason Smith is listed as the fourth-string defensive tackle. Teams often use unofficial depth charts to motivate rookies, but Smith needs a good performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday to prove he deserves more respect.

Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke drafted Smith with the 48th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. That places high expectations on Smith, who's still scratching the surface of his potential. Look for the former LSU standout to play early and often throughout Jacksonville's second exhibition showcase.

Trevin Wallace, LB, Carolina Panthers

It's been an outstanding week for Carolina Panthers rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace. Wallace was involved in two turnovers during Thursday's joint practice with the New York Jets. He first recovered a fumble on the 1-yard line forced by A'Shawn Robinson and later intercepted future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the red zone.

Wallace is listed behind veteran linebackers Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell on the depth chart. Thompson is entering his 10th season and Jewell is starting his seventh. Wallace possesses more upside for the rebuilding Panthers and he could create a pathway for himself by carrying his newfound momentum over to this weekend’s date with the Jets.

Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills rookie wideout Keon Coleman saw three targets in his first preseason game. He recorded one catch for eight yards. This past week, Coleman endured inconsistent performances at joint practice with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Coleman reportedly struggled in one-on-one reps with Steelers cornerbacks Joey Porter Jr. and undrafted rookie Beanie Bishop Jr. Coleman later recovered by catching a long touchdown from Josh Allen. The Bills are counting on Coleman to help replace Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this season. They'd like to see some progress in Saturday's game versus Pittsburgh.

Christian Haynes, OG, Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks have nearly settled their starting offensive line for the 2024 campaign. They recently signed Connor Williams to plug in at center. The remaining gig up for grabs is at right guard, where third-round rookie Christian Haynes is battling to win the job.

Haynes’ competitor is sophomore Anthony Bradford. Bradford entered camp with the upper hand because he played 659 snaps at the position last season. Haynes is the more talented player though, and received first-team reps during Thursday’s joint practice with the Tennessee Titans. A good showing for Haynes on Saturday could help him gain additional momentum.