Training camps have begun in the NFL, players are trying to make rosters and land a starting job, here are some players to watch for in training camp and preseason.
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TAVON AUSTIN
Tavon Austin is entering his fifth NFL season, all with the Los Angeles Rams, and has yet to get himself a 1,000 yard receiving season, last season he had a career high in yards (509) and receptions (58) while catching 3 touchdowns. Austin has also helped in the running game as ran for 159 yards and a score in 2016, which was a drop from the 2015 season in which he had 434 yards on the ground and 4 rushing scores.
Tavon Austin was the 8th overall pick back in 2013, and based on the statistics, he has not played like a top 10 pick, even if you included his ability on special teams, returning punts.
With new head coach Sean McVay in town, Tavon Austin could see an increase in numbers, as Sean McVay’s NFL background is in offense, and the last three seasons he was the offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins. As training camp rolls along and the preseason games start, Tavon Austin will be a player to keep an eye on, with McVay as the head coach it is possible that Austin will be used in different ways starting in camp. With his ability to both catch and run the ball the way he is used in the offense could really grown in 2017.
BROCK OSWEILER
Just one season ago Brock Osweiler was signed to the Houston Texans in a lucrative free agent signing, now he is a Cleveland Brown, and the Texans sent a second round pick along with him to the Browns to get him off of their hands and payroll. Osweiler, unlike last year, is not heading into camp as the starting quarterback, cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported that Cody Kessler will start camp as the staring quarterback for the Browns. The Browns also have rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer and second year man, Kevin Hogan. Osweiler could possibly be the odd man out, but if he can peform well enough in camp and see some significant playing time in the preseason he could stay on the team.
While doing that, he will need to ensure he cuts back on his mistakes, as last year he threw 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Being in what could be a four way battle for the starting job, Osweiler will be a player to watch as camps being and the preseason games start. Maybe Hue Jackson can help salvage Osweiler’s young career.
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LOGAN RYAN
Former New England Patriot cornerback Logan Ryan is now a Tennessee Titan, where he could now possibly be the top cornerback, which is different than his role while playing for Bill Belichick. Logan Ryan brings four years of experience along with being a part of two Super Bowl winning teams to a team that has not made the playoffs since 2008. Logan Ryan is a player to keep an eye on because if he is asked to be the top corner he will be doing something that was not asked very often of him while in New England. During his tenure as a Patriot he picked off 13 passes, and a one of them was returned for a score, he also forced four fumbles and had 2.5 sacks.
While camp and preseason are different than the regular season, it still gives Ryan the chance to develop himself and learn the system he will be in this year. It also allows him to get accustomed to the new role(s) he will be given, and at the same time the Titans can see how they want to utilize Ryan and their other cornerbacks based on how they play.
Logan Ryan helped New England get back to winning Super Bowls, now he will be part of a team that is looking to make it back to the playoffs and win a title themselves. Keep an eye on Ryan as camp starts and the preseason games come along to see how he fairs in a new system.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Adrian Peterson– He is part of a crowded backfield in New Orelans, keep an eye on how many reps he gets in camp and along with the workload he gets in preseason football.
Brandin Cooks– The former New Orleans Saint will now catch his passes from Tom Brady, the argument can be made that he is there best deep threat option since Randy Moss. This time of year is when he will have to build that chemistry with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots offense.