Eleven NFL rookies I can’t wait to watch in training camp/preseason: Each position’s must-see newbie

Training camp and preseason games provide coaches and scouts a solid glance at a rookie’s impact potential in the NFL. Although the exhibition season pales in comparison to regular-season action in terms of speed and intensity, the best players leave a grand first impression in August.

As a young scout working for the Seattle Seahawks, I watched Steve Hutchinson immediately showcase gold-jacket potential as a standout rookie performer. From Day 1, the 2001 first-round pick mauled defenders at the point of attack, teaming up with another eventual Hall of Famer, Walter Jones, to pave the way for Shaun Alexander on the ground.

With that in mind, I always look forward to seeing which rookies flash in their first training camp and preseason. So, given some time to review the depth charts of all 32 teams, I’ve identified the one newbie at each position that I’m most excited to track over the next month.

JUST TO BE CLEAR: This is not a list of my highest-rated rookies at each spot. These are guys that, for one reason or another, I cannot wait to watch in this ramp-up to the 2022 season.