10 NFL Players to Watch in Preseason Week 3: Can Kenny Pickett Make Final Push for Starting Job?

It’s the final week of the NFL preseason, and there are a number of players battling for early-season playing time. Here's a look at 10 players to watch in Week 3. 

10 Players to Watch in Preseason Week 3 

Pickett, QB, Steelers

It’s been a tidy start to the preseason for the first quarterback selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, as Kenny Pickett has completed 19 of 22 passes for 171 yards and three touchdowns. 

His 7.8 yards per passing attempt is also impressive, especially compared to the 6.2 mark Ben Roethlisberger posted across 16 games last season.

While it just might be veteran QB Mitchell Trubisky behind center in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, another strong showing from Pickett could make Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin's decision more difficult.

Willis, QB, Titans

Set for clipboard duty behind starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill to start the season, Malik Willis was the betting favorite to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award before April’s draft.

Obviously, a lot has changed, but Willis has flashed his athleticism thus far this preseason. Despite a lot of polish still required to be successful at the professional level, Willis’ speed and deep ball are already NFL-ready.

Expect more fireworks from the Liberty product against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, and in time on upcoming Sundays.

White, RB, Raiders

Following the release of running back Kenyan Drake, Zamir White could open the season as the Las Vegas Raiders' No. 2 back behind starter Josh Jacobs. The rookie out of Georgia flashed in the Hall of Fame Game with 75 yards from scrimmage on 14 touches, and he found the end zone on the opening drive against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2 of the preseason.

The pecking order and workload will probably be fluid, though. Veteran backs Ameer Abdullah and Brandon Bolden will likely be leaned on more in passing situations, so White might not have a lot of opportunities early on.

Still, if Jacobs were to miss time, White projects to handle the early-down work. Vegas cutting Drake also affirms the Raiders are confident in the rookie rusher.

Davis, RB, Ravens

There’s a legitimate chance veteran Mike Davis has a meaningful role for the Baltimore Ravens to start the regular season. Running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are both recovering from their respective ACL tears sustained last summer, and Davis could handle the bulk of the backfield work by default.

Davis has established himself as a capable spot starter during his eight-year career. Plus, he’s a proven weapon in the passing attack with 103 receptions for 632 yards across the past two seasons.

Don’t be shocked if Davis holds onto a short-term share of the backfield workload once Dobbins and/or Edwards are back in action, either.

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McKenzie, WR,  Bills

With the Buffalo Bills being the betting favorites to score the most points this season at Caesars Sportsbook, anyone with a significant role in the offense stands to benefit. Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie appears positioned to open the season as the starting slot receiver for the Bills. 

It’s also a potentially lucrative role, as current free-agent wide receiver Cole Beasley piled up 231 receptions for 2,438 yards, and 11 touchdowns over the past three seasons, lining up primarily out of the slot.

Don’t forget, McKenzie also scored five times on just 34 targets during the 2020 season, too.

Pierce, WR, Colts

Alec Pierce, the Indianapolis Colts' second-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Cincinnati, has battled with wide receiver Parris Campbell for the No. 2 job during the offseason. Pierce received the nod in two-receiver sets against the Detroit Lions on Saturday.

The oft-injured Campbell has been limited to just 15 games through three seasons since being selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Pierce should have an opportunity to solidify himself as a starter opposite No. 1 wide receiver Michael Pittman sooner than later.

After all, Pierce has impressive measurables, with a 6-foot-3, 211-pound frame and 4.41 speed.

Collins, WR, Texans

Second-year Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins caught four of six targets for 48 yards and a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams last week. Collins projects to start opposite veteran wideout Brandin Cooks in Week 1.

Collins had a respectable rookie campaign (33-446-1), and his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and 4.45 speed should make him all the more dangerous as he further acclimatizes to the professional ranks. Additionally, continuing to develop chemistry with second-year quarterback Davis Mills can only help the third-round selection from the 2021 NFL Draft.

It’ll probably take an injury for Collins to fail on improving statistically as a sophomore. 

Tolbert, WR, Cowboys

Considering Dallas Cowboys rookie receiver Jalen Tolbert has lined up in the slot on 73.7% of his snaps through the first two preseason games, he’s likely in line to see plenty of action to start the campaign. 

While the rookie hasn’t flashed big-time potential, with just four receptions for 35 yards on 10 targets, starting quarterback Dak Prescott hasn’t taken a preseason snap yet, so it’s difficult to fully evaluate Tolbert.

Most importantly, it appears that once wide receiver Michael Gallup returns from his knee injury, Tolbert should be in line to remain on the field in three-receiver sets. 

Watson, WR, Packers

After missing time following a knee procedure, Green Bay Packers rookie Christian Watson has an opportunity to show off why the Packers coveted him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Green Bay faces the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday.

Watson has to make up for a lot of missed time, and fellow rookie wide receiver Romeo Doubs has touchdowns in consecutive preseason games. Still, draft capital carries value, and Watson boasts a rare size-speed combo.

Considering Watson’s sparing reps over the past month, it could take a little longer for him to make an impact during the regular season. 

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