Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

2011 NFL Preseason: Friday Night Rookie Debuts

The NFL Preseason kicks off this weekend with a ton of games on the schedule. Fox will be broadcasting the Tampa Bay at Kansas City game starting at 8:00pm. Many feel that the preseason is boring and a waste of time but for those of us that cover the draft it is really exciting. The preseason gives everyone the chance to get a glimpse at rookies and late drafted players that might not see regular season action. Below is a look at a few players to keep an eye ne as they make their NFL debuts.

Julio Jones- WR- Falcons- The word around the NFL is that Julio Jones has looked spectacular during training camp. He is one of few rookie receivers that could have a major impact. There are not many rookies that have the likes of Matt Ryan throwing them the football. Combined the quarterback situation with Jones' skills and we could see a highly productive rookie season.

Andy Dalton- QB- Bengals- Yes, I am excited to see A.J. Green but Dalton will have more of an impact on the direction of the Bengals season. Rookie quarterbacks rarely enter training camp as the anointed starter but that is the situation Dalton finds himself in.


Check out some other rookies after the jump

Da'Quan Bowers- DE- Buccaneers- I have been very vocal about my love for Da'Quan Bowers in spite of his injury issues. The word is that he looks healthy and ready to make an impact.

Mark Ingram- RB- Saints- Reggie Bush has moved on and that means more carries for rookie Mark Ingram. He has the ability to be the feature back in New Orleans. I will be interested to see what type of rotation Sean Payton will use with his stable of running backs.

Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Eagles stick with what works; invest in the trenchesSB Nation NFL mock draft: Eagles stick with what works; invest in the trenches
Mocking the Draft

This player should be a plug-and-play replacement for Mekhi Becton right off the bat.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Chiefs get an absolute steal of a WR at No. 31SB Nation NFL mock draft: Chiefs get an absolute steal of a WR at No. 31
Mocking the Draft

This guy’s got talent, plus playing with Patrick Mahomes automatically elevates his potential.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Bills fill biggest need with a top CB at No. 30SB Nation NFL mock draft: Bills fill biggest need with a top CB at No. 30
Mocking the Draft

He’s a bit of a liability in the run game, but his potential in the pass game was enough for Buffalo Rumblings.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Commanders give Jayden Daniels a fluid playmaker at WR with No. 29 pickSB Nation NFL mock draft: Commanders give Jayden Daniels a fluid playmaker at WR with No. 29 pick
Mocking the Draft

This pick could help the Commanders build on last year’s excellent season.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Lions bring in a pass-rushing partner in crime for Aidan HutchinsonSB Nation NFL mock draft: Lions bring in a pass-rushing partner in crime for Aidan Hutchinson
Mocking the Draft

It’s a high-potential pick for a Detroit defense that needs a solid pass rusher.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Rams keep building defensive identity at No. 26SB Nation NFL mock draft: Rams keep building defensive identity at No. 26
Mocking the Draft

This rookie would be a great complement to Jared Verse and Byron Young.

By Michael Peterson