Jaxson Dart’s preseason burst puts the Giants at an accelerated pivot point, flashing pocket toughness and four big-time throws against minimal turnover risk. Donovan Edwards stormed into rookie RB chatter for the Jets, leading early backfield intrigue with explosive runs and missed-tackle force. Bears’ Jahdae Walker and Lions’ Jackson Meeks showed versatile rookie pop, while Colts’ Tyler Warren demonstrated tight-end versatility with elite receiving grades. Chargers’ Eric Rogers and RJ Mickens flashed game-changing playmaking, and Eagles’ Andrew Mukuba supplied a safety ceiling that could push Week 1 debates. A tier of first-year players is reshaping late-draft and waiver decisions for fantasy rosters and DFS lineups.

Across the league, these rookies combine high-end tape with clear path opportunities: Dart wiring in as an early starter candidate for NYG, Edwards entering Jets’ backfield depth, and Warren offering a two-way TE weapon. Rogers and Mickens threaten to elevate the Chargers’ secondary depth, while Mukuba’s 95.7 grade signals a real safety competition in Philadelphia. For fantasy managers, the August data points toward potential late-round steals and immediate-stream options in Week 1 if roles hold.