Dillon Gabriel's Rebuttal & 45 more Takeaways from Week 2 of the Preseason

In just 14 days you will be sweating who to start in your fantasy line-up. Three weeks from today we will already be tilting about a bad beat from week 1. It is critical that we take advantage of every piece of information we can get between then and now. Each and every snap is a critical opportunity for 2025 rookies to earn targets in the early season. That is why I watch every snap-so you know who is in a position to win you a fantasy championship.

In this week's issue of the Rookie Big Board we are diving deep into the 2025 rookie class, with 46 takeaways from the second week of preseason action.

If you're new here, welcome! I analyze rookies, draft prospects and college players 365 days a year to help you win fantasy football championships. Subscribe to this free newsletter and head over to patreon to see my rankings, seasonal projections and to join the discord community.

What We Learned Week 2

As a reminder, here is what I look for when analyzing rookies in the preseason:

This week, I had a little extra fun and ranked my takeaways, based on fantasy impact.

1. Dillon Gabriel made a strong rebuttal to Sheduer Sanders' Week 1 performance. Gabriel completed 13 of 18 attempts (72%) for 143 yards. He looked confident in the pocket and delivered good throws under pressure. He was accurate around the field and led his receivers with good anticipation. As a fun bonus for me, he has a clear connection with Jamari Thrash, who caught 4 of 4 balls thrown his way. Gabriel did throw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, but the responsibility there appears to be with the two wide receivers in the area who tangled their routes.
2. Tyler Warren showed off his big play potential. Warren showed off his athleticism and ability to win in traffic on a big 25 yard reception against the Packers. Warren separated from his assignment on two more routes, but Daniel Jones missed him both times. He is locked into a top 10 tight end projection.

3. Justin Herbert likes Keandre Lambert-Smith, and we should too. Herbert targeted Lambert-Smith twice on the opening drive of the game. He connected with him on a deep post route through traffic and trusted him with a redzone target. Lambert-Smith couldn't bring it in, but made a great play on the jump ball. The former Auburn Tiger has been on the field for 63% of Herbert's preseason snaps. Later in the game, he made an excellent catch along the sideline on a ball thrown by Trey Lance. He will be at least a flex play this season.

4. The hype continues to build for Jaxson Dart. Dart completed 87% of his 16 passing attempts for 137 yards and a touchdown. Dart's tight mechanics, especially his footwork, continue to be what impresses me the most about his preseason performances. It is worth noting that Dart's yards/attempt was 8.6 and his ADOT was 4.1. Compare that to 15.4 and 20.3 for Russell Wilson. It was another good outing, but it is still Wilson's job for now.
5. Efton Chism III is officially moving up the rankings into my bench depth tier for this week's rankings update (which will be posted here on Wednesday). Chism III was featured with the second team offense, catching all 6 of his targets from Josh Dobbs for 71 yards and touchdown. This preseason, he has 12 receptions on 14 targets for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns. Snag him off your waiver wire while you can.

6. You should be excited about your Brashard Smith exposure. Smith passed the eye test, showing off his shifty run style for a big gain to open the second quarter. He ran the ball 3 of the 4 snaps he lined up in the backfield for 22 yards (7.3 yards/carry). Smith also caught both of his targets for 16 yards. Skyy Moore outshined him with his long kick return but Smith lined up twice on punt return and brought back a kick. Smith will be involved early and often in one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL.

7. It becomes more evident every week that Dan Campbell has big plans for Isaac TeSlaa. The athletic playmaker had 4 receptions on 5 targets for 41 yards, including a ridiculous contested catch for a touchdown. Don't be surprised if he is a weekly play by the end of the season.

8. TreVeyon Henderson continues to pass the eye test. He made the most out of two blown up plays, shot through a gap for a big 10 yard gain and then showed off his vision and lateral agility to get through a tight box for a touchdown. Lock Henderson into a top 24 running back season.

9. Ollie Gordon could be in your starting line-up Week 1 of the NFL season. Gordon continued to impress this week-showing burst and power while rushing for 50 yards on 10 carries. He caught both of his targets. Jaylen Wright continued to fall flat; rushing for just 3 yards on 4 carries. Wright started the game but fumbled in the redzone. News broke over the weekend that De'Von Achane has a soft tissue injury with an undisclosed timeline. The reports suggest that McDaniels expects Achane back for Week 1 but you can never bank on a quick return from a soft tissue injury.
10. Colston Loveland and Caleb Williams have chemistry. Loveland caught two receptions for 26 yards on the opening drive, including Williams' first pass of the game. Loveland comes with immense upside right from Week 1.
11. Elic Ayomanor's 35 yard reception to open the Falcons game could have been cut and paste from the highlight portion of his Stanford tape. He is dangerous when working in-breaking routes over the middle of the field. It appears evident that the Titans want to make sure Ayomanor is featured in the pass game. Stock up.

12. It was not an ideal game for Cam Ward. After the aforementioned completion, Ward went 1 for 6 for 7 yards. He did hit Van Jefferson downfield through a tight window in what should have been another big play, but Jefferson couldn't extend for the ball thrown slightly too far in front of him. No need to panic but I expect the Titans will let him get deep into their preseason Week 3 game.
13. It was encouraging to see Elijah Arroyo's 15 yard opening drive reception. He flashed good hands and his athleticism. He caught 2 total balls for 19 yards. I am hoping we see 4-6 targets/game for Arroyo by October.
14. Beaux Collins and Russell Wilson have a connection. Wilson loves his deep field "moon balls" and Beaux Collins brought one in on the Giants opening drive. It is notable that Collins was running with the first team. The Giants had 17 players catch at least one ball against the Jets but Collins made his case to be a presence in their two-deep rotation.

15. I get more and more excited for Emeka Egbuka each week. Egbuka caught just one ball again this week but it was an impressive touchdown reception. I am convinced Egbuka will be a difference maker in fantasy lineups this season.

16. Luther Burden showed off his versatility against the Bears. He caught all 3 of his first half targets, including a 22 yard ball outside of the hashmarks. Burden showed his ability to win downfield and laid down two key blocks that led to rushing touchdowns.

17. Theo Wease Jr. is emerging as a must-stash option in deeper formats. The former 5 star undrafted free agent led Miami in receptions (6) and receiving yards (80) this week. He also found the endzone twice in the second half. The depth chart is wide open past Hill and Waddle. I will be watching closely to see if Wease Jr. can have another big game next week.

18. Do not sleep on Gunnar Helm. Helm caught all four of his targets for 48 yards and a brought in a ridiculous contested catch touchdown. My rookie evaluation noted Helm's ability to win over the middle of the field and in the redzone, making him a valuable pick in deeper leagues. Helm could realistically leapfrog Okonkwo by the end of the season. He needs to be a waiver wire priority in leagues where he went undrafted.

19. Nick Chubb took first team carries with CJ Stroud but once Davis Mills got into the game it was the Woody Marks show. Marks flashed vision, shifty feet and his power between the tackles while rushing for 40 yards on 7 carries (5.7 yards/carry). Marks broke off a 12 yard run on his first snap and carried the ball all but one snap he lined up in the backfield. In a week filled with Joe Mixon rumors, it is clear that Marks and Chubb will split the early season work.

20. Jaylen Royals nearly took a kick return to the house. His straight line acceleration was on full display before being tripped up by the Seahawks kicker. Royals did not see action as a receiver, but that is not necessarily bad-no Chiefs starting receivers played this week.

21. DJ Giddens continues to be an uninspiring RB2. I was not a Giddens believer through the draft process-his tape shows a player who lacks vision and play strength. He struggled this week, rushing the ball 6 times for 28 yards. He was able to get yards when he had space but didn't push defenders back. On a rush that got called back, he had a wide open gap to the endzone but got denied by a corner who turned him around with a shoulder tackle. The commentary team at one point called him "nothing flashy" and I agree.
22. Tyler Shough got off to a slow start. He lost his footing for a sack and had a bad intentional grounding penalty on his first drive. He settled in after that, throwing for 66 yards while completing 75% of his passing attempts. Shough has not had that wow moment yet, but he looks to be in control of the QB1 role.
23. It was a good week for those Beastmode/Ashton Jeanty comps. Jeanty ran for 33 yards and a touchdown on 7 carries. Jeanty looked bursty, powerful and agile. The highlight coming when he trucked a 49ers defensive back.

24. Kaleb Johnson had to wait behind Kenneth Gainwell to get on the field. Johnson saw his first snaps at the end of the first quarter but had a solid showing once he was out there. He ran the ball 11 times for 50 yards, including a 14 yard gain where he showed good cut back ability and finished through the run with a powerful shoulder. He also returned 3 kicks for 81 yards.
25. Jayden Higgins made a nice extended catch on an out from CJ Stroud. It was nice to see Stroud find his new target on a first quarter drive since Higgins, overall, is not standing out this preseason-he has just 3 receptions on 5 targets so far over the first two weeks.

26. Tai Felton showed off his ball-tracking on this deflected pass. The Former Maryland Terp also made a nice catch on a deep post, pushing the safety off the route. He has caught all four of his preseason targets for 46 yards. He could make an early season impact with Jordan Addison missing the first three weeks.

27. Christian Kirk took the first team snaps from the slot. That is not ideal for Jaylin Noel-who now has just 3 receptions on 4 targets for 18 yards through first two weeks of the preseason. Noel did have a nice punt return. Call me stubborn but I still do not see Kirk holding off Noel for long.
28. Jalen Milroe is locked in as QB3 for the Seahawks. Milroe entered the game in the 4th quarterback and completed 3 of 5 passes for 46 yards. He ran the ball 5 times for 18 yards. This is best case scenario for fantasy managers who drafted the raw passing prospect-he needs time to develop.
29. Tre Harris truthers have a spark of hope. Harris has struggled this offseason. He failed to make an impact during the Rams first two preseason games and beat reports have not been complimentary of him. This week, though, he was able to bring in 6 of his 8 targets for 85 yards. Harris' targets starting coming at the end of the first half-suggesting he is still down the pecking order.
30. Troy Franklin will get all of the attention but Pat Bryant deserves credit for his 4 reception game. Bryant had 70 receiving yards and averaged 17.5 yards/reception with an ADOT of 12.8. That makes him a nice deep ball threat. Alright, I actually did bring this up just to mention Troy Franklin, one of my favorites from the 2024 class, who had two touchdown receptions this week (see below).

31. Trevor Etienne returned two kicks for 45 yards, showing off his acceleration and field vision. He rushed the ball a team-leading seven times for just 18 yards. He did have a nice catch in traffic that was called back due to a hold. All of that being said, Etienne has not made a strong argument to be ahead of Rico Dowdle on the Week 1 depth chart.
32. Just when I thought I was out, Quinn Ewers pulls me right back in. Ewers looked more confident throwing over the middle of the field and on the run. He completed 11 of 17 passing attempts for 116 yards while throwing for 2 touchdowns. Ewers might still be set to start the season on the practice squad but there is enough here to keep him stashed on those deep benches and taxi squads.

33. Konata Mumpfield scored on the Rams opening drive. There has not been much chatter around the 7th round selection despite his 9 preseason targets. Mumpfield had a great release to separate into open space for an easy opening drive touchdown. He is making a strong argument to make the 53 man roster.

34. Bills wide receiver Tyrell Shavers is getting a lot of hype from the Buffalo beat. Shavers caught 2 balls for 70 yards in Week 1 and caught a 22 yard ball early on in their Week 2 match-up against the Bears.
35. Former South Alabama wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett is in-line to make the 53 man roster as the Jets punt returner. Pritchett has now returned all 6 punts for the Jets over the first two weeks of the preseason. Pritchett is quick and has good hands. This could be an example of a player making the team as a special teams threat and earning targets over the course of the season.
36. We did not see Devin Neal again this week. Neal, one of my favorite sleeper running backs in the class, has a hamstring injury that will likely take him out of all preseason action. Kendre Miller led the Saints in carries and started the game alongside Shough. He averaged just 3.5 yards/carry.
37. Bhayshul Tuten's signature explosiveness was nowhere to be found against the Saints. Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne got on the field before Tuten but the former Hokie led the way with 10 carries. He averaged just 3.5 yards/carry and had one catch for 6 yards. Tuten struggled to find gaps in the defense and couldn't flip his signature second gear without that space. It is a reminder of the ups and downs that come with a home-run style runner.
38. Quentin Skinner has emerged in the Jets wide receiver competition. He caught all 4 of his targets for 48 yards and an impressive touchdown. The undrafted free agent has a wide catch radius and showed steady hands. Being a Jets rotational receiver does not come with much value, but he is going to be added to my watch list.

39. Despite a solid game, Damien Martinez continues to be outshined by George Holani. Martinez had 11 carries on 50 yards and found the endzone. George Holani, though, appears to be the clear RB3 on the roster. He had 5 carries for 49 yards and a nice kick off return.
40. Former Syracuse wide receiver Jackson Meeks is making a case for the 53 man roster. Meeks found space in the redzone to score Detroit's first touchdown and caught a ball in stride off a nice post route. He has 7 receptions on 8 targets for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Lions' three preseason games. If you make a Dan Campbell roster, you instantly become a sleeper play.
41. It was a tough week for LaJohntay Wester. Wester failed to bring in any of his four targets, including a drop, against the Cowboys. Wester was not out on kick return, despite bring one to the house last week. He was the sole Raven out for punt returns. I still expect him to make the roster.
42. Former South Carolina Gamecock Raheim Sanders is struggling to stand out for the Chargers. He rushed the ball 5 times for just 11 yards in week 2, with nearly all of the yards coming on one run off-tackle. He has 53 total rushing yards on 15 carries this preseason. It might not be enough to make the roster.
43. Jaxson Dart likes his Ole Miss teammate Antwane Wells Jr. Wells caught 3 of his 5 targets, including 2 on Dart's first drive. Wells totaled just 13 yards but it is telling that their chemistry has carried over from the 'sip. It might be enough for Wells to sneak onto the 53 man roster.
44. Robbie Outz is a sneaky stash in deep leagues. His athleticism and handwork stood out during my tape review of him prior to the 2025 NFL Draft. He looks to be playing the fullback role for Seattle but he had 1 catch for 13 yards on a nice release this week and a reception for 17 yards last week.
45. Tez Johnson had a great 37 punt return. He looked speedy and had good field vision. He muffed his second attempt though. He showed off his receiving ability later in the game, catching 4 of 7 targets for 24 yards. Johnson remains on the Buccaneers roster bubble.
46. Graham Mertz is the odd man out in Houston. Mertz completed both of his late game attempts but looks clearly behind both Davis Mills and Kedon Slovis.