NFL Preseason Stars

SI Staff | Aug 26, 2008

NFL Preseason Stars

Brett Ratliff

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

It <i>is</i> the preseason, so statistics have to be taken with a grain of salt. That said, here's a look at who has performed well through the first three weeks of the fake season.<br><br>The other Brett has played so well (29 of 43, 451 yards, three TDs), he might pass Kellen Clemens to become the Jets No. 2. A QB rating of 115.6, even against second- and third-teamers, will do that for you.

Robert Meachem

AP

The second-year pro out of Tennessee didn't play a down as a rookie due to a leg injury but it's not slowing him down anymore. With 211 yards and a touchdown in the preseason, Meachem is trying to lock down the Saints No. 3 WR slot.

Calvin Johnson

AP

A bruised back slowed the highly-touted rookie last season, but that appears to be behind him now. Johnson has had two 70-yard games and looks to be challenging Roy Williams to be the Lions No. 1.

Turk McBride

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

After starting just one game as a rookie, McBride is beginning to assert himself in his second season. The left defensive end is tied for the preseason lead in sacks with three as Kansas City tries to make up for the loss of Jared Allen.

DeSean Jackson

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

If his 76-yard punt return for a TD against the Patriots wasn't impressive enough, the Eagles rookie is also fourth in the NFL in receiving yards with 189. With Kevin Curtis' injury, Jackson will have the opportunity to contribute immediately.

Reggie Nelson

AP

The second-year safety has three interceptions in three games this preseason, picking up right where he left off last season when he had a rookie-best five picks.

Chris Johnson

Doug Benc/Getty Images

This rookie out of East Carolina burst onto the scene immediately with a 66-yard TD run in his first game. He'll steal carries from starter LenDale White in Tennessee.

Drew Brees

Derick Hingle/Icon SMI

Going by how Brees has looked so far, the New Orleans offense appears poised for a huge year. Brees sports a 124.0 QB rating, completing almost 70 percent of his passes (32 of 46) with four touchdowns.

Jerod Mayo

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Rookies aren't usually given a chance to shine on the Patriots defense, but Mayo has proven impossible to keep off the field, averaging nearly eight tackles a game.

Michael Turner

Todd Kirkland/Icon SMI

Atlanta's prized free-agent signee needed only four carries to eclipse the 100-yard mark against the Colts in Week 2.