3 must-watch Patriots players in preseason opener vs. Lions

Three players you need to keep your eye on in the Patriots' preseason opener vs. the Lions.

Though we won't see much of the New England Patriots' 1st team offense and defense in their preseason opener against the Detroit Lions Thursday night, it will be a good opportunity to assess what some of the younger and other talent can accomplish in their first NFL game as a Patriot. 

If you want to stay interested in the game despite it only being the preseason, here are three must-watch players for New England as they take on the Lions. 

1) N'Keal Harry, WR 

The Patriots' first round draft pick, N'Keal Harry will make his NFL debut tonight, which means we will get to see if he can make circus catches like he has been all of training camp.

Though we won't get to see how the chemistry between him and Tom Brady has evolved over the first two weeks of training camp, it's still a good opportunity to see how Harry has adjusted to the speed of the NFL and if his physicality can translate over to the professional game. 

Expect rookie QB Jarrett Stidham or Brian Hoyer to throw him some jump balls throughout the beginning of the game. Harry is a highlight reel waiting to happen, and it could happen as early as Week 1 of the preseason. 

2) Chase Winovich, DE

Rookie defensive end Chase Winovich has impressed in training camp, specifically when joint practices were underway and the teams were in full pads. This gives him plenty of momentum heading into the team's game against Detroit, which may set up Winovich for a big game.

The former Wolverine currently sits at the bottom of the depth chart, but that will likely change once he shows what he can do at full-game speed. His motor and athleticism should cause the Lions' offense plenty of trouble, which will cause his named to be called on multiple occasions. 

Deatrich Wise is currently the starting defensive end opposite of Michael Bennett, according to the team's unofficial depth chart. That may change soon depending on how Winovich performs Thursday night. 

3) Jarrett Stidham, QB 

The former Auburn standout has a chance to prove why he should be the Patriots' emergency QB option in his first professional game vs. the Lions. Stidham has impressed during training camp, to the point where he has stolen 2nd-team reps from Hoyer and could put the veteran's roster spot in jeopardy because of his strong play.

One can salivate at the thought of a Stidham-Harry connection against Detroit. If they can find some chemistry early on in the game they may finds themselves making the play of the game based on both players' abilities. 

This is Stidham's first opportunity to prove he can be the heir to Brady. Keep an eye on the QB, as he will likely have his rookie hiccups, but there will be plenty of promising moments as well.