NFL All-Preseason team: Sam Howell, Tank Bigsby, Rashee Rice among biggest standouts in 2023

Jacob Camenker

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NFL All-Preseason team: Sam Howell, Tank Bigsby, Rashee Rice among biggest standouts in 2023 image

The NFL preseason used to be a fairly predictable event. Each team would have four games — save for the Hall of Fame Game participants, who played five — and typically, teams would play their starters a bit in Week 1, ramp them up to a full half of action in Week 3, and sit most of them in Week 4.

Now, the preseason is only three games, and the strategies of each team vastly differ. Some teams play their starters a fair bit to see exactly what shape they are in entering the season. Others don't play their starters at all, choosing not to risk injury ahead of the regular season.

As such, fewer notable names play in the preseason, and that creates opportunities for some lesser-known players to show up. And these preseason All-Stars often are able to work their way onto NFL rosters and become, at a minimum, key rotational pieces for their respective teams.

That's not to guarantee that all preseason standouts get a chance to prove themselves, but NFL junkies will still want to know who the best preseason players were so they can have new favorite sleepers to watch during the regular season.

The 2023 preseason saw many teams limit their starters' action, so a wave of fresh faces were able to stand out. The Sporting News presents its 2023 Preseason All-Stars, led by our preseason MVP, who toppled one of the longest active streaks in the NFL.

MORE: Ranking the NFL's starting QBs from best to worst, 1-32

Sam Howell
(SN illustration)

NFL preseason MVP: QB Sam Howell, Commanders

Sam Howell played only two of the Commanders' preseason games in 2023, but he made them count perhaps more than any other quarterback in the league. Not only did he clearly stake his claim to the team's starting quarterback job, but he also helped Washington to end Baltimore's record 24-game preseason winning streak with a stellar first-half effort against the Ravens.

Howell completed 28 of his 37 passes during the 2023 preseason, good for a completion percentage of 75.7 percent. He racked up 265 passing yards and three touchdowns without turning the ball over. He also added 25 rushing yards on four scrambles and his passer rating of 122.0 ranked fourth-best in the league among quarterbacks to throw at least 30 passes.

While other passers may have posted gaudier stat lines than Howell, it's hard to find any that matched the second-year quarterback's consistency. Between his mobility, accuracy, field-reading skills and ability to push the ball downfield, Howell looked like the early-round pick that many expected him to be when he was coming out of UNC.

And most importantly, Howell's performance impressed the team's new offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy.

"His progression has been right where you'd like it to be," Bieniemy told reporters in the days following the Commanders' win over the Ravens. "I thought he's just stayed the course. He's learned a lot just being out there each and every day."

“Sam autocorrects, and you love that about him,” he added. “He takes it personal, he takes work home, and he loves to talk through all the little detailed nuances of the game. So I think he’s right where he needs to be. He's done a heck of a job."

NFL fans should certainly be excited to see what Howell can do in his first season as a full-time starter. If he performs as he did in the preseason, the Commanders could emerge as a wild-card contend in the wide-open NFC.

NFL Preseason All-Stars

QB: Aidan O'Connell, Raiders

O'Connell's preseason performance was a pleasant surprise. He helped lead the Raiders to a 2-1 record while logging extensive action at quarterback. He proved to be accurate, efficient and productive, finishing fourth in the league in passing yards (482) and logging the highest passer rating among qualifiers for the rate state (108.4).

Where O'Connell separated himself from the other players on this list was with his ability to avoid turnovers. He matched Howell's three passing touchdowns without recording an interception; the only other quarterback to throw at least three touchdowns without an interception was Jordan Love.

In short, O'Connell looked like a seasoned pro during the preseason. That drew him praise from his head coach, Josh McDaniels.

"I couldn't be more impressed by his consistency and his approach," McDaniels said of O'Connell earlier in the preseason. "He doesn't get high, low, up, down. He doesn't really do any of that, it's just kind of like this all the time, which is great. It's a great way to be for a young player, especially at this position."

"He learns, whether he does something well or there's a mistake, he learns from it and he very rarely repeats an error, which is, I'd say, a very critical element to improving at this position. So, I like what Aidan is doing. And again, every play isn’t perfect, but there's a lot of progress that he makes daily because of the way he approaches it."

With that said, the Raiders seem confident that O'Connell can provide them with another steady hand at quarterback. That could prove important for the team given that starter Jimmy Garoppolo has struggled to stay healthy during his career.

Honorable mentions: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Browns; Kenny Pickett, Steelers; Blaine Gabbert, Chiefs

Tank Bigsby
(Getty Images)

RB: Tank Bigsby, Jaguars

The Jaguars spent a third-round pick on Bigsby in the 2023 NFL Draft. It seems like their investment is paying off quickly, as Bigsby was one of the best runners during the preseason. He racked up 159 yards on the ground — good for third-most in the NFL — while averaging a more-than-respectable 5.7 yards per carry.

Bigsby's best performance was his 13-carry, 70-yard performance in preseason Week 2 against the Lions. He showcased good power and vision while running between the tackles but also showcased his burst and elusiveness on several runs to the outside. That included a 17-yard scamper that saw him make several Lions defenders miss.

In total, Bigsby forced five missed tackles during his preseason action while also averaging 2.96 yards after contact per run, per Pro Football Focus. His skill set should complement that of Travis Etienne perfectly, and Doug Pederson seems to be a big fan of his skill set.

"Outside of the size, speed, athleticism, and all that this kid is a sponge," Pederson said of Bigsby. "He’s really a smart, young running back. He understands defense."

Pederson has cautioned that he won't overload Bigsby early in the season, but it would hardly be a surprise to see him take on a larger role in the Jacksonville offense as the season goes on.

Honorable mentions: Emanuel Wilson, Packers; Julius Chestnut, Titans; Deuce Vaughn, Cowboys

WR: Rashee Rice, Chiefs

Admittedly, Rice's third preseason game was a bit frustrating, as he dropped what should have been a long-ball touchdown from Chiefs backup Blaine Gabbert. That said, the Kansas City wideout showed enough as a receiver to excite fans entering his rookie season.

Rice ranked third in the NFL with 14 catches during the preseason and fifth in yards with 155. He showcased an ability to separate from opposing defensive backs and had a massive, eight-catch, 96-yard outing against the Cardinals in preseason Week 2.

The impressive part of Rice's productivity? Most of it came while working with Gabbert and Shane Buechele, not Patrick Mahomes. If he can get on the field with Mahomes and the Kansas City starters during the regular season, he could end up being a go-to target for the reigning MVP.

That may take time, and Rice will have to improve his hands to make a real impact as a rookie. But the preseason is all about showcasing upside, and the SMU product certainly demonstrated that during the preseason.

WR: Austin Watkins Jr., Browns

The Browns signed Austin Watkins after the UAB speedster impressed during his first season in the USFL. He won a championship with the Birmingham Stallions and parlayed that into an even better summer in his NFL audition.

Watkins proved to be among Dorian Thompson-Robinson's favorite weapons. That was on full display when Watkins logged seven catches for 139 yards and a touchdown in Cleveland's 18-all tie with the Eagles. That game went a long way toward Watkins leading the NFL in preseason receiving yards with 257.

Granted, Watkins — like all other members of the Browns — had the benefit of one extra game during which he was able to put up statistics. Even so, he showcased good hands, great speed and the ability to make catches at all levels of the field.

Watkins now stands a chance of making the Browns' roster because of his great performance. And if Cleveland can't keep him, plenty of other teams will be interested in claiming him off waivers.

Honorable mentions: Zay Flowers, Ravens; Ronnie Bell, 49ers; Kristian Wilkerson, Raiders

Albert-Okwuegbunam-102520-Getty-FTR

TE: Albert Okwuegbunam, Broncos

Okwuegbunam fell out of favor with the Broncos last season under Nathaniel Hackett. He needed a good preseason to prove himself to Sean Payton; he was able to do that while effectively playing one game.

Okwuegbunam saw extensive action in Denver's preseason finale — a 41-0 shellacking of the Rams — and showcased his elite athleticism and top-tier receiving skills. He caught seven of his eight targets for 109 yards and a touchdown.

But the most impressive play of Okwuegbunam's evening? He made a diving one-handed catch that would make most of the NFL's best receivers green with envy.

Soon enough we'll see if Okwuegbunam did enough to make the Denver roster. But if Payton's reaction is any indication, the veteran head coach was impressed with his tight end's outing.

"He's one of those guys — he had a big night," Payton told reporters after the game. "Holy cow."

It isn't always easy to make an impact as a tight end during the preseason. Allen was able to do that with the Rams and did a good job stating his case to be the team's No. 2 tight end behind Tyler Higbee.

Honorable mention: Davis Allen, Rams; Charlie Kolar, Ravens

OL: Larry Borom, Bears

Borom appears to have won the swing tackle job for the Bears, and with good reason. He was one of the top-graded offensive linemen during the preseason by Pro Football Focus, and he made the site's preseason Team of the Week in both Weeks 1 and 2 for his strong performance on either side of the line.

Borom didn't allow a sack or commit a penalty in his three games for the Bears. Impressively, his success came on both sides of the line, as he logged 40 snaps at left tackle and 32 on the right side. That versatility helped separate Borom from the pack and should help him solidify his grip on an NFL roster spot for the 2023 season.

Honorable mentions: Luke Wypler, Browns

EDGE: Will Anderson, Texans

Will Anderson may not have played much during the preseason, but he didn't need to. He showed NFL offensive coordinators that they should be afraid of him with just one play in the Texans' Week 2 contests against the Dolphins.

The play came early in the second quarter and saw Anderson come off the edge quickly — and unblocked by an offensive lineman. Instead, Miami tried to stop him with running back De'Von Achane which, predictably, didn't work.

Anderson blew Achane up and hit Skylar Thompson a split-second later. The force of the impact jarred the ball loose and created a massive negative play for Miami's offense.

That sack was Anderson's only one of the preseason, but as mentioned, he played limited snaps for the Texans. The reason for that? He proved that he has star potential for the NFL level. Fans got to see that firsthand on his big sack.

MORE: Will Anderson showcases why he was No. 3 pick with dominant play vs. Dolphins

EDGE: Niko Lalos, Saints

Anderson qualified for this team thanks to one play. Lalos makes it largely thanks to his stellar performance against the Chargers in preseason Week 2.

Lalos was practically unblockable against the Chargers. He generated relentless pressure against quarterback Easton Stick and was no match for the linemen that Los Angeles sent his way during the contest.

It shouldn't be a surprise that Lalos was able to blow up so many plays. The 26-year-old starred for the Seattle Sea Dragons during the 2023 XFL season, logging 35 tackles, seven TFL and 1.5 sacks for the playoff team. It seems that playing in that spring league has helped prepare him to make an impact as a situational pass rusher at the NFL level.

Honorable mentions: Nick Herbig, Steelers; Caleb Murphy, Titans

Bruce Hector
(Getty Images)

DT: Bruce Hector, Jets

The Jets have a stacked defensive line to the point that it might be hard for Hector to make their team. Even so, the defensive tackle had a great preseason and may draw attention from other NFL teams looking to fill out their 53-man rosters.

Hector racked up three sacks during the 2023 NFL preseason, good for the most among NFL defensive tackles. He also made seven tackles and forced a fumble.

Yes, Hector had four games during which to rack up his stats while most others across the league had three or fewer. But the 28-year-old, who won a championship with the XFL's Arlington Renegades before joining the Jets, still deserves recognition for his strong, well-rounded play. At a minimum, he should be a solid rotational lineman for whichever team rosters him in 2023.

Honorable mentions: William Gholston, Buccaneers; Daniel Ekuale, Patriots

LB: Jack Campbell, Lions

Some thought Campbell was a reach in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He has proven during the preseason that he certainly wasn't.

Campbell was a force for the Lions in each of his preseason outings. He was able to quickly diagnose running plays and come downhill with force to blow up plays. That's part of how he racked up 14 tackles during his time on the field.

Additionally, Campbell was able to fair well in pass coverage. He allowed a passer rating of just 58.3 against him on 41 coverage snaps, per Pro Football Focus, and he logged a pass defense. That has the Lions rookie looking like a true, three-down playmaker who will solidify the middle of Detroit's rapidly improving defense.

LB: Daiyan Henley, Chargers

Henley was selected a couple of rounds later than Campbell, but he put together a strong performance during the 2023 preseason. He did a little bit of everything for the Chargers, racking up 13 tackles, 0.5 sacks, four pass defenses and an interception.

Whereas Campbell's downhill playmaking ability was what stood out most about his performance, Henley showcased high-level coverage skills. He also was adept at tracking the ball, and that's how he ended up getting his interception. It was tipped by a teammate and he managed to catch it in traffic before logging a 14-yard return.

Henley allowed a passer rating of 56.3 in 55 coverage snaps. If he continues to produce at that rate, he will provide the Chargers with the three-down linebacker that their defense has sorely needed in recent seasons.

Honorable mentions: Grant Stuard, Colts; Ben VanSumeren, Eagles

CB: Jartavius Martin, Commanders

Martin is another player who logged a memorable play that came from the Commanders' streak-snapping victory over the Ravens. His came in the end zone, when he managed to get his hands on a pass launched deep by Josh Johnson.

On his defense of the play, Martin stayed step-for-step with the Baltimore receiver James Proche. He then made a terrific adjustment to catch the ball in the end zone and somehow managed to get both of his feet down in bounds.

Even more impressively, Martin was able to return his interception 59 yards. That marked the longest interception return of the preseason.

The point of the preseason is to flash as much as possible to secure 53-man roster spots and potential starting gigs. Martin showed that he will be an asset for the Commanders' defense however they decided to utilize him on that side of the ball.

Honorable mentions: Steven Gilmore, Lions; Eli Ricks, Eagles

DeMarcco Hellams
(Getty Images)

S: DeMarcco Hellams, Falcons

Hellams was a seventh-round pick by the Falcons but based on his performance during the preseason, he probably should have been chosen sooner. The safety has proven to be one of the best-rounded players at his position, as he has thrived both in coverage and run support during the preseason.

Over three games with the Falcons, Hellams racked up 18 tackles while notching two interceptions and three pass defenses. He allowed a passer rating of just 57.1, per Pro Football Focus, and allowed just nine yards per reception in total.

Among the reasons for Hellams' quick success is his sharp instincts. He demonstrated quick reaction time in the preseason, and that can best be seen via an interception he had against the Bengals, during which he reacted quickly to a pass behind him to create the turnover.

That interception earned Hellams some praise from his head coach, Arthur Smith.

"He shows up when the lights are on just like he did at Alabama," Smith told reporters of Hellams after the Bengals games. "Continues to find the football. He's a good football player. We're going to continue to work on some other things, but it's a good pattern to have two weeks in a row, going and getting the ball.” 

Honorable mentions: Ronnie Hickman, Browns; Essang Bassey, Broncos; Tycen Anderson, Bengals

KR/PR: Maurice Alexander, Lions

Last year, KaVontae Turpin was named to Sporting News' All-Preseason Team after logging two return touchdowns as a rookie for the Cowboys. Alexander may not have matched the feat achieved by his former USFL counterpart, but he still looked great on return detail.

Case and point: his 95-yard punt return touchdown, during which he used two spin moves to shred the Giants' special teams units.

Alexander has competition for the primary punt returner job in Detroit with Kalif Raymond. That said, if the Lions want to protect Raymond to use him on offense while Jameson Williams is out, Alexander showcased that he is more than capable of providing the Lions with a special teams spark.

Honorable mentions: Derius Davis, Chargers

K: Daniel Carlson, Raiders

It's no surprise that Carlson was among the best kickers during the NFL preseason. He made all 16 of his kicks — seven field goals and nine extra points — and was one of three NFL kickers to make three attempts from 50-plus yards. The other two were Evan McPherson and Jake Elliott.

So, why does Carlson get the nod over those two? Well, he had the longest field goal make of the trio, as he nailed a 62-yard attempt against the Cowboys in preseason Week 3.

That kick may not have come with the streak-ending pressure of Joey Slye's 49-yarder against the Ravens, but it was among the longest field goals made in NFL history. That's enough to give Carlson the nod in a tightly contested battle.

Honorable mentions: Evan McPherson, Bengals; Jake Elliott, Eagles; Joey Slye, Commanders

P: Nolan Cooney, Cardinals

Cooney is the latest Syracuse special teams player to stake his claim to an NFL roster spot. The Arizona punter led the league in net punting during the 2023 preseason with a mark of 47.1 and ranked second in the league in punts placed inside of the 20 with seven.

Cooney also boomed a 65-yard punt on one of his kicks. He was one of 11 punters to launch a punt that far during preseason play.

If Cooney can continue to down punts inside the 20 at a 70 percent clip, the Cardinals will be thrilled. Either way, he proved that he belongs as a top punter in the NFL with his strong performance in the preseason. It's certainly a feel-good story for the 26-year-old, who won a battle against testicular cancer during his high school days.

Honorable mentions: Cameron Johnston, Texans; Corey Bojorquez, Browns

Jacob Camenker

Jacob Camenker Photo

Jacob Camenker first joined The Sporting News as a fantasy football intern in 2018 after his graduation from UMass. He became a full-time employee with TSN in 2021 and now serves as a senior content producer with a particular focus on the NFL. Jacob worked at NBC Sports Boston as a content producer from 2019 to 2021. He is an avid fan of the NFL Draft and ranked 10th in FantasyPros’ Mock Draft Accuracy metric in both 2021 and 2022.