The NFL preseason isn't usually too much fun for established players, as injuries are always a top concern, but for rookies and others looking to stick onto the 53-man roster, it is their one and only chance to prove they belong and some surprises from the preseason include LeGarrette Blount, Stepfan Taylor, Nick Toon, Stephen Williams, Jerry Hughes and 49ers quarterback BJ Daniels.
Daniels is the standout of the group, as he has shown that he deserves a look to stick on the roster over either Colt McCoy or Scott Tolzien. Daniels has shown command in the offense and he led the team to its first touchdown of the preseason and finished 6-of-9 for 72 yards and one score against the Kansas City Chiefs. Daniels was a seventh round pick for the 49ers out of South Florida and now he may end up being the backup for Colin Kaepernick if he continues to play well.
Josh Norman has also been a nice surprise for the Panthers, taking an interception for a touchdown and leading the NFL in the preseason with three total picks. On the same side of the ball, Jerry Hughes has played well for the Bills, notching a sack against the Vikings and also forcing a fumble. The move to trade Hughes for Kelvin Sheppard is looking like a smart one for Buffalo. Blount is looking very good in the preseason and that could mean he sticks around with the unit of Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen and Brandon Bolden and he performed very well in the first game against the Eagles, going for 101 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, including a 561-yard score. While he didn't play much in Week 2, he could end up hanging around.
Stephen Williams may end up being a sleeper this season after Percy Harvin was injured, as he has shown some solid work with the team and with Sidney Rice coming off of an injury as well, he could be a new target for Russell Wilson. Stepfan Taylor of the Cardinals and Nick Toon of the Saints have also been nice surprises this preseason.
