Five notable Utah connections to keep an eye on during the opening week of NFL preseason, including Zach Wilson and Jaxson Dart
Five Notable Utah Connections to Keep an Eye on During NFL Preseason Week 1
The NFL preseason may not have the glitz and glamor of the regular season, but for many players, it’s make-or-break time, and for fans in Utah, it’s a special chance to watch familiar faces battle for their place in the league. With roughly 80 players with Utah ties currently filling NFL rosters, the opening week of preseason serves as an early audition to stick around into September. Here are five players with Utah connections worth following closely as this year’s preseason kicks off.
Zach Wilson – Miami Dolphins Quarterback
Zach Wilson steps into the Miami Dolphins’ preseason with something to prove. Once the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft, Wilson’s career has seen its share of detours. After a season as a backup in Denver, where he didn’t play a regular-season snap, Wilson now lands as the primary backup in Miami. With an injury-prone starter in Tua Tagovailoa and rookie Quinn Ewers competing for depth chart position, Wilson’s preseason performances could be crucial.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel commented, “I think Zach’s play has caught the attention of a lot of his teammates. I could have reasonably predicted that.” Wilson will have every opportunity to justify that confidence when Miami faces Chicago in their opener.
Jaxson Dart – New York Giants Quarterback
Jaxson Dart, drafted 25th overall after a standout college career, isn’t just another rookie; he’s seen as a possible cornerstone for the Giants’ future. Backed by experienced veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, Dart sits in a great position to develop and acclimate to the NFL. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said, “I’d say Jaxson is right on schedule from what we’d expect… he’s able to kind of grow and learn from those examples and now as he starts banking more and more looks, more and more reps… he can kind of see — now he’s starting to put the picture together a little bit better and cleaner for a rookie.”
With ample playing time expected during preseason, all eyes will be on Dart to see if he can impress early on against the Buffalo Bills.
Jalen Royals – Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver
Jalen Royals is already turning heads in Kansas City despite being a rookie. After being selected in the fourth round, Royals is building a rapport with both head coach Andy Reid and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Reid noted, “He’s catching the football well… looks like the quarterbacks trust him. That’s a big part of it.”
The Chiefs will likely need someone to step up at wide receiver—given Rashee Rice’s injury and likely suspension—which gives Royals a real shot at meaningful snaps early in the season. The preseason clash with Arizona will be a critical showcase for Royals.
Caleb Lohner – Denver Broncos Tight End
Multi-sport athlete Caleb Lohner offers one of preseason’s more intriguing storylines. Known for his college basketball days at BYU and Baylor before switching to football at Utah, Lohner is now trying to carve out a role as a tight end with the Denver Broncos. Coach Sean Payton, who once coached Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham after a similar basketball-to-football transition, sees potential: “He’s coming around. He’s doing well… There are some things that are new to him, and then there are some things that he gravitates to that I think he’s further along with.”
Lohner’s journey gets its first real test against the San Francisco 49ers this weekend.
Ja’Quinden Jackson – Jacksonville Jaguars Running Back
Former Utah standout Ja’Quinden Jackson is vying to secure a roster spot with the Jacksonville Jaguars after leading the Utes’ rushing attack in 2023. As an undrafted free agent, the odds may be long—Jackson sits fourth on the team’s depth chart heading into the preseason. Yet, every year, stories of undrafted players making the final roster emerge. Jackson’s chances to shine may be few, but the coming weeks are his best window to prove he belongs at this level.
For Utah fans and NFL watchers alike, opening week of the preseason isn’t just about the return of football. It’s about second chances, fresh starts, and athletes chasing their dreams. From highly drafted QBs seeking redemption or a foothold, to former collegiate stars and multi-sport athletes trying to make their mark, the journeys of these five Utah-connected players offer plenty to watch as the NFL season takes its first steps.
Source: www.deseret.com