2011 NFL Preseason: Thursday Night Rookie Debuts

The NFL Preseason kicks off tomorrow night with five games on the schedule.  ESPN will be broadcasting the Seattle at San Diego game starting at 8:00pm.  Many feel that the preseason is boring and a waste of time but for those of us that cover the draft it is really exciting.  The preseason gives everyone the chance to get a glimpse at rookies and late drafted players that might not see regular season action.  Below is a look at a few players to keep an eye ne as they make their NFL debuts.

Blaine Gabbert- QB- Jaguars The young quarterback has been thrusted into the staring role due to the injury of David Garrard.  Gabbert has gotten a ton of 1st team reps in training camp so he should be somewhat familiar with the offense.  Don't look for Gabbert to get a ton of snaps.  However, the snaps he does get could go along way towards him earning the starting nod or at the very least the confidence of the coaching staff.

Von Miller- LB- Broncos- Miller was one of the most exciting prospects in the draft.  Many feel that he would have been a better fit in a 3-4 scheme but the Broncos selected him anyway.  I am very interested to see how John Fox and company plan on using Miller's pass rush ability.  It will be equally interesting to see how Miller's pass coverage abilities have developed.

Check out some other rookies after the jump

James Carpenter- OL- Seahawks- With their first selection, Seattle went with James Carpenter out of Alabama.  The pick has been looked down upon as many feel that Carpenter didn't warrant a 1st round selection.  Thursday's game will be Carpenter's first chance at proving the doubters wrong.  He will be facing a good Chargers defense with some solid pass rushers.

Jonas Mouton- LB- Chargers-  San Diego also made a controversial selection by taking Jonas Mouton.  In most circles, Mouton was considered at best a 5th round prospect but San Diego had a different opinion.  Mouton has been penciled in as a starting linebacker.

Casey Matthews- LB- Eagles The brother of Clay Matthews will be making his debut Thursday night for the Philadelphia Eagles.  Matthews has had a solid training camp and appears to be the starter at middle linebacker.  Casey is not as talented as his brother but is more than capable of contributing.

Tyron Smith- OT- Cowboys- Dallas hopes to be Super Bowl contenders and that puts a lot of pressure on the young offensive lineman.  Smith has great abilities but will be facing a ton of pressure to protect Tony Romo.

Patrick Peterson- CB- Cardinals- Peterson is an electric athlete with good cover skills.  However, I will be most interested to see if Arizona uses Peterson as a kick and punt returner.