Underdogs To Watch in the Next NFL Season

Tue, Sep 12, 2023
by CapperTek

The NFL season is well underway, with many teams who seemed to be underdogs playing way above their predicted ability. With every team, there are players that are performing higher than expected.

It’s not as fun to do the obvious and point out who are the best players in the league, so we are going to do things a little differently. Instead, we are going to name some of the players who are set to put the league to rights and change the way the league is heating up. These players are the ones you will want to keep an eye on as they could play a crucial role in the results of the upcoming NFL Season and the journey of the super bowl teams in contention.

These players have all impressed with their preseason performances. Let's explore who they are and why they matter in the upcoming NFL season.

Elijah Dotson

Undrafted rookie running back Elijah Dotson has emerged as a preseason sensation for the Los Angeles Chargers. In his debut against the New Orleans Saints, Dotson left a lasting impact with two explosive touchdowns, covering an astonishing 37 and 40 yards respectively. His ability to navigate the edges and showcase blazing speed turned heads and led to the surprising release of Larry Rountree III, a backup for the past two seasons.

Dotson's second preseason game saw more modest numbers, with six rushes for 21 yards. However, it's worth noting that he wasn't alone in struggling against the Saints' formidable defense, as even Joshua Kelley, expected to be the second-string running back behind Austin Ekeler, mustered just nine yards on four carries.

Looking ahead to 2023, while Dotson's potential is evident, it's essential to manage expectations. Austin Ekeler will continue to dominate the backfield with his dual-threat skills, but his contract expires after the upcoming season. Dotson, with a desire to learn from Ekeler, could be a future standout. If Ekeler explores free agency next year, Dotson might have the opportunity to take on a more significant role. In the meantime, if Dotson secures his roster spot, expect the rookie to receive a share of touches each week as the Chargers assess their undrafted gem.

Deuce Vaughn

Deuce Vaughn is set to be a major contributor to the offensive line of the Dallas Cowboys. After the Kansas State product was selected as pick No.212 by the Cowboys in a tear-jerking draft pick, Vaughn used both training camp and preseason to show that he is much more than a heartwarming draft-day moment.

Vaughn was left with the difficult task of keeping up with Tony Pollard heading into camp but wasted no time in showcasing his impressive capabilities in the preseason opener. He racked up a team-high rushing 50 yards, a touchdown on eight totes, and also added six yards through three receptions.

Vaughn's encore performance against the Seattle Seahawks further solidified his potential. While his overall numbers were slightly less impressive, he found the end zone with a nimble 14-yard rush, displaying his versatility and strong scoring ability.

With competition from Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis for playing time behind Pollard, Vaughn's preseason prowess suggests he's not just vying for a roster spot but also for a significant role in the Cowboys' offense. His journey from a heartwarming draft story to a promising NFL rookie is one to watch as the season unfolds.

Tycen Anderson

After losing their two starting safeties, Jesse Bates III and Von Bell, in free agency, the Cincinnati Bengals went into training camp in desperate need of replacements. While Nick Scott and Daxton Hill are currently the frontrunners for these key positions, the emergence of the unheralded fifth-round pick from 2022, Tycen Anderson, is adding excitement to the competition.

His rookie season may have been cut short when he was sidelined by a hamstring injury and left to spend most of the season on the reserve list, but Anderson seems to be back and better than ever.

Having spent his hiatus studying defensive strategies and ensuring he was ready for the upcoming NFL season, Tycen Anderson seemed more than prepared for Cincinnati's inaugural preseason clash against the Green Bay Packers, securing two crucial interceptions. His most notable being the first interception resulted in a remarkable 43-yard dash to the end zone, putting a crucial six points on the scoreboard for his team.

While Anderson’s second preseason game didn’t see him securing any more interceptions, he distinguished himself by tying for the team high with five tackles, including four solo tackles.

The Toledo player certainly stands a good chance of making a meaningful impact in the 2023 season. While he may not be thrust into a starting role just yet, Anderson could prove invaluable as a third safety and backup, with the potential to contribute significantly to the team's success.

In the unpredictable world of the NFL, it’s often the underdogs who steal the spotlight and redefine the game – keeping the competitive spirit high and the entertainment level at its peak. As the season unfolds, it could be worth following the progress of preseason star players like Elijah Dotson, Deuce Vaughn, and Tycen Anderson – who knows, they could play a pivotal role in shaping the league’s narrative. So, keep your eyes on these underdog players as they aim to make their mark and change the course of the 2023 NFL season.