3 Preseason Stars That Won't Matter Come NFL Regular Season

With the rise of preseason DFS, second- and third-string NFL players are beginning to get more recognition during the preseason. Since most of these guys are trying to play themselves onto the team, we're destined to see their names pop up at the top of box scores, as they are the ones soaking up the most playing time in exhibition games.

While their stat lines may catch your eye, or win you a few bucks playing DFS, in terms of season-long fantasy, it's important to note that most of the preseason's top performers will vanish once the season begins. There are certainly some exceptions, as New England undrafted rookie WR Jakobi Meyers is making a serious case for regular season playing time.

For the most part, though, the following players will not be relevant once Week 1 kicks off in just a few weeks.

1. Mike Boone, RB, Minnesota Vikings

A second-year, undrafted back out of Cincinnati, Mike Boone entered the preseason with a big opportunity to solidify a roster spot on the Minnesota Vikings. Boone played in eight games last year, and rushed 11 times for 47 scoreless yards. After exploding for 70 rushing yards and a score on four carries in Minnesota's preseason opener, Boone totaled 111 scrimmage yards on 22 touches in the second game, and currently leads the preseason in rushing yards. His performance may be enough to earn him the third spot on the depth chart ahead of Ameer Abdullah, but the Vikings backfield belongs to Dalvin Cook this season. Cook will be spelled by third-round rookie Alexander Mattison, who has gained buzz in camp for his maturity and pass-catching ability.

2. Tanner Hudson, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

One of the more eye-opening performances this summer has come from undrafted TE Tanner Hudson of the Buccaneers, who currently leads the preseason in receiving yards. After catching seven balls for 84 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, he dropped a similarly gaudy 6-93-1 line in Week 2. Hudson has ideal size at 6' 5", 239 pounds, and has received praise for his run-after-the-catch ability. Still, Hudson's blocking has been put into question by head coach Bruce Arians. Even if he were to make the team, the Bucs are one of the more loaded teams at the TE position, as they currently employ breakout candidate O.J. Howard and reliable vet Cameron Brate. Hudson may still make the final 53, but his chances for legit playing time this season are very low.

3. T.J. Jones, WR, New York Giants

The elder statesman on this list, T.J. Jones was a sixth-round draft pick of the Lions back in 2014. After not playing his rookie year, he found the field sparingly as a backup over the past four seasons, and was signed by the Giants in July, following a bad streak of WR injuries and one suspension (to fellow former Lion Golden Tate). Jones has faired well so far, catching nine passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns through two preseason games. He is a good bet to make the team, due to the current state of the Giants' WR depth chart. Even so, Jones most likely will not play a prominent role early in the season, and is a candidate to be cut once Tate's four-game suspension is over.

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