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Fantasy: 15 players you should be scouting in the preseason

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Get ready for your season with theScore's 2016 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.

Training camp isn't just a time for NFL clubs to evaluate their talent, it's a time when fantasy owners become fantasy scouts: watching games, doing research, and forming opinions that will guide them on draft day.

With that in mind, let's take a look at 15 players whose preseason performances could have a major impact on their draft stock.

Robert Griffin III, Browns

Everyone wants to see RG3 resurrect his career in Cleveland. While he still has a long way to go, it's not that difficult to envision a scenario where he recaptures the fantasy magic from his rookie season. Hue Jackson should make a positive impact on a Browns offense that boasts a surprising amount of young talent at the skill positions.

Brock Osweiler, Texans

Contrary to most of the names on this list, the reason for scouting Osweiler in the preseason has more to do with the players around him. It's unlikely he'll develop into a consistent fantasy option this year, but we need to find out if he can competently steer the offense and allow DeAndre Hopkins and Lamar Miller to thrive.

Eddie Lacy, Packers

After taking his offseason training more seriously, Lacy showed up to camp in better shape. However, we'll need to see results on the field before we commit to him bouncing back from a lost year in 2015. James Starks could still be a big part of the Packers' offense.

Arian Foster, Dolphins

With Jay Ajayi sitting out due to a knee issue, Foster appears to have seized control of the Dolphins' backfield. Durability always has to be factored into drafting Foster, but what we need to decipher in the preseason is whether he looks more like the elite 2014 version of himself, or like the more pedestrian runner from 2015.

C.J. Prosise, Seahawks

The Seahawks talked up Prosise following the draft and it seemed as though the rookie was penciled in for an immediate passing-down role, in the mold of Theo Riddick. Injuries have kept him on the sidelines, so it remains to be seen how the Seahawks plan to deploy him and whether he will be up to the task.

DeAndre Washington, Raiders

Playing behind one of the better offensive lines in the league, someone on the Raiders is going to be a fantasy star this season. The incumbent, Latavius Murray, will get the first crack at securing the job, but if he falters, Washington could steal significant touches. Like any rookie back, Washington will need to prove he can handle pass protection.

Jordan Howard, Bears

Head coach John Fox has stated that the Bears will go with a hot-hand approach at running back as they look to replace Matt Forte. Jeremy Langford is the presumed starter, but he'll be pushed by Howard, a fifth-round rookie with the size and speed to take over this backfield if given the chance.

Kevin White, Bears

Howard isn't the only reason to tune into the Bears' preseason games. We'll finally get to see last year's seventh overall pick in action after injuries wiped away White's rookie season. His talent is undeniable, and now we need to find out if he's ready to contribute.

Sterling Shepard, Giants

It's been an offseason of endless praise for Shepard, who's set to line up next to Odell Beckham in New York. Many rookies have lit up camp, only to disappear when the lights come on, so Shepard still has to prove himself against real competition.

Corey Coleman, Browns

Coleman is another intriguing first-year receiver. If he's able to establish himself in the preseason, Coleman could get off to a fast start for fantasy owners while Josh Gordon is suspended for the first four games.

Sammie Coates, Steelers

The Steelers have been overjoyed with Coates' approach to the offseason and by all accounts he's poised for a major leap in production. Locking down a starting spot across from Antonio Brown would put Coates in position for a breakout season.

Dorial Green-Beckham, Titans

The Titans' receiving corps has become quite crowded with the additions of Rishard Matthews and veteran Andre Johnson. DGB still has the highest upside of any pass-catcher on the roster, but if he fails to shine in the preseason, worries will mount that he may never realize his potential.

Bruce Ellington, 49ers

Chip Kelly's effect on the entire 49ers offense will be worth monitoring, but Ellington is a particularly interesting case, since he's penciled in as the starter in the slot. Ellington, who has off-the-charts physical tools, could excel in Kelly's up-tempo attack.

Coby Fleener, Saints

Fleener enters a fantasy-friendly situation in New Orleans, where Drew Brees tends to get the most of out of his tight ends. Fleener is firmly atop the Saints' depth chart, but we still need to see him develop chemistry with his new quarterback and perform when the opportunity presents itself.

Martellus Bennett, Patriots

Teams don't give up much of their playbook in the preseason - especially not the Patriots - but it will be interesting to see how Bennett works into the offense. Consistent targets might be a problem for the Black Unicorn, but it's also possible he could emerge as Bill Belichick's new secret weapon.

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