3-Wide: Who will be the star of the preseason?

3-Wide is a weekly feature in which theScore's NFL editors debate the hot topics around the league. Grab a cold towel and brace for hot takes.

Who will be the star of the preseason?

Arun Srinivasan: Dante Fowler Jr. enters the 2016 season brimming with motivation as his rookie campaign was cut short before it even begun due to a torn ACL in May 2015. The No. 3 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Fowler figures to be a vital part of the Jaguars' drastically revamped defense, and will be putting opposing left tackles on notice during the preseason. Billed by some as the next great pass-rusher, Fowler has everything to prove and will make good on his alluring potential this summer.

Michael McClymont: The No. 1 overall pick's public pursuit of the starting job with the Los Angeles Rams will easily make Jared Goff the star of this year's preseason. Not only will fans follow his weekly development in game action, they can get insight to the inner workings of the competition on "Hard Knocks." The prototypical golden-boy quarterback makes for a likely protagonist.

Mitch Sanderson: Carson Wentz was the second overall pick at the 2016 NFL Draft, yet he may spend his rookie season as an inactive third quarterback. It's a rare path for a player expected be the future franchise QB, but it makes his preseason action much more important for Eagles fans. With Sam Bradford's end date in Philly within sight, all eyes will be on Wentz with hopes he can translate his small-school success to the big leagues and show fans he's worth all those draft picks.

Which player stands the most to gain/lose from the preseason?

McClymont: Colin Kaepernick will either win back or lose his starting job with his performance this preseason. The five-year pro got a pass last year due to his injuries, but only his play in the Niners' four preseason games will decide whether Chip Kelly will allow the 28-year-old a chance to regain his old form. Blaine Gabbert wrestled control of the team with his play in the final eight games of last season. Now the two passers will go toe-to-toe in the most public of position battles.

Sanderson: On the fifth team of his career, 31-year-old Reggie Bush is in a make-or-break preseason with the Bills. He has the opportunity to contribute with Karlos Williams suspended four games and a vacancy at kick returner, but his roster spot remains in doubt. He's coming off three consecutive seasons cut short by injury and will have to battle for a depth spot with young runners Mike Gillislee, Jonathan Williams, James Wilder, and Boom Herron. If he doesn't make the Bills' final roster, his NFL days could be done.

Srinivasan: Mark Sanchez isn't as bad as his reputation suggests and with a great preseason, the veteran quarterback can alleviate the concerns of Broncos fans everywhere. Sanchez is battling against a younger, promising duo of Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch, but for the time being, the 29-year-old will need to prove he's the correct choice for the defending champions. Gaining the trust of his teammates will be imperative to a title defense, and a strong showing would go a long way in securing his long-term viability with the Broncos.

Which remaining free agent has the most left to offer?

Sanderson: Donte Whitner got relatively screwed in free agency when the Browns released him weeks after most teams had spent the money they had allocated for new players. The 31-year-old can provide veteran leadership to any secondary and still has the ability to lower the boom. Once a team loses its starting safety to injury, Whitner's will be one of the first numbers called.

Srinivasan: Mike Neal is a functional outside linebacker and it's somewhat surprising he's still on the market. Neal played in all 16 games for the Green Bay Packers over the past three years, and contributed to the team's pass rush with increasing regularity. At 29, Neal is still capable of stringing together a couple of adequate seasons, and teams in need of an edge-rusher should contact the former Packers linebacker.

McClymont: The list of remaining free agents is rife with players visibly past their prime, but Joique Bell is the rare 30-year-old running back who still has something to offer. His legs have just 561 NFL carries on the odometer as he has been mostly used as a third-down or goal-line back. He's played four seasons with the Detroit Lions and averaged 3.5 yards per carry on 90 carries last season. At this point in his career, he's still most suitable as a change-of-pace or rotational player, but his nose for the end zone - he has 23 career touchdowns - could be a useful trait for an NFL team.