10 players to watch in Thursday's preseason games

The NFL preseason schedule wraps up Thursday, with all 32 teams in action for 16 largely meaningless games. Most entrenched starters sit out the final week of the preseason, giving coaches the chance to take a long look at the depth players fighting for those final few roster spots.

Here are 10 players to watch:

Tim Tebow, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

It's possible Tebow will throw his last-ever NFL pass Thursday. Then again, it's also possible he'll look great in action, earn a spot on the Eagles' 53-man roster, and finally live up to his potential as the next great quarterback.

But, in our hearts, do we really want that? Or is it more fun if the legend of what Tebow might one day become (and the endless fables about his revamped throwing motion) continue in perpetuity? Ultimately, we might be happier chasing that mythical Tebow.

Jarryd Hayne, RB/KR, San Francisco 49ers

There are rumors Hayne has already been informed he'll be on the 49ers' 53-man roster, but it's likely coaches want one last look at the former rugby star before making that decision. What they've seen so far in the preseason is certainly promising, but the Aussie is far from a finished product.

Hayne's goal for now should be to look so dynamic with the ball in his hands that coaches can overlook how lost he occasionally looks without it.

Matt Jones, RB, Washington Redskins

Jones has looked like a stronger, faster, better runner than starter Alfred Morris in the preseason so far, suggesting Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan knew precisely what he was doing when he made Jones a surprise pick in the third round of the draft.

With one more impressive preseason performance, Jones could make a strong case for a 50-50 timeshare to begin the season. The Redskins desperately need a spark on offense to help distract from their quarterbacking woes, and Jones could be it.

Javorius Allen, RB, Baltimore Ravens

Fourth-round rookie "Buck" Allen fumbled in the Ravens' third preseason game (his first as No. 2 running back behind starter Justin Forsett), and didn't make any excuses afterward.

With Lorenzo Taliaferro battling a knee injury that appears likely to extend into the regular season, the Ravens need Allen to become a reliable option. He should see plenty of touches in the Ravens' preseason finale, giving his coaches one last opportunity to evaluate n his development.

Byron Jones, CB, Dallas Cowboys

After Orlando Scandrick's season-ending ACL injury, the Cowboys will face a difficult decision with Jones. The first-round pick has split his time between cornerback and free safety in the preseason, and, for now, the Cowboys sound intent on continuing that arrangement.

Their actions will speak louder than words, however, and we might see Jones move to the outside full time with Scandrick down for the year. Thursday's game could give us a peek at where Jones will line up in Week 1.

Jeff Janis, WR, Green Bay Packers

Jeff Janis has an opportunity to ascend the Packers' depth chart after a season-ending ACL injury to star Jordy Nelson created a void in the lineup. The former seventh-round pick played sparingly in his rookie season, but could get more touches with Nelson out for the year.

Randall Cobb also suffered an injury that leaves his Week 1 status uncertain, while Davante Adams is unlikely to play as a precautionary measure. With a strong performance Thursday, Janis could seize a prominent spot in one of the NFL's most potent passing attacks.

Danielle Hunter, DE, Minnesota Vikings

Danielle Hunter rose to prominence during the NFL Scouting Combine, posting a sparkling 4.57 40-yard-dash time (best among all defensive linemen). Hunter was selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, and could feature in nickel packages for an upstart Vikings defense.

Everson Griffen and Brian Robison are firmly implanted as the Vikings' starting defensive ends, but Hunter's got an opportunity to rotate into the lineup, with defensive coordinator George Edwards looking to keep his defense fresh with a number of sub packages.

Stevie Brown, S, New York Giants

Stevie Brown will begin his second stint with the New York Giants on Sunday, after being released by the Houston Texans. Brown will play a paramount role for the Giants after the team's depth at the position was depleted due to a series of harrowing injuries.

Brown led the NFL in interceptions during the 2012 campaign, and will be presented with an opportunity to shed his label as a ball-hawking defensive back. The Giants' depth at secondary is arguably the thinnest in the league, and Brown could make a real impact on the club.

Colt McCoy, QB, Washington Redskins

Kirk Cousins was named the Redskins' starting quarterback, and Robert Griffin III's tenure in the nation's capital appears to be coming to an end. Cousins will need a solid backup, and McCoy is more than capable of providing relief in the event of injury.

McCoy is listed as Cousins' backup, and with a solid performance, he could give head coach Jay Gruden plenty to think about if his current starter struggles miserably throughout the regular season.

Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, New England Patriots

Jimmy Garoppolo is no longer penciled in to become the Patriots' starting quarterback following the nullification of Tom Brady's four-game suspension, but Thursday provides him with one last opportunity to impress the coaching staff.

The Patriots reportedly plan to keep Brady out of their preseason finale against the New York Giants, meaning Garoppolo will likely get the start.