6 players to watch in Friday's preseason games

After a year in the wilderness, Friday's slate of preseason games marks the return of Robert Griffin III to the NFL landscape.

Outside of the former Rookie of the Year's comeback, the five preseason games sees some of what should be the league's Super Bowl contenders in action, with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings all kicking off their 2016 campaigns.

Robert Griffin III, Cleveland Browns

Griffin has won the starting job, now it's time to see exactly what he can do with it. The former No. 2 overall pick didn't even suit up for the Redskins in the 2015 regular season, and last started a game in Week 17 of the 2014 campaign. It's unlikely he'll see too much action due to his injury history, but the passer needs every rep he can. Hue Jackson is a quarterback guru, and Friday's most notable storyline will be how much he has been able to refine the raw talent of Griffin.

Darian Thompson, New York Giants

For the second year in a row, it appears the Giants will turn over one of their starting safety positions to a rookie. Third-rounder Thompson will start against the Miami Dolphins at free safety alongside second-year pro Landon Collins. What the two lack in experience could be balanced by their combined playmaking ability. However, they'll likely be tested early and often, and if Thompson struggles, the Giants could review their plans to start him.

Sammie Coates, Pittsburgh Steelers

Coates caught just one pass during the regular season. He struggled to adjust to the pro level, and with the Steelers possessing maybe the league's best wideout corp, he wasn't pressed into action before he was ready. However, with Martavis Bryant suspended for the season, Coates will need to step up, and act as the team's third receiver. The 23-year-old showed his talents against the Denver Broncos in the playoffs, catching two passes for 61 yards, and should have ample chances in the preseason to highlight his progression.

Kenny Clark, Green Bay Packers

The Packers' first round pick from this year, defensive lineman Clark, will be asked to play a big role on the club's defensive front early on in the season with starter Mike Pennel suspended for the first four games. Clark is expected to start at nose tackle, even though Green Bay's depth chart had him as a backup at defensive tackle. He'll likely see significant action at both spots as the Packers figure out how best to use the rookie.

Trae Waynes, Minnesota Vikings

Waynes played just 189 defensive snaps in his rookie year, but should be in line for a big jump in his second season. Terrence Newman is still set to start above him, but with the veteran currently dealing with injuries, Waynes can use the preseason to prove to the Vikings that he's worthy of an expanded role in 2016.

Terrelle Pryor, Cleveland Browns

Pryor is a freak athlete. So while impressing at his new position of receiver during practice is noteworthy, he needs to prove he can get it done for real. The former quarterback was listed as a starter on the Browns' first depth chart, and he needs to use the preseason to show that he has begun to master the subtleties of the position.