As the preseason continues to unfold, offensive and defensive gems who shined will be a new series on Fans First Sports Network.

The goal is to analyze five offensive and defensive gems from a selection of the 32 NFL franchises each week of preseason action and then do the same thing when the regular season arrives.

In this first segment, three running backs along with a rookie and former six-round wide receiver take the list.

GIANTS RB ERIC GRAY:

New York Giants second-year running back Eric Gray put on a show in the first preseason game against the Detroit Lions. Gray rushed on just four carries for 52 yards, and two touchdowns. He registered a long 48-yard touchdown run, which displayed his elite speed.

The former 2023 fifth-round draft pick is looking to make a splash on a Giants roster that is looking at filling the running back void after Saquon Barkley left this offseason to the Philadelphia Eagles.

BEARS RB IAN WHEELER: 

Chicago Bears rookie running back Ian Wheeler finished with five carries for 43 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 8.6 yards per carry and even though he only had five carries, he made the most out of his short action on offense.

Wheeler scored a seven yard touchdown and made multiple Buffalo Bills defenders miss. He was a positive bright spot in the Bears’ 33-6 victory in preseason week one.

VIKINGS RB NWANGWU: 

Minnesota Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu has only 88 career rushing yards since entering the league in 2021 in the fourth round. Nwangwu carried the football five times and rushed for 52 total yards and a touchdown in the team’s come from behind victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Nwangwu got the majority of the rushing yards on his 48-yard touchdown run, which sparked the comeback.

BENGALS WR JERMAINE BURTON: 

Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton put on a show in his first NFL action. The former Alabama Crimson Tide athlete finished the game with 82 receptions on just three catches and a receiving touchdown. Burton played 18 offensive snaps and made the most out of it.

Burton was selected in the third-round of this year’s NFL draft and will look to be a playmaking target for a healthy Joe Burrow at the quarterback position this season.

SAINTS WR A.T. PERRY: 

New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry is hoping that his four receptions for 85 total yards against the Arizona Cardinals will propel him to earn more snaps this upcoming season. Perry was a 2023 sixth round draft pick and needs to continue to impress coaches in order to secure a roster spot.

Perry’s career since entering the league has him at 12 receptions for 246 total yards and four touchdowns. The former Wake Forest wide receiver must continue displaying strong preseason performances.

WRAP-UP:

These are five offensive gems who shined during week one of the NFL preseason. Look for the defensive gems article coming out very soon.