The NFL preseason is typically when every team evaluates the talent they have to determine who should and shouldn't make the roster for the upcoming season, particularly rookies and new additions from earlier in the year. That's especially true in the preseason opener, which explains why so many Patriots starters did not suit up for last Friday's game against the Commanders.
Instead, fans and the coaching staff got their first good look at the talent down the depth chart, and a few players stood out for all the right reasons, including UDFA running back Lan Larison.
Similar to another standout undrafted player in wide receiver Efton Chism III, Larison became a household name in New England during OTAs and minicamp this spring, leading many to be excited about what he could do during training camp.