Son of former All-Pro leads rookie standouts in Friday's NFL preseason action

Starters and veterans usually stay on the sidelines, at least early in the preseason. However, that provides a stage for first-year players to showcase their skills and either earn a more prominent role within the team or overcome the roster bubble.

With that in mind, here are several rookies who stood out during Friday's action.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Philadelphia Eagles linebacker

A fifth-round pick out of Clemson, Trotter was seemingly involved in every snap he took during the Eagles' 16-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The son of former All-Pro Jeremiah Trotter Sr. showcased instincts reminiscent of his father, who became a fan-favorite in Philly, playing eight seasons in midnight green.

Trotter Jr. finished with six total tackles, four of them solo. Meanwhile, he showed off his versatility, recording a sack to force a punt on defense while also notching a tackle on special teams.

Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons quarterback

If all goes to plan for the Falcons, the No. 8 pick in this year's draft won't start a game and instead will back up veteran Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins. However, Penix gave fans an enticing glimpse into the future, Friday against the Dolphins.

Penix finished 9-of-16 for 104 yards (6.5 YPC), went turnover-free and led Atlanta to 10 points over five drives. Meanwhile, he showed off the traits that swayed the Falcons to select him in the top 10, hitting wideout Chris Blair in stride for a 41-yard gain in the first quarter, ultimately leading to a field goal.

Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins running back

The fourth-round pick out of Tennessee shined in the Dolphins' 20-13 win over the Falcons, rushing 10 times for 55 yards (5.5 YPC) and a touchdown. Wright's highlight was turning what looked to be a botched backward pass into an incredible 14-yard scramble for a first down on second-and-long.

According to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post, there's been " buzz " around the Dolphins surrounding Wright's speed and strength, both of which he displayed against the Falcons. After Friday's outing, he looks like an excellent complimentary piece in the Miami backfield mixed in with De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert.

Daijun Edwards, Pittsburgh Steelers running back

Edwards might be the least-known name on the list, but he made the most of his limited touches in Friday's 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans. The former Georgia back finished with only three rushing attempts but recorded 28 yards (9.3 YPC) while hauling in the only passing target sent his way for a nine-yard gain.

The undrafted rookie gained 24 of his yards on one run, setting up a one-yard score on the following play. Edwards still has an uphill climb to secure a roster spot, but he may have earned more of a look in training camp moving forward.