DT DALVIN TOMLINSONDefensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo saw the second-round draft pick make a big jump from last week to this week. "He's played a little bit more violent," he said. "I think he's getting a little more comfortable with the guys he's playing with. I'm really encouraged by him."

TE RHETT ELLISONEveryone knew he could block, but the veteran tight end turned some heads as a receiver in the preseason opener vs. Pittsburgh. He tied for a team-high three catches, all of which came in the span of four throws on one drive.

CB MICHAEL HUNTERWith Eli Apple missing a couple days of practice this week with a bruised ankle, Hunter stepped in with some nice practices and even grabbed an interception.

LB CALVIN MUNSONBecause of injuries to veterans like Keenan Robinson, Mark Herzlich and J.T. Thomas, there are some moving pieces in the linebacker corps, and Munson, an undrafted rookie from San Diego State, has stepped up.

LB CURTIS GRANTGrant, who was a co-captain on the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes team that won the national championship, returns to Ohio in the same boat as Calvin Munson as the two linebackers compete for a spot on the 53-man roster. "Curtis is doing a lot for us," defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. "He's played all three positions … and knows that the best thing in his position is to be a jack of all trades. Hopefully master them all."