The 2024 NFL preseason offered an intriguing glimpse into the budding careers of some of the league's most highly anticipated first-round rookies. As fans eagerly await the regular season, the performance of these newcomers has already begun to spark discussions about their potential impact on their respective teams.
Quarterbacks Under the Spotlight
The quarterback position, as always, drew significant attention. Caleb Williams, a player with considerable hype surrounding him, showcased a mixed bag by completing 50% of his throws and averaging 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps. These stats suggest room for improvement but also hint at his potential for explosive plays.
Jayden Daniels stood out with a remarkably efficient performance, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. Notably, he avoided any turnovers, a promising sign for a rookie. Meanwhile, Drake Maye demonstrated a steady progression, throwing for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing in the early preseason games and finishing strongly with 126 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders.
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix, both completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards, mirrored each other’s solid preseason showings. They may not have produced eye-popping numbers, but their consistency was a positive takeaway as they adapt to the professional game.
Emerging Receiver Talents
The rookie wide receivers also left their mark. Malik Nabers hauled in four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game, showing he can be a reliable target. Rome Odunze’s lone catch went for an impressive 45 yards, hinting at his big-play capability. Brian Thomas Jr. accumulated 93 yards across multiple games, cementing his status as a consistent contributor.
Xavier Worthy had a mixed preseason, finding the end zone but also fumbling, a reminder of the highs and lows that come with rookie seasons. Despite these setbacks, his ability to score underscores his potential.
Offensive Line Standouts
In the trenches, offensive linemen Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu showed promising signs of development. Alt displayed significant improvement in pass protection during his second game, while Fashanu, despite allowing pressure on his first pass-pro set, proved effective in run blocking. These performances indicate a promising future for both linemen.
Defensive Performances
On the defensive side, pass rushers like Laiatu Latu and Byron Murphy began to make their presence felt. Latu notched a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis’s third game, showcasing his potential as a disruptive force. Murphy, alongside Dallas Turner, each generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, demonstrating their capability to harass opposing quarterbacks.
Conversely, Chop Robinson had a quieter preseason, recording no pressures across two games, a reminder of the varying learning curves rookies experience in the NFL.
Secondary and Specialist Notes
In the secondary, Quinyon Mitchell stood out by allowing only two catches for eight yards, a commendable feat for any cornerback, let alone a rookie. Nate Wiggins also shined, recording three pass breakups in one drive and allowing no receptions on two targets in the final game, signaling his potential to be a lockdown corner.
J.C. Latham, Graham Barton, and Tyler Guyton each had their moments, contributing effectively in their roles. Latham showed balance and power in the run game, along with suddenness in pass protection. Barton proved to be a reliable run blocker, while Guyton's positive signs on special teams hint at his versatility and value to the squad.
As we transition into the regular season, the performances of these first-round rookies have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting year. Their progress and adaptation to the NFL will be something to watch, as they each look to turn potential into production on the field.