The 2024 NFL preseason has proven to be an intriguing showcase of the potential impact of first-round rookies. Drawing attention from fans and analysts alike, this preseason has offered valuable insights into how these young talents might influence their respective teams during the main season.
Quarterbacks Showing Promise
Among the rookies under the spotlight, Caleb Williams showcased his potential by completing 50% of his throws while averaging 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps. His performance, although not perfect, indicated a strong foundation on which he can build.
Jayden Daniels delivered a more precise showing, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions. His accuracy and decision-making were on full display, suggesting he could be a reliable asset for his team.
Drake Maye put up respectable numbers throughout the preseason, amassing 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing in his initial outings. His finale against the Commanders was particularly noteworthy, where he completed 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown.
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix had identical stat lines in their preseason appearances, both completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. Despite limited playing time, their performances hinted at their potential readiness for more significant roles.
Wide Receivers Making an Impact
Among the rookie wide receivers, Malik Nabers showcased his playmaking ability with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game. Brian Thomas Jr. also made his presence felt, totaling 93 yards on three catches throughout the preseason.
Rome Odunze recorded a single but impressive catch for 45 yards. Meanwhile, Xavier Worthy experienced a mixed preseason, managing to score a touchdown but also dealing with a fumble.
Offensive Linemen Stepping Up
On the offensive line, Joe Alt showed commendable progress in pass protection during his second preseason game. Similarly, Olu Fashanu, despite allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set, demonstrated effective run blocking. Their performances indicated these rookies could provide valuable support to their teams’ offensive units.
J.C. Latham displayed both balance and power in the run game, coupled with suddenness in pass protection. Graham Barton and Tyler Guyton also displayed notable contributions, with Barton being effective in run blocking and Guyton showing positive signs on special teams.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive side, several rookies made their mark. Laiatu Latu recorded a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game, showcasing his potential to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, adding valuable pressure to their team’s defensive efforts.
Not all rookies found immediate success, as evidenced by Chop Robinson, who recorded no pressures across two games. However, the standout performances of others, like Quinyon Mitchell—who allowed only two catches for eight yards—offered glimpses of impressive defensive prowess.
Nate Wiggins was particularly noteworthy, recording three pass breakups in one drive and allowing no receptions on two targets in the final game. His performance underscored his potential to be a key player in his team’s secondary.
As the NFL preseason comes to a close, the performances of these rookies provide a promising glimpse into the future. Their development and contributions will be closely monitored as the excitement builds toward the regular season, offering fans and analysts plenty to look forward to.