The 2024 NFL preseason has concluded, offering an intriguing glimpse into the potential impact of this year's first-round rookies. As teams evaluate their new talent, a few standout performances have begun to shape the early narrative of these young athletes' careers.
Quarterbacks Under the Spotlight
The quarterback position, always a focal point, showcased several promising debuts. Caleb Williams, a highly anticipated prospect, completed 50% of his throws while averaging 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps. Although these numbers present room for improvement, his yardage per attempt highlights his potential for explosive plays.
Jayden Daniels delivered a notably efficient performance, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. His flawless interception column demonstrates his poise under pressure, a quality that will be crucial as he transitions to regular season action.
Drake Maye’s preseason was a tale of consistency and progression. He threw for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing in the first two games, culminating in a standout finale against the Commanders where he completed 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown.
Both Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix made efficient use of their opportunities, each completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards during their respective appearances. These performances underscore their readiness to seize larger roles.
Emerging Wide Receivers
The rookie wide receivers also garnered attention with flashes of brilliance. Malik Nabers made an impression with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game, showcasing his ability to be a reliable target. Rome Odunze, though quieter, recorded a significant 45-yard catch, hinting at his big-play capability.
Meanwhile, Brian Thomas Jr. consistently contributed across the preseason, making three catches totaling 93 yards. Xavier Worthy added intrigue with a touchdown, though it came alongside a fumble—an aspect of his game that will require refinement.
Offensive Line Performances
The offensive line, a critical component for any quarterback's success, saw notable performances from key rookies. Joe Alt showed significant improvement in pass protection during his second preseason game, bolstering the protection scheme. Olu Fashanu faced early adversity by allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set but quickly demonstrated his effectiveness in run blocking.
J.C. Latham exhibited balance and power in the run game, coupled with suddenness in pass protection—an encouraging sign for his development. Graham Barton also displayed effective run blocking, contributing to his team's ground game strategy.
Tyler Guyton, though primarily involved in special teams, showed positive signs in his limited opportunities, leaving room for further evaluation of his in-game impact.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive side, Laiatu Latu made a strong impression by recording a sack in 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, showcasing their potential to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
Chop Robinson, while recording no pressures across two games, remains a work in progress and a player to watch as he adjusts to the professional level. In the secondary, Quinyon Mitchell stood out by allowing only two catches for eight yards, demonstrating a knack for tight coverage.
Nate Wiggins solidified his reputation with three pass breakups in one drive and allowed no receptions on two targets in the final game. His lockdown performance suggests he could become a pivotal player in pass defense.
Special teams and situational play continued to be a proving ground for newcomers. Tyler Guyton showed positive signs on special teams across two preseason matchups, hinting at his versatility and potential to contribute to multiple facets of the game.
The 2024 NFL preseason offered a stage for these rookies to showcase their skills and adaptability. As the regular season looms, these performances will set the foundation for their professional trajectories, while teams and fans alike eagerly anticipate seeing these young talents in action when the stakes rise and every play counts.