The 2024 NFL preseason is always a fascinating period of anticipation and evaluation, as it offers an early glimpse into the upcoming talent that could potentially redefine teams and seasons. This year’s first-round rookies are no exception, showcasing a mix of promise and areas needing refinement as they step onto the professional stage.
Quarterbacks Step Into the Spotlight
Caleb Williams, the touted prospect, displayed moments of brilliance but also areas for development. Over 42 snaps, Williams completed 50% of his throws, averaging 8.5 yards per attempt - a respectable figure, showcasing his upfield vision and arm strength.
Jayden Daniels made a strong impression with his accuracy, completing 12 of 15 attempts for 123 yards. Notably, he played without any turnovers, a critical metric for a quarterback integrating into the professional arena. This performance sets a solid foundation for Daniels as he prepares for the regular season.
Drake Maye steadily improved throughout the preseason, capped by a notable finale against the Commanders where he completed 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. His total preseason metrics - 66 yards in the first two games and an impressive final outing - hint at his readiness to take on bigger challenges.
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix both mirrored each other’s performances, completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. For Penix, the consistent yardage across snaps demonstrates a solid grasp of offensive schemes, while Nix’s performance in his lone appearance left a positive mark.
Rookie Receivers Making Waves
Malik Nabers showed his potential as a reliable target, making four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game. Meanwhile, Rome Odunze provided a glimpse of his big-play ability with a singular but significant 45-yard reception.
Brian Thomas Jr. emerged as a consistent deep threat, racking up 93 yards during the preseason. His performance hinted at his capability to stretch defenses and become a vital part of the passing attack. Xavier Worthy notable for both a touchdown and a fumble, demonstrated his potential game-changing abilities but also areas for improvement in ball security.
The Battle in the Trenches
Joe Alt showed significant strides in pass protection, especially during his second game, indicating his potential to solidify an offensive line spot. Olu Fashanu faced early challenges, allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set but quickly adjusted, showcasing effective run-blocking skills.
Defensive standouts included Laiatu Latu, who recorded a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game. This efficiency underscores his potential impact in disrupting opposing quarterbacks. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner made their marks by generating two pressures each on 20 pass-rushing snaps, demonstrating their tenacity and potential as pass-rushers.
Conversely, Chop Robinson faced a quieter preseason with no recorded pressures across two games, indicating an area for growth. Quinyon Mitchell, on the other hand, displayed outstanding coverage skills, allowing only two catches for a mere eight yards, thus underscoring his prowess in the secondary.
Impactful Defensive Plays
Nate Wiggins showcased his playmaking ability with three pass breakups in a single drive, surrendering no receptions on two targets in the final game - a defensive highlight that might earn him significant playing time come the regular season.
On the offensive side, J.C. Latham demonstrated balance and power in the run game and exhibited suddenness in pass protection. Graham Barton’s effective run blocking made a noteworthy contribution, reflecting his adaptability and consistency.
Special teams play often goes unnoticed but can be crucial to a team’s success. Tyler Guyton’s notable performances on special teams across two preseason matchups provide a valuable asset to his team, showcasing his versatility and determination.
As the final whistle of the 2024 preseason blows, these rookies leave behind a series of performances that will be closely scrutinized. While some have cemented their potential through stellar showings, others have identified areas they need to improve on. Nonetheless, all have taken their first steps into what promises to be an exciting journey in the NFL. This preseason has served as the first chapter in what will undoubtedly be a compelling and dynamic season ahead.