The 2024 NFL preseason has offered a glimpse into the promising futures of several first-round rookies, with standout performances showcasing the skill and potential impact these new players might bring to their teams.
Quarterbacks Shine in Early Showings
Caleb Williams, a highly anticipated quarterback, completed 50% of his throws and averaged 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps. While his completion rate suggests room for improvement, his yardage per attempt indicates a willingness to push the ball downfield.
Jayden Daniels, another first-round pick at quarterback, was remarkably efficient, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. Although he didn’t throw for any touchdowns or interceptions, his precision and decision-making were on full display, highlighting his readiness for the professional stage.
Drake Maye showed consistency, throwing for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing in his first two preseason games and improving further to complete 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown in the finale against the Commanders. This progress should be encouraging for his team as they prepare for the regular season.
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix also made their mark, both completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards in their respective preseason outings. Their similar performances demonstrate their ability to stay composed and deliver under pressure.
Receivers Make Their Presence Felt
Among the receivers, Malik Nabers stood out with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game. His ability to secure catches and gain yardage makes him a valuable target for his team’s quarterback.
Rome Odunze highlighted his big-play potential with a single catch that turned into a 45-yard gain, signaling his capability to make explosive plays. Brian Thomas Jr. was another bright spot, amassing 93 yards on three catches across the preseason. His significant yardage per catch suggests he can stretch defenses.
Xavier Worthy found the end zone but also experienced a setback by fumbling during the preseason. While his touchdown demonstrated his scoring ability, ball security will be a critical focus as he continues to develop.
Offensive Linemen Develop Quickly
On the offensive line, Joe Alt exhibited notable improvement in his second preseason game, particularly in pass protection. This progression is a positive sign of his adaptation to the professional level of play.
Olu Fashanu faced initial challenges, allowing pressure on his first professional pass-protection set but rebounded by showing strong effectiveness in run blocking. His ability to adjust could be crucial for his team's offensive schemes.
J.C. Latham demonstrated balance and power in the run game, accompanied by suddenness in pass protection. Such attributes are indicative of a well-rounded lineman capable of contributing significantly to both the running and passing aspects of the game.
Graham Barton and Tyler Guyton also showed promising signs, with Barton excelling in run blocking and Guyton making a positive impact on special teams across two matchups. These contributions emphasize the potential depth in the rookie class on the offensive front.
Defensive Standouts Show Promise
On the defensive side, Laiatu Latu made an impression by recording a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game. His ability to pressure the quarterback in limited snaps suggests he could be an impactful addition to the pass rush.
Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner also made their presence felt by generating two pressures each on 20 pass-rushing snaps. Such performances hint at their potential to disrupt opposing offenses consistently.
However, not all defensive rookies had a smooth preseason. Chop Robinson recorded no pressures across two games, signaling an area for further development.
In the secondary, Quinyon Mitchell and Nate Wiggins were particularly impressive. Mitchell allowed only two catches for a mere eight yards, demonstrating tight coverage and reliability. Wiggins was a standout with three pass breakups in one drive and no receptions allowed on two targets in the final game, showcasing his ability to shut down receivers effectively.
The pathway from college to professional football is lined with both opportunities and challenges. As the preseason concludes, these rookies will look to build on their initial performances and translate their potential into regular-season success. Each display in the preseason is not just a statistic but a testament to the hard work and promise that these athletes bring to their respective franchises. The upcoming NFL season will undoubtedly be enriched by the contributions of these fresh talents.