As the 2024 NFL preseason wraps up, the spotlight shines on the first-round rookies who are beginning to make their mark. From a mix of jaw-dropping performances to signs of growing pains, these young athletes have given fans plenty to talk about.
Quarterback Performances: Varied but Promising
The preseason provided a valuable stage for rookie quarterbacks to showcase their skills. Caleb Williams, for instance, completed 50% of his throws and averaged 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps. While the completion rate might raise some eyebrows, his yardage per attempt suggests he's capable of making significant plays down the field.
Jayden Daniels arguably had one of the cleanest showings, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. What stands out is his ability to avoid turnovers, with no interceptions tarnishing his stat line. Similarly, Drake Maye showed a resilient improvement over his games. He managed 66 yards going 8 of 14 in his initial outings, but culminated his preseason by completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders. His progression is a positive indicator for fans and coaches alike.
Not far behind, both Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix mirrored each other statistically, each completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. Their performances, while steady, leave room for growth as they settle into the rigor of the league.
Receiving Corps: A Mixed Bag
Among the wide receivers, Malik Nabers stood out with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game, showing his potential as a reliable option. Rome Odunze only recorded one catch but made it count with a 45-yard gain, demonstrating his ability to deliver big plays.
Brian Thomas Jr. had a productive preseason, totaling 93 yards on three catches, indicating he's ready to be a target down the field. Xavier Worthy, despite scoring a touchdown, had a fumble stain his stat sheet—an area that will need attention as he moves forward.
Offensive Linemen: Developing Strengths
On the line, Joe Alt showed significant improvement in pass protection during his second game, which bodes well for his development. Meanwhile, Olu Fashanu had a rocky start, allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set, but he redeemed himself through effective run blocking.
J.C. Latham balanced power in the run game with suddenness in pass protection, two critical skills that could make him a cornerstone on the line. Graham Barton’s performance highlighted his effective run blocking, providing a boost to his offense.
Defensive Dynamo
On the defensive side, pass rushers Laiatu Latu, Byron Murphy, and Dallas Turner brought pressure, with Latu recording a sack in 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game. Murphy and Turner each generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, showcasing their potential to disrupt offensive plays.
Unfortunately, not all defenders had standout moments. Chop Robinson, for instance, recorded no pressures across two games, highlighting an area for improvement.
Secondary Standouts and Special Teams
In the secondary, Quinyon Mitchell and Nate Wiggins were effective in coverage. Mitchell allowed just two catches for a meager eight yards, locking down his side of the field. Wiggins was a barrier to passes, recording three breakups in one drive and allowing no receptions on two targets in the final game—truly a standout performance.
On special teams, Tyler Guyton showed positive signs across his two preseason matchups, an often undervalued yet critical aspect of the game.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 preseason has provided a kaleidoscope of rookie performances that have given fans and analysts plenty to discuss. Whether it's the potential seen in quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, or the defensive prowess exhibited by the likes of Laiatu Latu and Nate Wiggins, these players are poised to bring new excitement to their respective franchises. As they transition into the regular season, these rookies will look to build on their experiences and continue to make a significant impact on the field.
