The 2024 NFL preseason served as an intriguing precursor to the regular season, offering fans and analysts a first look at the emerging talents of first-round rookies. This snapshot of young potentials carried flashes of brilliance and areas for growth that teams and enthusiasts will track moving forward.
Quarterbacks Show Promise and Poise
Caleb Williams, a highly anticipated rookie, displayed a mix of promising throws and areas needing refinement. Completing 50% of his passes with an average of 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps, he exhibited a potential for long-yardage gains albeit with room for improvement in accuracy.
Jayden Daniels turned heads with an efficient performance, completing 12 of 15 attempts for 123 yards. His stat line was clean with no touchdowns or interceptions, indicating a poised demeanor in the pocket and a methodical approach to moving the chains.
Drake Maye, another first-round quarterback, had a mixed preseason but finished strong. After modestly throwing for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing in the initial games, he ramped up his performance in the finale, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders. This improvement signals a positive trend heading into the regular season.
Elsewhere, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix mirrored each other's efforts, both completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. While these numbers don't jump off the stat sheet, they reflect a solid foundation upon which each quarterback can build.
Receivers and Linemen Make Their Marks
Wide receiver Malik Nabers showcased his playmaking ability with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game. His performance hinted at his potential to be a reliable target. Similarly, Rome Odunze made a significant impact with a single but impressive 45-yard reception, demonstrating his big-play capability.
Brian Thomas Jr. accumulated a notable 93 yards on three catches throughout the preseason, reinforcing his presence as a consistent threat. Xavier Worthy's preseason was highlighted by a touchdown, though it was marred by a fumble, suggesting areas for both celebration and improvement in ball security.
On the offensive line, Joe Alt showed marked improvement in pass protection during his second game, while Olu Fashanu, despite allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set, excelled in run blocking. Their development will be crucial in providing quarterbacks with the security to orchestrate their offenses.
Defensive Players Stand Out
Laiatu Latu made his presence felt with a sack in Indianapolis's third game, capitalizing on his 13 pass-rushing snaps. Both Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner generated two pressures each over 20 pass-rushing snaps, indicating their disruptive potential on the defensive line.
Conversely, Chop Robinson had a quieter preseason with zero pressures across two games, highlighting the unpredictability and the need for consistent performance in the professional realm. Quinyon Mitchell's defensive prowess was evident as he limited his coverage responsibilities to only two catches for eight yards, reflecting tight and efficient defensive play.
Meanwhile, Nate Wiggins delivered a standout performance with three pass breakups in one drive and allowed no receptions on two targets in the final game. His capability to challenge receivers and force incompletions will be an asset as the season unfolds.
Offensive Line and Special Teams Contributions
Further contributions on the offensive line were noted from J.C. Latham, who displayed balance and power in the run game and agility in pass protection. Graham Barton also showed effective run blocking, contributing to the ground game’s success.
Special teams, often an underappreciated aspect of the game, saw positive strides from Tyler Guyton, whose performances across two matchups indicated his versatility and readiness to support in various special teams roles.
As the regular season approaches, these rookies' performances in the preseason offer a foundation for optimism. Their development, adaptability, and ability to execute under professional pressures will chart the course for their respective teams and carve their paths in the NFL tapestry.