The 2024 NFL preseason offered a fascinating preview of what to expect from the league's latest crop of first-round rookies. With anticipation running high, many young talents did not disappoint, showing glimpses of their potential on the field.
Quarterback Performances Under the Spotlight
Caleb Williams, one of the most highly touted rookies, had a mixed showing. Completing 50% of his throws and averaging 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps, Williams demonstrated his big-play ability but also highlighted areas needing improvement.
Jayden Daniels, in contrast, was impressively efficient, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. Though he did not throw any touchdowns, avoiding interceptions was a positive takeaway for the young quarterback.
Drake Maye's preseason was a tale of progression. He started with 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing in the first two games and improved significantly in the finale, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders. This finale performance underscored why he is considered a player to watch this season.
Both Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix had similar statistics in their preseason appearances, each completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. Although their playing time was limited, both players showed enough poise and promise to spark interest among fans and analysts alike.
Wide Receiver Revelations
Malik Nabers showcased his playmaking ability with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game, demonstrating good hands and an ability to find space in coverage.
Rome Odunze made an impact with a single but significant catch, a 45-yard reception that highlighted his speed and ability to stretch the field. Brian Thomas Jr. also turned heads, accumulating 93 yards on three catches, displaying impressive agility and route-running skills.
Xavier Worthy experienced highs and lows, scoring a touchdown but also fumbling during his preseason appearances. Despite the turnover, his touchdown illustrated his potential to be a red zone threat.
Offensive Line Standouts
In the trenches, Joe Alt displayed notable improvement in pass protection during his second game, indicating his readiness to step up as a reliable offensive lineman. Similarly, Olu Fashanu had a bumpy start by allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set but redeemed himself with solid run-blocking later on.
Defensive Disruptors
On the defensive side, several rookies stood out with their disruptive play. Laiatu Latu recorded a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game, showcasing his potential to be a critical pass-rusher. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner were equally impressive, each generating two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, asserting themselves as emerging forces on the defensive line.
Chop Robinson, despite being a highly anticipated talent, recorded no pressures across two games, suggesting he might need more time to adjust to the professional level. In the secondary, Quinyon Mitchell was remarkably effective, allowing only two catches for a total of eight yards. Nate Wiggins also impressed, with three pass breakups in one drive and no receptions allowed on two targets in the final game.
Special Teams and Overall Contributions
Some rookies contributed notably on special teams. Tyler Guyton showed promising signs across two preseason matchups, hinting he could be an invaluable asset in that phase of the game.
Among the offensive linemen, J.C. Latham demonstrated balance and power in the run game, as well as suddenness in pass protection, which bodes well for his future prospects. Graham Barton also made his mark with effective run blocking, contributing to the versatility and depth of the line units.
Overall, the 2024 preseason has provided a vibrant preview of the next generation of NFL stars. Whether on offense, defense, or special teams, these rookies have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting regular season. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if these young talents can carry their preseason form into the main action and make a lasting impact on their respective teams.