The 2024 NFL preseason has given fans a tantalizing glimpse of what might lie ahead, especially when it comes to first-round rookies. As teams around the league test their mettle in preparation for the regular season, several new faces have already made promising impressions.
Quarterback Performance
Among the rookie quarterbacks, Caleb Williams showcased his potential despite a modest completion rate, connecting on 50% of his throws with an impressive average of 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps. Jayden Daniels demonstrated remarkable accuracy by completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards, notably avoiding any turnovers in the process.
Drake Maye's preseason performance improved with time. He threw for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing in the initial games and capped his preseason with a stronger showing, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders. Meanwhile, both Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix matching each other's efficiency, each managing to complete 9 of 16 passes while accumulating 104 yards in their respective appearances.
Wide Receivers in the Spotlight
Among the rookie receivers, Malik Nabers caught attention with four receptions totaling 54 yards in his second game. Rome Odunze impressed with a single but significant 45-yard catch.
Brian Thomas Jr. made his mark with three catches that added up to 93 yards throughout the preseason, showcasing his big-play ability. Xavier Worthy faced a mixed bag; he secured a touchdown but also experienced the adversity of a fumble, underscoring the learning curve even for promising new talents.
Offensive Line Developments
Offensive line play always garners scrutiny, and in this preseason, rookies have had their moments. Joe Alt demonstrated noticeable improvement in pass protection over the span of just two games, while Olu Fashanu showed his prowess in run blocking despite allowing pressure on his maiden professional pass-protection attempt.
J.C. Latham stood out in the trenches, exhibiting both balance and power in the run game along with quick reflexes in pass protection. Graham Barton earned kudos for his effectiveness in the run game, and Tyler Guyton contributed positively on special teams in his pair of preseason matchups.
Defensive Standouts
The defensive side of the ball saw its share of rookie standouts as well. Laiatu Latu made an impression with a sack in just 13 pass-rushing attempts during Indianapolis’s third game. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner both generated pressure, each recording two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps.
Chop Robinson, on the other hand, faced a quieter preseason, recording no pressures across two games. In the secondary, Quinyon Mitchell shone brightly, allowing only two catches for a mere eight yards. Nate Wiggins was nothing short of spectacular, securing three pass breakups in a single drive and allowing no receptions on two targets during the final game.
These performances, though drawn from the small sample size of a preseason, paint an encouraging picture for these rookies’ potential impact as they transition into regular season play. As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, teams and fans alike will be eager to see how these young stars continue to develop and contribute on the grand stage.