The 2024 NFL preseason has offered fans an intriguing glimpse into the potential of first-round rookies. With a mix of promising performances and learning moments, these young athletes have set the stage for what could be a thrilling regular season.
Quarterback Showcases
Among the quarterbacks, Caleb Williams demonstrated an ability to make significant plays, completing 50% of his passes while averaging an impressive 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps. Though his completion rate leaves room for improvement, his yardage per attempt signals a capability for explosive plays.
Jayden Daniels came out strong, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. Although he did not throw any touchdowns or interceptions, his accuracy and decision-making stood out. Similarly, Drake Maye showed growth throughout the preseason. Maye averaged 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing in the first two games and shined in the finale against the Commanders, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown.
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix mirrored each other with nearly identical stats—both quarterbacks completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. While neither logged a volume of snaps, their performances were solid, hinting at dependable options for their respective teams.
Offensive Skill Players
Among the standout offensive skill players, Malik Nabers caught attention with four receptions for 54 yards in his second outing. Rome Odunze showcased his big-play ability, making a single catch for 45 yards. Brian Thomas Jr., meanwhile, showed consistency across the preseason, totaling 93 yards with three receptions.
Xavier Worthy's preseason was a mixed bag; he scored a touchdown but also experienced a fumble, reflecting both his potential and areas for growth. In the trenches, Joe Alt made significant strides in his second preseason game, particularly in pass protection, providing a solid foundation for the season ahead.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive side, several rookies left a lasting impact. Olu Fashanu initially struggled, allowing pressure on his first professional pass-protect set but subsequently demonstrated his proficiency in run blocking. Laiatu Latu recorded a sack in 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game, establishing himself as a force on the defensive line.
Pass-rushers Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each generated two pressures on 20 snaps, showcasing their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. On the other hand, Chop Robinson did not record any pressures across two games, indicating an area for potential improvement.
In the secondary, Quinyon Mitchell was a lockdown presence, allowing only two catches for a mere eight yards. Nate Wiggins was an impressive performer, recording three pass breakups in a single drive and allowing no receptions on two targets in his final game, underscoring his potential as a disruptive cornerback.
Offensive linemen also had their moments. J.C. Latham displayed a well-rounded skill set, showing balance and power in the run game along with suddenness in pass protection. Graham Barton excelled in run blocking, and Tyler Guyton contributed positively on special teams during two preseason matchups.
As these rookies transition into the regular season, the glimpses of talent and areas for growth observed in the preseason will serve as critical experiences in their development. With the foundation laid, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these first-round picks evolve and make their mark in the NFL.