The 2024 NFL preseason has wrapped up, offering fans a tantalizing preview of what to expect from the league's newest crop of first-round rookies. Across the league, the performances of these emerging talents have varied, showcasing their potential and areas for growth.
Quarterbacks in Focus
Caleb Williams, one of this year's most highly anticipated rookies, completed 50% of his throws while averaging an impressive 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps. His performance demonstrated both the promise and the pressure young quarterbacks face as they transition to the professional level.
Jayden Daniels showcased his accuracy, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. Despite not tallying any touchdowns or interceptions, Daniels’ display of poise in the pocket was a positive sign for his development. Similarly, Drake Maye offered a mixed bag over the preseason. He threw for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing in the early games and capped off with a solid finale against the Commanders, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. This consistency in the closing game could hint at his readiness to take on a bigger role.
Elsewhere, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix both completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards in their respective outings. Their performances set a solid foundation, hinting at their potential to contribute when called upon.
Wide Receivers Making Their Mark
Among the rookie wide receivers, several stood out. Malik Nabers made a strong impression in his second preseason game with four catches for 54 yards. Rome Odunze turned heads with a single catch that went for 45 yards, showcasing his big-play ability. Brian Thomas Jr. was another name to watch, hauling in three catches totaling 93 yards over the preseason. His reliable hands and knack for finding space will be crucial for his team moving forward.
On the other hand, Xavier Worthy had a more tumultuous preseason. He managed to score a touchdown but also fumbled, illustrating the highs and lows that rookies often experience as they adapt to the pro game.
Showcasing Defensive Prowess
On the defensive side, Laiatu Latu made a significant impact with a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game. Meanwhile, Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, demonstrating their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
In coverage, Quinyon Mitchell was nearly impenetrable, allowing only two catches for eight yards. Nate Wiggins also excelled, recording three pass breakups in one drive and surrendering no receptions on two targets in the final game. This level of performance underscores their potential to become key defensive stalwarts in the league.
Offensive Line Developments
The offensive linemen also featured prominently in the preseason storylines. Joe Alt, for example, showed significant improvement in pass protection during his second game, an encouraging sign for his team’s offensive scheme. Olu Fashanu faced a learning curve, as he allowed pressure on his first professional pass-pro set, but his effectiveness in run blocking provided a silver lining.
J.C. Latham displayed his versatility, showing balance and power in the run game as well as suddenness in pass protection. Graham Barton and Tyler Guyton were also notable, with Barton excelling in run blocking and Guyton showing positive contributions on special teams across two matchups. These performances hint at their readiness to anchor the line and protect their quarterbacks in the seasons ahead.
As the regular season approaches, these rookies have set the stage with performances that promise excitement and future potential. Though the preseason is merely a prologue to the intense narrative of the NFL, the glimpses we've seen suggest that this year's draft class could be a defining one, full of storylines worth watching as the season unfolds.