The 2024 NFL preseason offered an intriguing preview of the potential impacts that first-round rookies could make on the league. While preseason performances are not always perfect indicators of regular-season success, the glimpses provided are enough to fuel anticipation among fans and analysts alike.
Quarterbacks in Focus
Leading the way, Caleb Williams demonstrated flashes of his potential by completing 50% of his throws and averaging 8.5 yards per attempt across 42 snaps. There is room for improvement, but his ability to handle NFL defenses is noteworthy.
Jayden Daniels was arguably more efficient, completing 12 of 15 attempts for 123 yards, showing accuracy and poise despite not finding the end zone or throwing any interceptions. Similarly, Drake Maye displayed promising signs. Across three games, he managed to compile 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing initially, and culminating with an impressive 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown in the finale against the Commanders.
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix mirrored each other’s stats almost identically, each completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. Interestingly, both quarterbacks showcased steadiness in their sole preseason appearances, leaving fans eager for more substantial showings when the regular season kicks off.
Rookie Receivers’ Showcase
The rookie receiving core also made their mark. Malik Nabers stood out with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game. Rome Odunze might have had fewer receptions, but his single catch was a notable 45-yard gain, highlighting his big-play potential. Brian Thomas Jr. rounded out the group, making three catches that totaled 93 yards throughout the preseason.
Xavier Worthy brought excitement with a touchdown, though a fumble tempered his preseason performance. Thus, his mixed results may leave coaches pondering his consistency as the regular season approaches.
Offensive Line Development
The preseason was a proving ground for rookie offensive linemen as well. Joe Alt showed significant improvement in his pass protection, particularly during his second preseason game. Meanwhile, Olu Fashanu experienced a rough start, allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set. However, he quickly adapted and demonstrated his effectiveness in run blocking.
On another encouraging note, J.C. Latham showed balanced power in the run game and quick adjustment in pass protection, while Graham Barton was lauded for his effective run blocking contributions. Tyler Guyton, though not mentioned as frequently, made his presence felt on special teams over two matchups, showing positive signs that could earn him more regular playing time.
Defensive Standouts
Defensively, the rookies showed their readiness to contribute to their respective teams. Laiatu Latu’s sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis’s third preseason game underlined his ability to create pressure. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner were equally disruptive, each generating two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps.
In contrast, Chop Robinson's preseason was quieter, with no pressures recorded across two games. However, the star of the secondary was undoubtedly Quinyon Mitchell, who allowed only two catches for a meager eight yards. Nate Wiggins also impressed, recording three pass breakups in one drive and allowing no receptions on two targets in the final game.
These defensive rookies could form the backbone of their teams’ future defenses, striking a balance between aggressive pass rushing and reliable pass coverage.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the 2024 NFL preseason has painted an optimistic picture for the incoming class of first-round rookies. While performance during these early games is no guarantee of future success, the flashes of brilliance and areas in need of improvement provide a foundation for both hope and realism. Coaches and fans alike will be keenly monitoring these young talents as they transition to the rigors of the regular season, and only time will tell which of these rookies will rise to the occasion and carve out successful careers in the NFL.