The 2024 NFL preseason offered an intriguing preview of what is to come from the league's first-round rookies. As teams wrapped up their preparatory campaigns, standout performances from several young talents have set the stage for what could be an impactful regular season.
Quarterback Assessments
Caleb Williams showcased his potential with a mixed bag of performances, completing 50% of his throws and averaging 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps. While the completion rate leaves room for improvement, his ability to sustain yardage per attempt hints at an aggressive downfield approach.
Jayden Daniels, on the other hand, demonstrated poise and precision, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. The impressive completion percentage, coupled with zero turnovers, underlines his reliability and readiness to compete at a high level.
Drake Maye's performance grew as the preseason progressed. In the first two games, he threw for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passes. He capped off his preseason with an impressive finale against the Commanders, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown, indicating an upward trajectory.
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix mirrored each other with identical stats, each completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. Both showed glimpses of their capabilities, though more will be expected as they gain further exposure and experience.
Receivers Making Waves
Among the rookie wideouts, Malik Nabers stood out by delivering a solid second preseason game with four catches for 54 yards. Consistency in short-yardage and intermediate routes will be key for his sustained success.
Rome Odunze and Brian Thomas Jr. added crucial depth to the receiving discussions. Odunze’s single, but significant, catch for 45 yards exhibited his big-play potential. Thomas Jr. showed versatility and consistency, amassing 93 yards across the preseason.
Xavier Worthy's preseason was marked by high peaks and learning moments. Scoring a touchdown highlighted his red-zone capabilities, but a fumble serves as a reminder of the areas needing refinement.
Offensive Line: Notable Developments
Joe Alt has shown notable improvement, particularly in pass protection during his second preseason game. This progression hints at his burgeoning reliability as an integral part of the offensive line.
Olu Fashanu's preseason started with a hiccup as he allowed pressure on his first professional pass-pro set, but he quickly demonstrated adeptness in run-blocking, balancing his overall performance.
J.C. Latham's displays on the field revealed his balanced approach and power in the run game, complemented by a suddenness in pass protection. Similarly, Graham Barton was effective in run blocking, adding depth to his team's offensive line capabilities.
Tyler Guyton’s contributions on special teams across two matchups highlighted his versatility, bringing value beyond just the offensive line.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive front, Laiatu Latu's single sack in 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game stood out, highlighting his potential as a disruptive force.
Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each registered two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps. This consistency showcases their ability to generate discomfort for opposing quarterbacks, paving the way for critical defensive plays.
Conversely, Chop Robinson's preseason was less eventful, as he recorded no pressures in two games, indicating an area for further development.
Defensive Backfield Insights
Quinyon Mitchell impressed in coverage, allowing only two catches for a mere eight yards. His performance underscores his potential as a shutdown corner.
Nate Wiggins delivered a spectacle with three pass breakups in a single drive and allowed no receptions on two targets in the final game. Such displays of defensive tenacity fortify his position as a key asset in the secondary.
Collectively, these rookies provide a mix of hope, excitement, and promise as they transition from the preseason to games that matter. Their performances have set the foundation for what promises to be an engaging and competitive rookie campaign in the 2024 NFL season.