The 2024 NFL preseason has offered an exciting glimpse into the future, showcasing the potential impact of first-round rookies. With numerous young talents making their debut, fans and analysts alike have been keenly observing performances that could shape the upcoming season.
Quarterbacks Under the Spotlight
Caleb Williams, a highly anticipated quarterback, demonstrated mixed results by completing 50% of his throws and averaging 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps. While the completion rate might leave some room for improvement, his average yards per attempt suggest a willingness to take risks downfield.
Jayden Daniels showcased remarkable accuracy, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. Notably, he managed these stats without any touchdowns or interceptions, indicating a balanced and cautious approach to the game.
Meanwhile, Drake Maye’s performance was split across three preseason games. He initially threw for 66 yards with 8 of 14 passing, and in the finale against the Commanders, he stepped up, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and securing a touchdown, hinting at his potential growth and resilience.
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix each completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards, with Nix making his mark in a single preseason appearance. Their parallel stats underscore the competitive nature of their journey ahead.
Rookie Receivers Making Their Mark
Among the receivers, Malik Nabers made notable strides with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game. Rome Odunze stood out with a single catch that went for an impressive 45 yards, showcasing his ability for big plays.
Brian Thomas Jr. demonstrated consistency with three catches totaling 93 yards across the preseason, proving to be a reliable target. Xavier Worthy had a mixed preseason, scoring a touchdown but also fumbling, highlighting both his potential and areas for improvement.
Offensive Line Standouts
On the offensive line, Joe Alt’s significant improvement in pass protection during his second preseason game has been a highlight, suggesting he may become a crucial protector for his quarterback.
Olu Fashanu showed a dichotomy in his debut, allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set, but later excelling in run blocking. This kind of learning curve is expected at the professional level, and Fashanu’s ability to adapt will be essential for his future success.
Defensive Prospects
Defensively, rookie pass rusher Laiatu Latu made a notable impact with a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game, indicating his potential to disrupt the opposing offense.
Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, proving to be formidable on the defensive line. Conversely, Chop Robinson’s quiet preseason, recording no pressures across two games, suggests he might need more time to adjust to the professional level.
Secondary Stars
Quinyon Mitchell impressed with his coverage skills, allowing only two catches for eight yards, demonstrating his ability to shut down receivers effectively. Nate Wiggins also shone brightly, recording three pass breakups in one drive and allowing no receptions on two targets in the final game, marking him as a cornerback to watch.
Emerging Talents in Various Roles
On special teams, Tyler Guyton showed positive signs across two preseason matchups, hinting at his versatility and potential contribution beyond the primary offensive and defensive plays.
Graham Barton’s effective run blocking and J.C. Latham’s balance and power in the run game, combined with suddenness in pass protection, complete a picture of a rookie class brimming with promise. They collectively underscore the importance of having a well-rounded talent pool available to step up when needed.
As the regular season approaches, these young players are set to continue their development, aiming to make a lasting impact on their respective teams. The preseason has provided a valuable opportunity to gauge their readiness and potential, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive NFL season in 2024.