The 2024 NFL preseason has wrapped up, giving fans and analysts alike an exciting look at the potential impact of the league's newest first-round rookies. From quarterbacks looking to make their mark to defensive standouts striving to dominate, the preseason was anything but dull. Here's a deep dive into how some of these highly touted rookies fared.
Quarterbacks Impress in Preseason Opener
Caleb Williams showed glimpses of why he was a first-round pick. Over 42 snaps, Williams completed 50% of his throws while averaging an impressive 8.5 yards per attempt. Jayden Daniels took a different approach, demonstrating efficiency and poise by completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. Notably, he avoided any turnovers, a key trait for a young quarterback.
Drake Maye had an up-and-down preseason but closed strong. He threw for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing in the first two games and capped his preseason by completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders. Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix each had their moments, with identical stats of 9 completions on 16 attempts for 104 yards, signaling solid if unspectacular starts to their professional careers.
Rookie Wide Receivers Showcase Skills
Among the wideouts, Malik Nabers made a noticeable impact with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game. Rome Odunze showcased his big-play ability with a single catch that went for 45 yards. Brian Thomas Jr. displayed consistency and explosiveness by hauling in three catches totaling 93 yards across the preseason contests.
Xavier Worthy had a mixed outing, finding the end zone but also fumbling in one of his appearances. This juxtaposition of brilliance and rookie mistake will be something to watch as the season unfolds.
Linemen: The Unsung Heroes
On the offensive line, Joe Alt demonstrated considerable improvement in his pass protection during his second game, a reassuring sign for his development. Olu Fashanu allowed pressure on his first professional pass-pro set but made up for it by excelling in run blocking. These young linemen have shown promise, indicating they could become stalwarts in their respective lines.
Defensive linemen also made their presence felt. Laiatu Latu recorded a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game, hinting at his potential as a disruptive force. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, showing their knack for getting after the quarterback.
Defensive Backfield Holds Strong
Quinyon Mitchell had an impressive preseason, allowing only two catches for a mere eight yards. In the final game, Nate Wiggins stood out by recording three pass breakups in a single drive and allowing no receptions on two targets, showcasing his lockdown potential. These performances underscore the readiness of these rookies to compete at a high level.
Special Teams and Beyond
Graham Barton and J.C. Latham contributed significantly in their respective roles. Barton displayed solid run-blocking skills, while Latham showed balance and power in the run game along with quickness in pass protection. Tyler Guyton also drew attention with his positive performances on special teams across two preseason matchups, highlighting his versatility and value to the team.
While the preseason provides only a snapshot, it's a crucial period for rookies to make their mark. From impressive quarterback debuts to strong showings by linemen and defensive standouts, the 2024 NFL preseason has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season. Fans and analysts will be watching these young players closely, eager to see how they evolve and impact their teams in the regular season.