The 2024 NFL preseason has offered fans a tantalizing glimpse into the talents and potential impacts of the first-round rookies. As the games progressed, several players stood out, suggesting promising futures and dynamic careers. Here's a closer look at some of the noteworthy performances from the preseason.
Quarterbacks Under the Spotlight
Caleb Williams, one of the most anticipated rookies, showcased his potential despite a mixed performance. Over 42 snaps, Williams completed 50% of his throws and averaged an impressive 8.5 yards per attempt. Although these figures reflect both promise and areas for improvement, Williams has certainly attracted attention.
Jayden Daniels demonstrated remarkable efficiency, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. Most notably, Daniels avoided any interceptions or touchdowns, suggesting a calm and measured approach under pressure. His controlled performance could signal reliability in the upcoming season.
Drake Maye had a varied preseason but shone brightly in the finale against the Commanders. In the initial games, he threw for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing. However, his concluding performance was particularly notable, with Maye completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and securing a touchdown. This upward trajectory indicates a player finding his stride.
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix both had limited but promising appearances, each completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. While their time on the field was brief, these numbers reveal a potential for solid, dependable playmaking.
Receiving Highlights and Concerns
The rookie receivers also delivered some noteworthy moments. Malik Nabers recorded four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game, showing an ability to find and exploit space. Similarly, Rome Odunze made a significant impact with a single 45-yard catch, demonstrating his big-play potential.
Brian Thomas Jr.'s performance was another highlight, as he made three catches totaling 93 yards across the preseason. On the downside, Xavier Worthy had a mixed showing, managing to score a touchdown but also fumbling the ball, reflecting both his playmaking ability and areas needing improvement.
Offensive Line and Defense Performance
In the trenches, Joe Alt displayed significant improvement in pass protection during his second game, which is a promising sign for the offensive line. Olu Fashanu faced some early challenges, as he allowed pressure on his first professional pass-pro set but showed a knack for effective run blocking, indicating a dual-threat capability that could be harnessed.
Defensively, several rookies made their mark. Laiatu Latu recorded a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game, showcasing his potential as a disruptive force on the defensive line. pass rushers Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, proving their ability to consistently challenge opposing quarterbacks.
However, not all rookies found immediate success. Chop Robinson did not record any pressures across two games, highlighting that adjustment periods can vary widely among newcomers.
Secondary Standouts
The secondary featured standout performances that are worth noting. Quinyon Mitchell allowed only two catches for eight yards, displaying an impressive ability to shut down opposing receivers. Similarly, Nate Wiggins made a significant impact in the final game, recording three pass breakups in one drive and allowing no receptions on two targets, highlighting his defensive prowess and potential as a key player in the secondary.
Additional Contributions
Other notable contributions include the balanced and powerful run game facilitated by J.C. Latham, who also demonstrated suddenness in pass protection. Graham Barton showed effective run blocking, while Tyler Guyton impressed on special teams across two preseason matchups.
While it's always challenging to predict how preseason performances will translate into regular-season success, the 2024 class of first-round rookies has certainly provided plenty to be optimistic about. Fans can look forward to seeing how these young athletes develop and contribute to their respective teams in the coming season. The potential and promise displayed in these early glimpses suggest that the future of the NFL is in capable hands.