The 2024 NFL preseason offered a promising preview of several first-round rookies, setting the stage with a blend of expectation and emerging talent. This preseason's performances provided not just a surface view but a deeper insight into what these young players might bring to their respective teams once the regular season kicks off.
Quarterbacks Emerging
Caleb Williams, a name frequently highlighted in early discussions, displayed both potential and areas for growth. Over 42 snaps, Williams completed 50% of his throws, averaging 8.5 yards per attempt. While these numbers hint at his ability to move the chains, there’s room for improvement in his completion rate—an aspect likely to be a focus in the coming months.
Jayden Daniels, contrastingly, showcased a notable level of precision, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. Impressively, he managed to avoid both touchdowns and interceptions, suggesting a cautious yet effective approach. Meanwhile, Drake Maye presented a mixed bag over the preseason. He threw for 66 yards with an 8 of 14 completion rate over the first two games but improved significantly in the finale against the Commanders, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown.
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix both completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards, with Penix spreading his performance across multiple games and Nix showcasing his talent in a single appearance.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends Making Their Mark
The wide receiver corps introduced some intriguing prospects as well. Malik Nabers made his presence known with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game. Rome Odunze made a notable impact with a single catch that went for 45 yards, demonstrating the ability to make big plays.
Brian Thomas Jr. impressed with three catches totaling 93 yards throughout the preseason, while Xavier Worthy’s performance was a mix of highs and lows—scoring a touchdown but also fumbling the ball at a crucial moment.
Offensive Linemen Stepping Up
Up front, Joe Alt demonstrated significant improvement in pass protection during his second preseason game—a promising sign for his development curve. Olu Fashanu faced initial struggles, allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set, but showed adeptness in run blocking thereafter.
J.C. Latham highlighted his balance and power in the run game, complementing it with suddenness in pass protection, indicating a well-rounded skill set. Graham Barton also cemented his reputation as an effective run blocker, while Tyler Guyton showed positive signs on special teams across his two preseason matchups.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive side, several pass rushers and defensive backs stood out. Laiatu Latu recorded a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game, illustrating his efficiency. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner both generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, showing their ability to disrupt the quarterback consistently.
However, not all defensive players had standout preseasons. Chop Robinson, for instance, failed to record any pressures across his two games, signaling an area that might need attention as the season progresses.
Quinyon Mitchell was notably effective in the secondary, allowing only two catches for eight yards—a stat line that underscores his coverage skills. Nate Wiggins added to the defensive highlights by recording three pass breakups in a single drive and allowing no receptions on two targets in the final game.
Conclusion
While the preseason is just a prelude to the main event, it provides invaluable insights into the emerging talents ready to make their mark in the NFL. From quarterbacks refining their craft to defensive standouts making a case for themselves, the 2024 preseason has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting rookie campaign. As the regular season looms, these glimpses of brilliance offer fans and analysts much to look forward to.