The 2024 NFL preseason serves as a crucial gauge for assessing the potential impact of first-round rookies. With the regular season looming, football enthusiasts have been treated to early glimpses of rising stars who may soon become household names.
Quarterback Performances
Caleb Williams showcased his arm strength and decision-making despite completing only 50% of his throws. However, he averaged an impressive 8.5 yards per attempt over his 42 snaps, suggesting a promising future.
Jayden Daniels demonstrated precision, completing 12 out of 15 attempts for 123 yards. While he didn't record any touchdowns or interceptions, his efficiency will likely catch the eyes of coaches and fans alike.
Meanwhile, Drake Maye had a mixed preseason. Initially, he threw for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing in two games. He found his rhythm in the finale against the Commanders, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown, showing significant improvement.
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix mirrored each other's performances, both completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. Each showcased their potential, with Nix making his mark in just one preseason appearance.
Wide Receivers Making Their Mark
Malik Nabers turned heads with his second preseason game, snagging four catches for 54 yards. This performance indicates he could be a reliable target in the regular season.
Rome Odunze provided a highlight with a single catch that spanned 45 yards, demonstrating his big-play capability.
Brian Thomas Jr. accumulated 93 yards on just three catches, making him a player to watch as the season progresses.
Xavier Worthy found both glory and adversity, scoring a touchdown but also fumbling during the preseason. This duality in performance will be vital for him to address as he moves forward.
Offensive Line and Special Teams Contributions
Joe Alt made strides in his second preseason game, showing significant improvement in pass protection. His development is encouraging for teams looking to solidify their offensive line.
Olu Fashanu faced initial challenges, allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set. However, he compensated with effective run blocking, signalling a balanced skill set that could be refined with experience.
On special teams, Tyler Guyton showed promise across two preseason matchups. His versatility could be an asset, providing valuable depth to his team's lineup.
Defensive Standouts
Laiatu Latu made his presence felt with a sack over 13 pass-rushing snaps in Indianapolis's third game. His ability to disrupt the quarterback could be a key factor for the defense.
Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, indicating their knack for getting into the backfield.
Conversely, Chop Robinson struggled to make a similar impact, recording no pressures across two games. His preseason performance suggests areas for improvement.
Quinyon Mitchell impressed with his coverage, allowing only two catches for a mere eight yards. Such tight coverage will make him a valuable asset in pass defense.
Nate Wiggins shone brightly, recording three pass breakups in a single drive and allowing no receptions on two targets in the final game. His ball-hawking skills and coverage instinct seem poised to translate well to regular-season play.
Final Thoughts
J.C. Latham and Graham Barton each exhibited their strengths in the trenches. Latham's balance and power in the run game, coupled with suddenness in pass protection, were noteworthy. Barton, on the other hand, showcased effective run blocking, adding to his value on the line.
As the NFL regular season approaches, these rookies will look to build on their preseason performances. The blend of gleaming potential and areas needing improvement makes this rookie class one to watch. Their journeys from the college gridiron to professional football may be just beginning, but their aspirations and early contributions promise an exciting future ahead.