The 2024 NFL preseason offered fans a preview of the league's future stars, and several first-round rookies did not disappoint. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and linemen all had moments of brilliance, underscoring their potential to become impactful players in the regular season.
Quarterbacks Show Promise
Caleb Williams, widely anticipated by fans and analysts alike, completed 50% of his throws, averaging 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps. Williams exhibited glimpses of his arm talent and poise, providing a snapshot of what could be a promising NFL career.
Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels, another first-round quarterback, completed 12 of his 15 attempts, racking up 123 yards. Though he didn’t manage any touchdowns or interceptions, his accuracy and composure in the pocket were noteworthy.
Drake Maye delivered an impressive preseason performance, too. Over the first two games, he passed for 66 yards on 8 of 14 attempts. He saved his best for the finale against the Commanders, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his potential to lead a high-powered offense.
Michael Penix Jr. also displayed his skills by completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. Bo Nix matched Penix Jr.’s completion stats, going 9 of 16 for 104 yards, albeit in just one preseason appearance.
Rookie Wide Receivers Make Their Mark
Malik Nabers turned heads with a solid performance in his second preseason game, making four catches for 54 yards. Romeo Odunze had a notable moment as well, catching a single pass that went for 45 yards, hinting at his big-play capability.
Brian Thomas Jr. displayed consistent production throughout the preseason, totaling three catches for 93 yards. Xavier Worthy showed both promise and a learning curve, scoring a touchdown but also fumbling during the preseason.
Offensive Linemen Stepping Up
Joe Alt's progress in pass protection was evident in his second preseason game, where he significantly improved his blocking efficiency. Olu Fashanu had a mixed bag, allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set but redeeming himself with effective run blocking.
J.C. Latham demonstrated both balance and power in the run game while showcasing suddenness in pass protection, making him a versatile and reliable option on the offensive line. Graham Barton stood out for his effective run blocking, while Tyler Guyton displayed positive signs on special teams across two matchups.
Defensive Standouts Emerge
The defensive side of the ball also witnessed contributions from rookies. Laiatu Latu recorded a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game, showcasing his ability to disrupt the quarterback. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, indicating their potential to become stalwarts on defense.
Chop Robinson faced a challenging preseason, recording no pressures across two games. However, Quinyon Mitchell allowed only two catches for eight yards, proving himself as a reliable presence in the secondary.
Nate Wiggins was particularly impressive, recording three pass breakups in a single drive and allowing no receptions on two targets in the final game, signaling his potential to become a lockdown corner.
Special Teams Contributions
Tyler Guyton’s versatility shone through on special teams, where he made positive contributions across two preseason matchups. His efforts should not go unnoticed, as special teams play a crucial role in shaping game outcomes.
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In summary, the 2024 NFL preseason revealed a wealth of talent among the league's first-round rookies. From quarterbacks demonstrating composure and arm strength to wide receivers showcasing their playmaking abilities and linemen solidifying their roles, these rookies have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting regular season. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how these young stars progress as the stakes get higher.
