The 2024 NFL preseason offered a promising glimpse into the future, with first-round rookies stepping up to show their potential impact on the league. Among the standouts, Caleb Williams displayed a mixed performance, completing 50% of his throws and averaging 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps. The highly anticipated quarterback will have fans eager to see how his preseason reps translate into regular season play.
In contrast, Jayden Daniels demonstrated remarkable precision, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards, although he did not score any touchdowns or interceptions. Similarly, Drake Maye showed growth throughout the preseason, finishing strong against the Commanders with 126 yards and a touchdown, completing 13 of 20 passes.
Penix and Nix, both quarterbacks, mirrored each other’s performances, with Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. This consistency bodes well for their integration into their respective teams' playbooks.
Wide Receivers Making Waves
The preseason also saw receivers stepping up, with Malik Nabers making four catches for 54 yards in his second game, while Rome Odunze recorded a standout 45-yard catch. Brian Thomas Jr. showcased his abilities by amassing 93 yards across multiple games, solidifying his status as a reliable option in the receiving corps.
Xavier Worthy experienced a rollercoaster preseason, scoring a touchdown but also fumbling, highlighting areas for improvement as he transitions to regular play.
Offensive Line Developments
The offensive line saw notable performances, with Joe Alt showing significant improvement in pass protection during his second game. Olu Fashanu, although allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set, demonstrated effectiveness in run blocking, indicating his potential as a dual-threat lineman.
J.C. Latham and Graham Barton also stood out, with Latham showing balance and power in the run game alongside suddenness in pass protection, and Barton exhibiting effective run blocking.
Tyler Guyton provided positive contributions on special teams over two matchups, proving his versatility and potential to become a key asset in various facets of the game.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive side, Laiatu Latu made his presence felt with a sack in 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game, while Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, showcasing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
However, Chop Robinson recorded no pressures across two games, indicating a need for development in his pass-rushing skills. Conversely, Quinyon Mitchell allowed only two catches for eight yards, demonstrating strong coverage skills.
Nate Wiggins emerged as a defensive powerhouse, recording three pass breakups in one drive and allowing no receptions on two targets in the final game. His standout performance hints at a bright future in the defensive backfield.
In summary, the 2024 NFL preseason highlighted the potential of many first-round rookies across various positions. While some displayed immediate impact capabilities, others showed areas needing growth. As the regular season approaches, these young talents will look to capitalize on their preseason experiences to make a lasting impression in the NFL.