The 2024 NFL preseason has provided an early glimpse into the potential impact of first-round rookies willing to make a mark in their inaugural year. This year’s showcase has been a mixed bag of outcomes for the rookies, with some showing promise and others still finding their feet on the professional stage.
Quarterbacks Under the Spotlight
Among the notable first-round quarterbacks, Caleb Williams demonstrated his ability to make big plays, albeit inconsistently. With a completion rate of 50% over 42 snaps, Williams averaged 8.5 yards per attempt — a statistic indicative of his tendency to aim for substantial yardage gains.
In contrast, Jayden Daniels exhibited impressive accuracy, connecting on 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. While Daniels didn't find the end zone nor throw any interceptions, his ability to move the chains efficiently was on full display.
Drake Maye's preseason was a story of progressive improvement. In his initial outings, Maye amassed 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing. However, he saved his best for last, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders.
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix offered solid but unspectacular performances, both completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. Their ability to manage games without making critical mistakes bodes well for their future development.
Receivers Making Their Mark
The receiving corps had its share of standout moments. Malik Nabers shone brightly in his second preseason game, grabbing four catches for 54 yards. Rome Odunze made an eye-catching single catch that went for 45 yards, showcasing his big-play potential.
Brian Thomas Jr. was another rookie who made the most of his opportunities, amassing 93 yards on three catches during the preseason. Meanwhile, Xavier Worthy experienced a more turbulent preseason, scoring a touchdown but also fumbling the ball — a reminder of the learning curve that comes with transitioning to the NFL.
Offensive Line Performances
Among the offensive linemen, Joe Alt showed substantial improvement in pass protection during his second game, a development that bodes well for quarterbacks relying on him. Olu Fashanu faced an early challenge, allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set, but he counterbalanced it with effective run blocking.
J.C. Latham displayed a well-rounded skill set, demonstrating both balance and power in the run game and a suddenness in pass protection that caught the eye. Graham Barton similarly showed his prowess in run blocking, while Tyler Guyton exhibited promise on special teams throughout his two preseason matchups.
Defensive Players Stepping Up
The defensive side also saw rookies making significant contributions. Laiatu Latu stood out by recording a sack in Indianapolis's third game, making the most of his 13 pass-rushing snaps. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, showcasing their potential to disrupt opposing offenses.
Meanwhile, Chop Robinson did not record any pressures across two games, but the young defender has the raw talent that could translate into future success with additional experience.
Quinyon Mitchell was a fortress in coverage, allowing only two catches for eight yards. His performance was complemented by Nate Wiggins, who recorded three pass breakups in one drive and prevented any receptions on two targets in his final game.
Each of these players displayed abilities that could be pivotal for their teams. Combining talent with the guidance of veteran teammates and coaching staff, they have the opportunity to develop into key contributors in the regular season.
The 2024 NFL preseason has laid the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting season for these rookies. With the initial jitters out of the way, the stage is set for these young talents to further showcase their abilities and make lasting impressions as the regular season unfolds. Fans and critics alike eagerly await to see how these first-round rookies will rise to the occasion when it matters most.