With the 2024 NFL preseason in the rearview mirror, football enthusiasts have been left buzzing about the performances of this year's first-round rookies. These young athletes, each grappling with the early pressures of professional football, have already shown glimpses of their potential. As the preseason games unfolded, some rookies began to stand out and create a narrative around their entry into the NFL.
Quarterback Performances: A Mixed Bag
Caleb Williams, a highly anticipated rookie, had an uneven preseason, completing 50% of his throws but demonstrating an ability to move the ball downfield with an average of 8.5 yards per attempt across 42 snaps. This mixed performance leaves coaches and fans watching closely to see how he'll adapt as the season progresses.
Jayden Daniels delivered a more consistent performance, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. Importantly, he managed to avoid turnovers, an encouraging sign for his development. Similarly, Drake Maye showcased his growth, initially throwing for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing in the first two games, before ending with a more impressive 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders.
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix, both completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards, mirrored each other in their limited appearances. They each demonstrated the arm talent that got them noticed, although the regular season will demand more consistency.
Rookie Receivers and Offensive Linemen Making Strides
The crop of rookie wide receivers has also been showing flashes of brilliance. Malik Nabers made four catches for 54 yards, while Rome Odunze turned a single catch into a significant 45-yard gain. Brian Thomas Jr. accrued 93 yards over the preseason, promising strong contributions in the regular season. Xavier Worthy, despite a fumble, managed to find the endzone, showcasing his dual threat capability.
On the offensive line, Joe Alt’s continued improvement was evident, particularly in pass protection during his second preseason game. Olu Fashanu faced initial struggles, allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set but improved markedly in run blocking. Fellow rookies J.C. Latham demonstrated balance and power in the run game with quick footwork in pass protection, while Graham Barton excelled in run blocking scenarios. Tyler Guyton also showed his worth, especially on special teams.
Defense: Holding the Line
On the defensive side, Laiatu Latu shone brightly, recording a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game. His quick adaptation to the professional level marks him as a defensive talent to watch. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each made a mark by generating two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, affirming their readiness for regular season action.
Contrasting these performances, Chop Robinson struggled, recording no pressures across two games. This opens questions about his immediate impact and areas needing improvement. Quinyon Mitchell impressed by allowing only two catches for a meager eight yards, showing strong coverage skills. Nate Wiggins was exceptional, notching three pass breakups in one drive and allowing no receptions on two targets in the final game.
Overall, these pre-season snapshots offer invaluable insights into the readiness and potential impact of these first-round rookies. As the regular season looms, each of these players will be critical to their teams' strategies and successes. Their journeys in the NFL have just begun, and their preseason performances have undoubtedly set the stage for exciting careers ahead.