The 2024 NFL preseason has offered an intriguing glimpse into the potentials and struggles of the league's first-round rookies. As fans and analysts dissect every snap, pass, and catch, a detailed analysis of these emerging talents provides a clearer picture of what's to come in the regular season.
Quarterbacks Under the Microscope
Caleb Williams, a promising talent, showcased moments of brilliance and areas needing improvement. Completing 50% of his throws while averaging 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps, Williams has displayed the arm strength and risk-taking ability that made him a top pick. Consistency, however, remains an area to watch as the season progresses.
Jayden Daniels had a more efficient showing, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions. His ability to manage the game efficiently without turning the ball over is a promising sign for his team's future.
Drake Maye’s performance evolved throughout the preseason. He initially threw for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing in the first two preseason games but capped off with a strong finale, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders. This trajectory indicates a growing confidence and adaptation to the professional level.
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix both had limited but noteworthy appearances, each completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. These glimpses suggest that while opportunities were limited, both quarterbacks made the most of their snaps.
Rising Stars Among the Receivers
Among the wide receivers, Malik Nabers stood out with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game. His performance highlighted his readiness to contribute right away. Rome Odunze made a significant impact with a single catch, turning it into a 45-yard gain, showcasing his ability to make big plays.
Brian Thomas Jr. was another bright spot, making three catches totaling 93 yards across the preseason. Meanwhile, Xavier Worthy's preseason saw both highs and lows as he scored a touchdown but also fumbled, indicating both his potential and areas for improvement.
Offensive Linemen Making Strides
On the offensive line, notable performances included Joe Alt, who demonstrated marked improvement in pass protection during his second preseason game. Similarly, J.C. Latham showed balance and power in the run game and suddenness in pass protection, attributes that will be crucial as he transitions to the regular season.
Olu Fashanu showed mixed results, allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set but demonstrating effectiveness in run blocking. Graham Barton also displayed effective run blocking, underlining his potential contribution to his team's ground game. Tyler Guyton showed positive signs on special teams across two preseason matchups, highlighting his versatility.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive end, Laiatu Latu made his presence felt by recording a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game. This efficiency underscores his potential impact as a pass rusher.
Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, displaying their ability to disrupt the opposing quarterbacks consistently. In contrast, Chop Robinson struggled to make a significant impact, recording no pressures across two games.
Quinyon Mitchell proved adept in coverage, allowing only two catches for eight yards, a performance that bodes well for his future. Nate Wiggins was another standout, recording three pass breakups in one drive and allowing no receptions on two targets in the final game, showcasing lockdown potential.
As the 2024 NFL preseason concludes, the performances of these first-round rookies offer a tantalizing preview of what's to come. While some have shown immediate readiness, others highlight areas needing further development. Regardless, the preseason journey of these players sets the stage for an exciting regular season filled with potential and promise.