The 2024 NFL preseason has come to a close, offering an enticing preview of the first-round rookies who may shape the league's future. While preseason statistics often hold limited predictive value, they still provide a valuable snapshot of how these players might perform when the regular season kicks off.
Quarterbacks Under the Spotlight
Caleb Williams, a highly anticipated talent, displayed potential despite some growing pains. Over 42 snaps, Williams completed 50% of his throws, averaging a respectable 8.5 yards per attempt. Though those numbers suggest room for improvement, the yardage per attempt indicates his ability to push the ball downfield.
Jayden Daniels showcased remarkable efficiency, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. Despite the lack of touchdowns or interceptions, his accuracy and decision-making were on full display. Similarly, Drake Maye rounded out his preseason by completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and scoring one touchdown against the Commanders, having earlier thrown for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing. Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix mirrored each other's performance, each completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards in their respective outings.
Wide Receivers Making a Mark
At the wide receiver position, Malik Nabers stood out with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game. His performance demonstrated his ability to be a dependable target. Rome Odunze’s lone catch for 45 yards showcased his potential for explosive plays. Another noteworthy mention is Brian Thomas Jr., who totaled 93 yards on three receptions over the course of the preseason. Xavier Worthy, despite a fumble, found the end zone, hinting at his playmaking ability.
Offensive Line Performances
In the trenches, budding talent Joe Alt showed significant improvement, particularly in pass protection during his second preseason game. Meanwhile, Olu Fashanu experienced a learning curve, allowing pressure on his first professional pass set but compensating with effective run blocking. J.C. Latham displayed balance and power in the run game, while also showing suddenness in his pass protection, making him a dual threat on the offensive line. Graham Barton’s effective run blocking further highlighted the strength of this rookie class. Tyler Guyton’s contributions were most notable on special teams where he showed positive signs over two matchups.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive side, pass rushers and secondary players made critical impacts. Laiatu Latu, with a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game, proved his ability to capitalize on limited opportunities. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each generated two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, showing consistency and resilience.
Quinyon Mitchell was particularly stingy in coverage, allowing only two catches for eight yards, indicating his potential to be a lockdown corner. Nate Wiggins put on a show with three pass breakups in one drive, allowing no receptions on two targets in the final game, illustrating his ball skills and coverage capabilities. Chop Robinson, on the other hand, struggled to make an impact, recording no pressures across two games.
As fans and analysts look through these preseason performances, it's clear that the 2024 NFL rookie class is brimming with potential. From commanding quarterbacks to assertive defensive players, these first-round picks have already forged an early path toward stardom. Though the regular season will be the true test, these young talents have shown they can play at the professional level and will be exciting to watch as their careers unfold.