A Look at Promising First-Round Rookies in the 2024 NFL Preseason
The 2024 NFL preseason has come to a close, offering fans and analysts a look at the future stars of the league. Several first-round rookies have shown flashes of brilliance, sparking excitement and raising expectations for the upcoming season.
Quarterbacks Stepping Up
Caleb Williams, a highly anticipated rookie, had a performance that was as intriguing as it was inconsistent. Completing 50% of his throws while averaging 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps, Williams exhibited both potential and areas needing improvement.
Jayden Daniels, on the other hand, was notably efficient. Completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions, Daniels demonstrated poise and precision. His ability to avoid turnovers stands out as a promising sign for his development.
Drake Maye delivered mixed results in the early games but found his stride against the Commanders, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. This strong finish could be a precursor of things to come.
Both Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix showed similar performances, each completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. Despite limited playtime, their consistency offers hope for their respective teams.
Wide Receivers Making an Impact
Malik Nabers, with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game, looks ready to be a reliable option in the receiving corps. Meanwhile, Rome Odunze made the most of his opportunities, recording a notable 45-yard catch.
Brian Thomas Jr. was a standout, making three catches totaling 93 yards across the preseason. His ability to gain substantial yardage indicates he's a big-play threat. Xavier Worthy also made headlines, not only for his touchdown but also for a fumble, showcasing both his potential and areas for growth.
Offensive Linemen Show Their Mettle
Joe Alt demonstrated significant improvement in pass protection during his second preseason game, solidifying his status as a rising star on the offensive line. Olu Fashanu faced early challenges, allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set but redeemed himself with effective run blocking, underscoring his dual-threat capabilities.
J.C. Latham impressed with his balance and power in the run game, coupled with suddenness in pass protection, suggesting he could become a cornerstone for his offensive line. Similarly, Graham Barton and Tyler Guyton showed their potential, with Barton shining in run blocking and Guyton contributing positively on special teams.
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. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner were also impactful, each generating two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, highlighting their disruptive potential.
Chop Robinson, however, faced some struggles, recording no pressures across two games, indicating an area that requires continued development.
Quinyon Mitchell and Nate Wiggins emerged as standout defensive backs. Mitchell allowed only two catches for eight yards, showcasing his lockdown capability. Wiggins was particularly impressive in the final game, recording three pass breakups in one drive and allowing no receptions on two targets, a performance that speaks volumes about his coverage skills.
As the preseason concludes, these rookies have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting regular season. Their performances will undoubtedly be watched closely as they transition from rookies to key contributors on their respective teams. The glimpses of brilliance and areas for improvement showcased during the preseason offer a foundation upon which they can build their NFL careers.