2024 NFL Preseason: Rookie Standouts and Struggles
2024 NFL Preseason: Rookie Standouts and Struggles
The 2024 NFL preseason offered a tantalizing preview of first-round rookies and their potential to influence the upcoming season. While some players lived up to their draft-day hype, others showed areas requiring improvement.
Quarterback Performances
Caleb Williams demonstrated flashes of brilliance, completing 50% of his throws and averaging 8.5 yards per attempt across 42 snaps. This performance suggests a promising future for the rookie quarterback, though there is room for refinement. Jayden Daniels exhibited precision, completing 12 of his 15 passes for 123 yards. His ability to avoid turnovers while maintaining efficiency is a positive sign for the season ahead.
Drake Maye had a mixed preseason, initially throwing for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing attempts over the first two games. However, he finished strongly, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown in the finale against the Commanders. Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix shared identical stats, each completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. While these numbers are respectable, both quarterbacks will look to build on them as they transition to regular-season play.
Receiver Contributions
Among the pass-catchers, Malik Nabers showed consistency with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game. Rome Odunze made an impact with a notable 45-yard reception, while Brian Thomas Jr. compiled three catches that totaled an impressive 93 yards over the course of the preseason. Xavier Worthy managed to find the endzone but also had a fumble, highlighting the need for greater ball security.
Offensive Line and Blocking
In the trenches, Joe Alt showed marked improvement in pass protection during his second outing, a critical trait for safeguarding the quarterback. Olu Fashanu, on the other hand, had a rocky start by allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set but demonstrated solid effectiveness in run blocking throughout the preseason. J.C. Latham was another standout, combining balance and power in his run game with quickness in pass protection, while Graham Barton showcased effective run blocking skills. Tyler Guyton, meanwhile, made valuable contributions on special teams across two matchups.
Defensive Efforts
Defensively, Laiatu Latu stood out with a sack in 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner each generated two pressures over 20 snaps, indicating their potential as disruptive forces against opposing quarterbacks. Chop Robinson, however, struggled to make an impact, recording no pressures over two games.
Secondary performances were highlighted by Quinyon Mitchell, who allowed just two catches for eight yards, demonstrating lockdown coverage ability. Nate Wiggins was particularly impressive, recording three pass breakups in just one drive and not allowing any receptions on two targets in the final game.
The 2024 NFL preseason shed light on the bright futures of many first-round rookies while also highlighting areas for growth. As the regular season approaches, these players will look to refine their skills and make significant contributions to their respective teams.
