The 2024 NFL preseason has come to a close, offering a sneak peek into the potential futures of various rookies, especially the highly anticipated first-round draft picks. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these young talents will transition from college to the professional stage. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the standout performers and key moments from the preseason.
Quarterbacks Under the Microscope
Caleb Williams, one of the brightest prospects, had a mixed preseason. Over 42 snaps, Williams completed 50% of his throws, averaging an impressive 8.5 yards per attempt. While the completion rate leaves room for improvement, his average yards per attempt showcased his ability to make significant plays downfield.
Jayden Daniels demonstrated precision and efficiency, completing 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards. Although he did not record any touchdowns or interceptions, his performance displayed consistency and promise for the regular season.
Drake Maye showed glimpses of brilliance, throwing for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing in the first two preseason games. He saved his best for last, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown in the finale against the Commanders, providing a dynamic finish to his preseason campaign.
Michael Penix Jr. matched Bo Nix in their lone preseason appearances, each completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. Both quarterbacks showed flashes of their college form and will look to build on these outings as they move forward.
Receiving Corps Making Waves
Among the wideouts, Malik Nabers made a notable impact, catching four passes for 54 yards in his second preseason game. Rome Odunze also turned heads with a single but explosive catch for 45 yards, hinting at a big-play capability that could be valuable during the regular season.
Brian Thomas Jr. showcased his potential by making three catches totaling an impressive 93 yards across the preseason, highlighting his ability to stretch the field. Meanwhile, Xavier Worthy demonstrated his red-zone effectiveness, finding the end zone but also experiencing the setbacks of a fumble.
Offensive Linemen’s Development
In the trenches, Joe Alt emerged as a promising prospect, showing significant improvement in pass protection during his second preseason game. Alt’s progress indicates a bright future in safeguarding his quarterback. Olu Fashanu, another freshman lineman, had a hiccup with his first professional pass-pro set but balanced it out by excelling in run blocking, displaying versatility and resilience.
Defensive Disruptors
Defensively, Laiatu Latu made a strong impression with a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner were also effective, each generating two pressures on 20 pass-rushing snaps, showing their relentless pursuit of the quarterback.
In contrast, Chop Robinson had a quieter preseason, recording no pressures across two games. However, cornerback Quinyon Mitchell turned heads by allowing only two catches for a mere eight yards, demonstrating tight coverage and reliability in the secondary.
Secondary Standouts
Nate Wiggins produced a standout moment, recording three pass breakups in a single drive and allowing no receptions on two targets in the final game. His ability to disrupt passes will be a significant asset for his team moving forward.
Additional Contributions
J.C. Latham impressed with his balanced performance, showing power in the run game and suddenness in pass protection. Graham Barton, another lineman, displayed effective run-blocking capabilities, contributing to his team's ground game.
Lastly, Tyler Guyton was notable on special teams, showing positive signs across two preseason matchups, indicating his potential to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
The 2024 preseason has highlighted both the potential and areas for growth among these first-round rookies. As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on these young talents to see how they transition and make their mark in the NFL.