5 Most Impressive Rookies From Preseason Week 1

Week 1 of the 2024 NFL preseason is officially in the books and the action was as exciting as exhibition football gets. All 32 franchises use the preseason as a dress rehearsal, particularly for rookies making their NFL debuts. Several first-year talents maximized their opportunities this past weekend. We've identified five rookies that impressed.

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was intercepted on his first drive but settled in nicely after making a rookie mistake. McCarthy then led several scoring drives, finishing 11-of-17 with 188 yards and two touchdowns with his first score being this 45-yard bomb to Trishton Jackson.

McCarthy’s second touchdown was another explosive passing play, a 33-yard pass to Trent Sherfield. How long will the Vikings keep their top-10 quarterback on the bench in favor of veteran bridge QB Sam Darnold? McCarthy took his bumps and bruises, but he looked like a quarterback capable of playing right now.

Austin Booker, EDGE, Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears desperately need a pass rusher to emerge opposite Montez Sweat. Fifth-round rookie Austin Booker was outstanding against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Booker was an absolute menace, recording 2.5 sacks and five pressures en route to an 18.2% pass-rush win rate.

A fifth-round rookie rarely gets a chance to capture a starting gig, but a lack of depth, paired with Booker's preseason performances thus far, could elevate him into that role. Are the likes of DeMarcus Walker and Dominique Robinson going to prevent Booker from playing notable snaps? Booker is playing himself into relevance.

Nate Wiggins, CB, Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins was arguably the most impressive rookie in preseason Week 1. Wiggins recorded three pass breakups on the first defensive drive of the game. Wiggins earned an elite 90.2 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, allowing just eight receiving yards and a passer rating of 42.4.

Wiggins eventually exited the game with a shoulder injury. Testing results have since revealed he avoided a major setback. Wiggins is going to play a big-time role in the Ravens secondary this season.

Jordan Whittington, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Jordan Whittington was the forgotten Texas Longhorns playmaker in the 2024 NFL Draft. An underrated and consistent player, the Los Angeles Rams pounced on his availability with a sixth-round pick. Whittington was his regular productive self in Sunday's 13-12 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Whittington recorded team highs in receptions (6) and receiving yards (74). He earned praise from head coach Sean McVay following his showing. Whittington is in the WR3 mix for the Rams behind Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.

Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos

Bo Nix was the last first-round quarterback to make his preseason debut with his Denver Broncos playing during Sunday’s two-game slate. It was well worth the wait. Nix was electric in Sean Payton’s offense, completing 15-of-21 attempts for 125 yards and one touchdown. The dual-threat signal caller added 17 rushing yards via three scrambles.

Nix led four total scoring drives as his Broncos outlasted the Indianapolis Colts 34-30. Nix has been entrenched in a position battle with veteran holdover Jarrett Stidham to open the regular season as the starter. Stidham has been considered the favorite, but Sunday's performance may have swung the pendulum in the rookie's favor.