The NFL preseason is a chance to check out the newest stars across the league in exhibition game action. That’s why rookie debuts are the focal point, as teams and fans see how draft potential translates on the field.
Quarterbacks rule, especially in 2024, when a record-tying six were selected in the first round. But they’re not the only ones getting in on the action.
From QB to running back to wide receiver to tight end to edge rusher, here are the rookie risers and fallers following preseason Week 2.
NFL preseason rookie stock watch 2024
Quarterbacks
Bo Nix, Broncos ↑
Sean Payton needs to end the charade of a QB competition after Nix came through with another stellar preseason outing, this time as a starter over Jarrett Stidham. In just two series vs. the Packers, Nix (8-of-9 passing, 80 yards, 8.9 yards per attempt, 140.7 passer rating) looked sharp working with the rest of the regular first-team offense, throwing a TD pass and leading a field-goal drive.
Not only was Nix accurate, but he also brought out more big-play ability from a variety of receivers and opened up the running game for Javonte Williams. Nix has been the most impressive rookie QB so far as the No. 12 overall pick, so he should have nothing left to prove to Payton before taking the field for Week 1 of the regular season.
MORE: Where does Bo Nix stand in the Broncos’ QB battle?
Drake Maye, Patriots ↑
Maye is getting the slow play in New England’s QB competition with Jacoby Brissett. If Week 1 was the beta test with limited action, Week 2 was accelerated alpha mode with his busy performance (6-of-11 passing for 47 yards, 4.3 yards per attempt, 65.3 passer rating, 4 rushes, 15 yards, TD) as he netted two scoring drives Thursday night against the Eagles.
Brissett might still get the lean to start because of veteran bridge status, but there’s still time for Maye to convince the Patriots’ coaching staff that they would be better off throwing him into the fire as a developing dual threat.
Caleb Williams, Bears, and Jayden Daniels, Commanders ↔
Williams and Daniels keep providing highlight plays as the No. 1 and No 2 overall picks from the draft. Williams’ passing looked a little off against the Bengals (6-of-13, 75 yards), but he made the plays he needed as a young leader, including a 7-yard TD on his only rushing attempt. Daniels was sharper through the air (10-of 12, 78 yards) and kept up his timely running (2 carries, 13 yards) against the Dolphins. They will both open the season as starters and can each have big rookie campaigns.
MORE: Caleb Williams’ stats and highlights from Week 2 of NFL preseason
Spencer Rattler, Saints ↓
Everyone can slow their roll on Rattler ripping Derek Carr out of starter status in New Orleans. Rattler (4-of-8 passing, 27 yards, 3.4 yards per attempt, 2 sacks, 57.8 passer rating, 3 rushes, 5 yards) did next to nothing relieving Carr in prime time Sunday against the 49ers. He played like the fifth-round developmental pick he is, and that’s what he will be as a rookie unless Carr becomes an absolute wreck.
Joe Milton III, Patriots ↓
Milton looked like an unstoppable downfield cannon in the first game against the Panthers only to drop down to earth with his inconsistent with a short 2-of-7 stint behind Maye. The rookie sixth-round pick looked exactly like his draft pedigree.
Running backs
Will Shipley, Eagles ↑
Shipley has been seeing some key first-team reps in training camp practices along with Saquon Barkley and Kenneth Gainwell. A versatile standout for Clemson, Shipley got some good work vs. the Patriots with five rushes for 15 yards while also adding four catches for 31 yards. He can fare well as a developing No. 3 in offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s system.
Ray Davis, Bills ↑
Davis has left little doubt he’s the best backup option for higher-volume James Cook in 2024. He pounded out 58 yards on just eight carries against the Steelers to resemble the complementary power back he was drafted to be.
Trey Benson, Cardinals ↔
Benson has had a rough camp behind James Conner despite some early hype coming out of Florida State. Conner’s lead job seems safe early, and Benson remains a rookie reserve after rushing eight times for 43 against the Colts.
Kimani Vidal, Chargers ↓
Vidal has had a rough time, too, trying to snag a key job for the Chargers behind J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. Jaret Patterson has been the best backup back, but Vidal did resurface vs. the Rams to turn 13 touches into 53 yards. At best, he could the No. 4 over Isaiah Spiller.
Wide receivers
Malik Nabers, Giants ↑
Nabers rebounded from an injury scare and played through a Daniel Jones stinker to post four catches for 54 yards on six targets against the Texans. He also got involved in the running game, with one rush for 5 yards. It’s clear New York needs to feed him often to make plays regardless of whether Jones can keep his QB job beyond early in the season.
MORE: Daniel Jones flops, plus more overreactions from the NFL preseason
Rome Odunze, Bears ↑
Odunze had just one catch against the Bengals, but he made it count for a 45-yard gain. He also ran the ball once and turned that into another 16 yards. Odunze will be on the field often, even with veterans D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen on the roster. He’s headed to consistent favorable one-one-one matchups outside and keeps building on quick chemistry with the fellow first-rounder Williams.
Xavier Worthy, Chiefs ↑
Worthy was worth a late first-rounder given his pure speed, especially when paired with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. With Marquise Brown hurting, Worthy proved more of his big-play worth against the Lions with three catches for 62 yards and a TD. He also ran once for 11 more yards. Worthy is coming along fast, and Mahomes may need to trust him earlier than expected as his primary deep threat.
Keon Coleman, Bills ↓
Coleman was quiet against the Steelers with one catch for 12 yards on three targets. The second-rounder from Florida State is being eased into the rotation for Josh Allen. He won’t be the new Stefon Diggs or Gabe Davis, but he could still serve as a complementary piece.
Ladd McConkey, Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson, Chargers ↓
These three receivers combined for one catch for 5 yards on five targets against the Rams with still no Justin Herbert (foot). McConkey has been banged up as the Chargers try to find answers in a overhauled receiving corps. It’s good thing L.A. is about to be a lot more run-heavy behind offensive coordinator Greg Roman and head coach Jim Harbaugh.
MORE: Takeaways from Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers preseason debut
Tight end
Ja’Tavion Sanders, Panthers ↑
The Panthers have been playing a lot of backups, but Sanders stood out as their default leading receiver against the Jets’ tough defense, catching both of his targets for 22 yards. Look for the dynamic pass-catcher from Texans to see his role slowly expand all season for Bryce Young.
Edge rusher
Austin Booker, Bears ↑
Booker didn’t add to his 2.5 preseason sacks against the Bengals, but he looked every bit the part of a key situational edge rusher for Matt Eberflus behind Montez Sweat and DeMarcus Walker. Add the third-rounder alongside Williams and Odunze, and the Bears look to have the league’s best draft class.
