Rookie preseason winner at every position through first week of preseason

Cory Kinnan | Aug 21, 2024

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass in the first quarter of the NFL Preseason Week 2 game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in downtown Chicago on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. The Bears led 10-3 at halftime. / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

The NFL preseason is almost over as we have gotten to see 2024 NFL Draft rookies like Chicago Bears' quarterback Caleb Williams finally take the field for their respective teams.

None of this matters, and the outcomes of these games need to be understood in a certain context as opposing NFL teams are not showing a great deal of looks out of their playbooks. However, in a context that is designed for players to play well, those who do deserve the recognition. Some rookies are earning more snaps for doing their jobs, and some are winning starting gigs for their performances.

Who are some of these rookies who deserve to be highlighted? Here is one rookie per position who has made a name for themselves this preseason:

Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports / Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

QB Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

It feels boring to put the No. 1 overall pick in this slot for quarterbacks, but Caleb Williams has been as advertised for the Chicago Bears. His snaps have been limited, but it feels like at least one highlight reel play has been produced by Williams every time he's on the field. He and Rome Odunze are already building up chemistry, and the Bears have their new face of the franchise.

Felt like Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze had been playing together for years the way they perfectly executed this scramble drill #Bears pic.twitter.com/oajYBhuVEm

— Kendell Hollowell (@KHollowell_) August 21, 2024

Aug 10, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis (22) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

RB Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills drafted a grinder. Ray Davis is known for his ability to tough out yards and be physical in pass protection. And in the preseason, Davis is coming off of a game where he averaged five yards after contact with four missed tackles forced on eight carries. He's also caught three passes out of the backfield as well. On a team that cycles through running backs rapidly, Davis has the chance to become a fan favorite among the Buffalo faithful.

very easy to fall in like with Ray Davis pic.twitter.com/j5BefQ40Y0

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 19, 2024

Aug 11, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Snoop Conner (32) tackles Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington (88) during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports / Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

WR Jordan Whittington, Los Angeles Rams

Jordan Whittington has been buried beneath talented playmakers his entire career with the Texas Longhorns and was even the third receiver from Texas alone off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Whittington has been making a name for himself with the Los Angeles Rams early in the preseason. He has caught a massive 11 passes for 126 yards through two games, with 53 of those yards coming after the catch. This is fourth among all preseason players. Whittington will shine on special teams early in his career, but he's showing the Rams that he deserves offensive snaps as well.

Jordan Whittington through two preseason games: 11 catches, 126 receiving yards

Did the @RamsNFL unlock another late-round WR in @J_Whitt3? pic.twitter.com/goi71383k7

— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2024

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott (TE12) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

TE Ben Sinnott, Washington Commanders

The Commanders have not been flashing a lot offensively as Jayden Daniels' average depth of target is well below the league-average. However, on limited opportunities, tight end Ben Sinnott has flashed big-time potential. He has four catches for 64 yards thus far in the preseason, racking up 48 of those yards after the catch. For a player who was used as a pseudo-fullback and H-back at Kansas State, Sinnott is showing he can be much more at the NFL level.

Washington Commanders Round 2 rookie TE Ben Sinnott:

Every reception results in a pile-up pic.twitter.com/HFpegd1H7a

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 18, 2024

Jul 26, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyler Guyton (60) during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, Californian. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports / Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

OT Tyler Guyton, Dallas Cowboys

Drafted in the first round, it is never easy to take over the role that a future Pro Football Hall of Famer has held for a decade. However, Guyton has looked excellent in his early tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. He has allowed just one pressure on 30 pass blocking snaps this preseason, and he gets to learn from one of the best in practice as he lines up across from Micah Parsons every day. Good thing too for Guyton as reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett is going to be the first NFL pass rusher he'll go against in Week 1.

Jan 31, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National offensive lineman Dominick Puni of Kansas (71) faces off against National offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia of BYU (55) during practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports Note that National offensive lineman Kingsley Eguakun of Florida (65) is in frame at left. / Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

OG Dominick Puni, San Francisco 49ers

Slated to win the starting job at right guard in San Francisco, the third round guard Dominick Puni has been putting on a show. On 44 pass blocking reps, Puni has allowed just one total pressure for the 49ers up front, clocking in with a pass blocking efficiency of 98.9. His body of work in the run game has been excellent as well.

Alright @49ers fans ... I have found my favorite half of ball from a rookie OL in the preseason. Dominick Puni played well against the Saints. So many things to like.

✅ Clear understanding of angles in the run game
✅ Jump set in pass pro was well done. Quick w/a punch. Feet a… pic.twitter.com/acjdwhelOC

— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) August 20, 2024

Aug 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) lines up against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports / Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports

C Zach Frazier, Pittsburgh Steelers

After the season-ending injury to Nate Herbig, second round pick Zach Frazier is stepping into the starting job for the Pittsburgh Steelers. And based on his preseason tape, he is ready for it. Through 42 pass blocking snaps, Frazier has not allowed a single pressure thus far. He has one more dress rehearsal before his actual NFL debut, but Frazier looks as ready as ever for his big moment when Week 1 rolls around.

Zach Frazier is on the shortlist for being the most impressive rookie OL of the preseason pic.twitter.com/KEi33lJeQ8

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) August 19, 2024

Nov 4, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jacob Conover (15) has pass deflected by Utah Utes defensive end Jonah Elliss (83) in the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

EDGE Jonah Elliss, Denver Broncos

Two sacks in two preseason games is a great way to start an NFL career for Jonah Elliss. He has also racked up a massive four stop tackles as well from the end of the line of scrimmage in for the Denver Broncos. Ellis has a whopping 25 percent pass rush win rate off the edge, and has heard his name called quite a bit through 44 total snaps. Not a bad start for the 21-year-old.

Jonah Elliss is a fun player to watch on film. pic.twitter.com/OTNpZUkd9E

— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) August 20, 2024

Jul 26, 2024; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Maason Smith (94) participates in training camp at Miller Electric Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

DT Maason Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars

Drafted in the second round out of LSU, Maason Smith had an odd career that started as a dynamic freshman, an injured sophomore, then a dip in production. The Jaguars still took that risk on Smith in the 2024 NFL Draft, and thus far he has rewarded them with a massive 20% pass rush win rate on 25 pass rush snaps. His run defense needs some work, but he is built like a Madden create-a-player and gives the Jags much to work with. And Smith is off to a great start.

Nov 11, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) reacts during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports / Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

LB Nathaniel Watson, Cleveland Browns

Nathaniel "Bookie" Watson is the reigning SEC defensive player of the year, and now comes to the Cleveland Browns with a chance to make a year-one impact. Known for his physical play at Mississippi State where he racked up double digit sacks from the second level of their defense, Watson did not disappoint in his debut. He recorded a stop tackle in just 12 snaps for the Browns, and proved to be a physical presence when fitting the run and taking on blockers. He has a chance to take some snaps at SAM linebacker this season.

Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver John Ross (83) makes catch in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) during the first quarter of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

CB Nate Wiggins, Baltimore Ravens

Wiggins only played in the first preseason game for the Baltimore Ravens, leaving a bit shaken up. However, he played a massive 43 snaps in that game and was targeted six times. He gave up just just two catches for eight yards and broke up three of those looks. Staying healthy will be key for Wiggins and the Ravens, but he has the makings of a lockdown cornerback.

Nate Wiggins plays like he's 6-2, 200 lbs. He's at the top of the screen vs. 6-6, 230 lb. Johnny Wilson. So physical, so twitchy, and always around the ball. (We'll be talking about Wiggins on the @NFLDraftCBs pod this week.) pic.twitter.com/FXLfOqvpdC

— ryan wilson (@ryanwilsonCBS) August 12, 2024

Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (42) during rookie mini-camp in Tempe on May 10, 2024. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson

A fourth round pick out of Texas Tech, Taylor-Demerson had a lot of love from draft analysts who pegged him as a steal for the Cardinals. And he is living up to the hype so far. Through two preseason games, Taylor-Demerson has played a total of 64 snaps in both the box and over the top (he's even played five snaps in the slot). On those snaps, Taylor-Demerson has racked up three stop tackles and one interception for the Cardinals. He's listed as a backup, but Taylor-Demerson may play himself onto the field soon.

.@AZCardinals rookie safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson doing thangs in the deep third. Might have been my favorite safety to watch in this class. Needs to iron a few technique things out, but he can hang in single- and two-high all day long. pic.twitter.com/fJXrr8CaGW

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) August 18, 2024

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