As the National Football League (NFL) gears up for the start of its 105th season, all eyes are on this year’s top draft picks. The preseason, a three-week period of play that has an effect on a team’s official record, has given rookies the opportunity to make their mark and convince them to become professional football players.

Players like Bo Nix, an Oregon alum and twelfth overall draft pick, impressed in their NFL exhibitions. Quarterback Nix completed 76.7% of his pass attempts and earned two touchdowns in his two games for the Denver Broncos. Nix never turned the ball over, nor did he take a single sack.

It is for these reasons that Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton states that Nix “has been outstanding,” declaring on Aug. 21 that “Bo Nix is going to be [the Broncos’] starting quarterback.”

Not all quarterbacks have stood out in their preseason performances, however. Caleb Williams, the Heisman-winning first-overall draft pick from the University of Southern California, made no notable plays for the Chicago Bears.

Of his two games, Williams had 170 receiving yards and 20 rushing yards. He has scored one touchdown and had no interceptions. With ten receptions out of thirty attempts, Williams falls in the middle of the pack for rookie quarterbacks, arguably not living up to the first-pick hype.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles believes Williams is no saving grace. Instead, he suggests a happy medium, encouraging Williams to find a balance between reliance on other starters and making his own plays.

“It’s kind of like that neutral place where he’s at his best… Lean on the guys around him, be instinctual, let those wild plays happen at the right time,” Poles said.

While some have thrived and others have struggled, some rookies haven’t had the chance to demonstrate how they can be an asset to their respective teams.

QB J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings sustained a knee injury in the home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. First thought to be soreness, further examination showed that McCarthy tore his meniscus, prompting surgery.

The 10th overall draft pick will not see the field again for the rest of his rookie season. From standout performances to devastating losses, the
debuts of top draft picks have been anything but boring. While the preseason can offer valuable insights, it doesn’t always predict how rookies will perform during the regular season.