With the 2024 preseason in the rearview, teams are still determining whether they have rookies who can become immediate difference-makers. Here’s how each first-year class in the AFC South has fared thus far:
Second-round pick cornerback Kamari Lassiter and third-round safety Calen Bullock look like impact players for the Texans on Day 1. The exciting rookie duo have made a solid argument to start and offered a possible glimpse into the future, combining to make a play during a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams that resulted in an interception of quarterback Matthew Stafford, a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion.
Tight end Cade Stover has caught the attention of head coach DeMeco Ryans, who told Will Kunkel of Fox 26 that the fourth-round pick has been “the most consistent player” since camp began. Now, after grabbing five of seven targets for 58 yards (11.6 YPC) over three preseason games, it appears the former Ohio State product will have an opportunity to earn a significant role, especially with starter Dalton Schultz out for the year after suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
Meanwhile, Houston’s potential future left tackle, second-round pick Blake Fisher, has already impressed current starter Laremy Tunsil. The four-time Pro Bowler recently told Texans reporter Cody Stoots that Fisher was a “dog” while praising how he processes information on the field while transitioning from college to the pros. | Complete class from ESPN
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars first-round pick, wideout Brian Thomas Jr., showcased his tremendous skill set early, catching 3-of-4 targets for 93 yards during the preseason while helping produce the ninth-highest passer rating (116.7) among rookie wideouts, according to Pro Football Focus. The rookie has exciting potential, especially since the skill set he brings seems to align perfectly with the strengths of quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Second-round pick defensive tackle Maason Smith has performed well, displaying raw but enticing traits. Through the preseason, he proved capable of shedding blocks, owning the best pass-rush win rate (20.8) among rookie interior linemen, per PFF. | Complete class from ESPN
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts rookie class features several players who could make an immediate impact, including defensive end Laiatu Latu, wideout Adonai Mitchell and offensive lineman Matt Goncalves.
Latu has turned the heads of teammates like linebacker Zaire Franklin, who described the first-round pick as a “timeout waiting to happen,” when speaking with James Boyd of The Athletic. Meanwhile, after tallying his first sack in the Colts preseason finale, he revealed a lofty goal, telling Nate Atkins of the Indianapolis Star that he wants “to get that gold jacket.”
Likewise, Mitchell showed flashes of what he could be during limited preseason snaps, catching three of six targets for 29 yards and a touchdown. At the same time, Goncalves has probably played his way into the swing-tackle role for Indy, as the versatile six-foot-six, 320-pound lineman held his own, taking reps on both the right and left sides. | Complete class from ESPN
Tennessee Titans
After playing right tackle at Alabama, No. 7 pick JC Latham has seamlessly transitioned to left tackle. Through two preseason games of action, he’s looked like the solution to protecting quarterback Will Levis’ blindside alongside 2023 first-rounder Peter Skoronski at left guard.
On the other side of the ball, second-round pick T’vondre Sweat has made a case to be a part of the Titans’ interior rotation, showing the ability to stuff the run and put pressure on the quarterback up the middle.
However, Cedric Gray (fourth-rounder), competing for one of the open linebacker spots, has struggled and dealt with injuries, while Jarvis Brownlee (fifth-rounder) hasn’t stood out among defensive backs. | Compete class from ESPN
