Ranking the NFL’s Top 10 Rookies: Who’s Dominating the 2024 Season?
The 2024 NFL rookie class is turning heads as we approach the final stretch of the regular season. With just four weeks left, these first-year players are making their mark in a big way. From record-breaking tight ends to quarterbacks leading playoff pushes, this rookie class is packed with talent. Let’s dive into the top 10 rookies of the season so far, as ranked by NFL analysts Matt Bowen, Jeff Legwold, Matt Miller, and Jordan Reid. Plus, we’ll explore which rookies could shine in the playoffs and who’s primed for a breakout sophomore season.
1. Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
Stats: 87 receptions, 933 yards, 4 TDs
Drafted: No. 13
Ranking after Week 10: No. 2
Brock Bowers has been nothing short of sensational. The Raiders’ tight end has already broken the rookie record for receptions by a tight end, surpassing Sam LaPorta’s 86 catches from last season. Now, he’s chasing a record that’s stood since 1961: Mike Ditka’s 1,076 receiving yards. With four games left, Bowers is on pace to make history. He’s been targeted on 25% of his routes and ranks fifth in receiving yards among all pass-catchers. Some evaluators even argue he’s the best tight end in the league right now. — Legwold
2. Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders
Stats: 2,819 passing yards, 15 TDs, 6 INTs; 590 rushing yards, 6 TDs
Drafted: No. 2
Ranking after Week 10: No. 1
Jayden Daniels started the season on fire, even entering the MVP conversation. While he hit a rough patch in November, he bounced back with a four-touchdown game against the Titans in Week 14. Daniels is thriving in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, ranking fourth in completion percentage (69.6%) and sixth in QBR (68.4). With favorable matchups ahead, he could finish the season strong and reclaim his spot as the top rookie. — Reid
3. Jared Verse, Edge, Los Angeles Rams
Stats: 56 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Drafted: No. 19
Ranking after Week 10: No. 3
Jared Verse has been a game-changer for the Rams. With 39 QB pressures (10th-most in the league) and a run stop win rate of 31%, he’s proving to be a force on both passing and running downs. His Pro Bowl-level play is a big reason why the Rams’ defense is thriving. — Bowen
4. Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos
Stats: 2,842 passing yards, 17 TDs, 8 INTs; 304 rushing yards, 4 TDs
Drafted: No. 12
Ranking after Week 10: Just missed
Bo Nix has been a revelation for the Broncos, leading them to a 74% playoff probability. His ability to connect on deep throws, like his 93-yard bomb to Marvin Mims Jr., and his efficiency in the short game have been key. Nix’s confidence is growing, and he’s peaking at the right time. — Miller
5. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
Stats: 40 tackles, 10 passes defended, 10 pass breakups
Drafted: No. 22
Ranking after Week 10: No. 7
Quinyon Mitchell has been a lockdown corner for the Eagles, not allowing a single touchdown in coverage this season. Playing 97% of defensive snaps, he’s a cornerstone of the league’s No. 1 defense. — Legwold
T-6. Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants
Stats: 80 receptions, 819 receiving yards, 3 TDs
Drafted: No. 6
Ranking after Week 10: No. 4
Malik Nabers has been a bright spot for the Giants, ranking eighth in receiving yards per game (74.5). His ability to create yards after the catch has made him a nightmare for defenders. — Reid
T-6. Zach Frazier, C, Pittsburgh Steelers
Stats: 11 starts, 93.2% pass block win rate, 73.5% run block win rate
Drafted: No. 51
Ranking after Week 10: No. 6
Frazier has been a key piece of the Steelers’ run-heavy offense, which ranks second in rushing attempts. His physicality and tone-setting play have been crucial. — Bowen
8. Joe Alt, OT, Los Angeles Chargers
Stats: 12 starts, 93.5% pass block win rate, 77.8% run block win rate
Drafted: No. 5
Ranking after Week 10: No. 10
Joe Alt has been a rock for the Chargers, keeping Justin Herbert upright and the offense humming. His pass block win rate ranks sixth among all tackles. — Miller
9. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals
Stats: 45 receptions, 655 receiving yards, 7 TDs
Drafted: No. 4
Ranking after Week 10: No. 5
While Harrison’s chemistry with Kyler Murray has been inconsistent, his seven touchdowns show his potential. He’s a big-play threat waiting to explode. — Legwold
T-10. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Stats: 54 receptions, 851 receiving yards, 6 TDs
Drafted: No. 23
Ranking after Week 10: No. 8
Despite the Jaguars’ struggles, Thomas has been a consistent deep threat, averaging 15.8 yards per reception. — Reid
T-10. Cooper DeJean, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
Stats: 40 tackles, 5 passes defended, 5 pass breakups, 0.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery
Drafted: No. 40
Ranking after Week 10: Just missed
DeJean has been a revelation in the Eagles’ secondary, excelling in both zone and man coverage. His versatility has been a huge asset. — Bowen
Which Rookie Could Shine in the Playoffs?
Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs. Worthy’s speed and ability to stretch the field make him a potential game-changer for the Chiefs. Andy Reid’s creative play-calling could unlock his full potential in the postseason. — Bowen
Who Will Break Out Next Season?
Max Melton, CB, Arizona Cardinals. Melton has shown flashes of brilliance and could take on a bigger role in 2025. — Legwold
Which First-Rounder is Underperforming?
Dallas Turner, LB, Minnesota Vikings. Turner has just one sack this season, a disappointing return for the No. 17 overall pick. — Miller
Which Late-Rounder is Overperforming?
Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Irving has been a standout in Tampa Bay’s backfield, averaging 5.4 yards per carry and excelling as both a runner and receiver. — Reid
Originally Written by: Jeff Legwold
