Multiple Contributors
Aug 31, 2024, 07:00 AM ET
The 2024 NFL season is just around the corner, which means it's almost time for this year's rookie class to make their regular-season debuts.
First-year quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix have already been named their team's starters. First-round wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze and Xavier Worthy are entering this season with high expectations. And on the other side of the ball, a few defenders -- like Laiatu Latu -- have drawn a lot of hype throughout the preseason.
So here's our guide to everything you need to know about the rookie class. NFL draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid start by naming early Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates (including their ESPN BET odds to win), then NFL analyst Matt Bowen lists 10 guys who are likely to dominate in fantasy. Miller also picks out five under-the-radar players to watch, Reid shares his notes on the top first-year quarterbacks and fantasy analyst Mike Clay caps it off with his projected rookie stat leaders.
Jump to:
OROY | DROY
Fantasy picks | Sleepers
Quarterback notes | Projections
Reid's top Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates
1. Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears (+140)
Williams brings a sense of stability to a franchise that has struggled to find consistency under center for decades. The Bears have never had a passer throw for more than 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, but it shouldn't come as a surprise if Williams gets close to both of those numbers during his rookie season. Williams walks into a unique situation loaded with talent. He'll be throwing to veteran receivers Keenan Allen and DJ Moore, along with fellow 2024 first-rounder Rome Odunze.
2. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals (+700)
Harrison could be on a fast track to becoming one of the best young receivers in the NFL. He'll immediately step into the WR1 role in Arizona, becoming the go-to target for quarterback Kyler Murray. Harrison's smooth route running and range as a pass catcher give Murray the best target he has had since teaming up with DeAndre Hopkins.
Where does Marvin Harrison Jr. rank among fantasy WRs?
Field Yates breaks down why he believes Marvin Harrison Jr. could be among the top wide receivers in fantasy football this season.
3. Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders (+500)
The No. 2 overall pick was officially named the Commanders' starter by coach Dan Quinn in mid-August. Daniels is an electrifying runner (he rushed for 1,134 yards at LSU last season) and equally as good as a passer, and he will immediately become one of the most dynamic QBs in the league. His deep-ball accuracy has already stood out during the preseason -- he averaged 8.2 yards per attempt over two appearances.
4. Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants (+1100)
There are few rookies who will be as dangerous as Nabers. The No. 6 overall pick is a three-level threat who can change the game in one play, and his skill set has already been showcased on multiple occasions during camp and the preseason. Expect Nabers to become a reliable target in the Giants' offense as they search for more ways to generate explosive plays. He led the nation with 34 catches that gained at least 20 yards last season at LSU.
5. Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs (+2200)
Last season, the Chiefs finished tied for 18th in the NFL in explosive plays -- plays that gained at least 20 yards -- which is a clear step back from what we've seen in past years. Adding Worthy brings a downfield threat back to the offense, as his speed is a headache for defenses to handle. The addition of Worthy alongside Travis Kelce, Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice gives the Chiefs a potent attack around Patrick Mahomes.
Miller's top Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates
1. Byron Murphy II, DT, Seattle Seahawks (+1000)
Murphy was the perfect scheme-fit for new coach Mike Macdonald's defense -- a unit that helped Justin Madubuike become a Pro Bowler and earn a new $98 million contract. Murphy will be lining up in the gap in Seattle, where his quickness, rare movement ability and strength combination will make him an immediate impact in the pass and run games. As seen during his college career at Texas, Murphy has the speed and awesome leverage to be great.
2. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Philadelphia Eagles (+1400)
It remains to be seen exactly what Mitchell's role will be in Year 1 with the Eagles, but in preseason snaps and training camp battles, he has proved to be the sticky cover man the team expected when taking him in the first round. Mitchell has been aligning some in the slot, where his quick feet and fast processing skills are a huge asset. With six interceptions in his final two years at Toledo, Mitchell's ball skills are developed enough to see him quickly flipping the field with his hands.
3. Jared Verse, Edge, Los Angeles Rams (+1000)
The Rams used their first two picks on Florida State defensive linemen -- Verse and Braden Fiske -- and either could be the choice here. I'll go with Verse based on how pro-ready he was coming out of FSU. He has the size (6-foot-4, 260 pounds) to be a true 4-3 defensive end lining up on or outside the tackle, and he has the quickness to be a force off the edge. It's the power in his punch and bull rush that should get folks excited, and it's why he's a very viable DROY candidate.
4. Tyler Nubin, S, New York Giants (+3000)
Nubin will be asked to replace departed safety Xavier McKinney, which is a tall task but one that puts him in position to make the plays to build a resume for DROY. We saw that Nubin is a ball hawk when he pulled down 13 interceptions during his college career at Minnesota. Bringing that nose for the ball and coverage instincts to the Giants' secondary, plus the opportunities presented on this defense, make him a great candidate.
5. Laiatu Latu, Edge, Indianapolis Colts (+425)
Indy made Latu the first defender off the draft board (No. 15 overall) and plans to use him coming off the right side of the defensive line. He has the first-step quickness, arm length and, most importantly, strength and expert use of his hands to become a double-digit sack player this season. (He cracked double-digits in each of his two years at UCLA.)
Bowen's top rookies for fantasy football
1. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals
Harrison steps in as Murray's top option in the pass game, where he can use his pro-ready route running to uncover and isolate in the red zone for scoring opportunities. Considering the anticipated volume for Harrison, he's in a position to produce fringe WR1 numbers as a rookie.
2. Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants
Nabers is an explosive mover in the route tree with three-level ability, plus the physical catch and run ability to produce in open grass. If the Giants can get more consistent play from quarterback Daniel Jones, Nabers could elevate quickly as a lower-end WR2.
3. Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears
Odunze has the physical profile (6-3, 215 pounds) to operate as a boundary/red zone target for Caleb Williams, while also stretching defenses to make plays on contested throws. Odunze joins a crowded wide receiver room in Chicago, but he can produce WR3 weeks as a rookie in a Bears' offense that will use three-WR sets.
4. Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
Williams has the ability to create difference-making plays, and the Bears' offense upgraded at wideout around him this offseason. Williams should be targeted as a high-end QB2 who can provide immediate returns in superflex formats, but he has the talent to jump into the lower-tier QB1 mix as the season progresses.
5. Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
Bowers has the route running chops to get loose against safeties and linebackers, and he's a rugged mover after the catch. He should be targeted as a fringe TE1 and could produce breakout weeks.
6. Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders
Daniels is an electric dual-threat talent with the field vision and throwing efficiency to deliver the ball consistently from the pocket. With a proven No. 1 target in wide receiver Terry McLaurin, Daniels can be drafted as an upside QB2 who has the ability to produce early in Year 1.
Stephen A. on rookie QBs: 'Jayden Daniels is somebody to be reckoned with'
Stephen A. Smith shares his thoughts on the competition for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after Jayden Daniels' impressive preseason play.
7. Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
A smooth mover with 4.21 speed, Worthy can take the top off the defense or simply run away from coverage on crossers and over routes in Andy Reid's offense. While Travis Kelce remains the top option for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Worthy has the speed and big-play ability to produce potential WR3 numbers.
8. Jonathon Brooks, RB, Carolina Panthers
Brooks is recovering from an ACL injury suffered in November and will be out for at least the first four games of the season. When he is cleared to play, though, Brooks has the three-down traits to create an immediate fantasy impact. He is a slasher in the run game and can win matchups as a pass catcher. Brooks can be targeted as flex option this season.
9. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Thomas adds a vertical element to the pass game for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, with the ball-tracking skills and third-level separation traits to cash in. He found the end zone for 17 touchdown catches last season at LSU, the most in the nation. Target Thomas as a WR3 who can produce breakout games.
10. Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
McConkey is a savvy route runner who can win one-on-ones and benefit from the play-action elements in coach Jim Harbaugh's offense on throws to the middle of the field. There's opportunity for McConkey to emerge quickly from the Chargers' receiving room as a volume target for quarterback Justin Herbert, making him a viable WR3 option.
Miller's under-the-radar rookies to watch
1. Zach Frazier, C, Pittsburgh Steelers
Frazier had a first-round grade on my board, so maybe it's no surprise that he's already wowing with his reps in the preseason. He has the look of a future All-Pro. Frazier's movement skills and strength at the point of attack were standout traits in college, and they're already popping off the field in the pros.
2. Caedan Wallace, OT, New England Patriots
The Patriots' third-round pick played exclusively at right tackle while at Penn State, but he flashed the mobility to move to the left side in the pros. He has handled it very well throughout the summer, and the Pats appear to have found a long-term starter with the 68th overall pick.
3. Austin Booker, Edge, Chicago Bears
With pick No. 144 in the draft, Chicago took a flier on a high-potential player after Booker started in just one game during his college career (though he did have over 450 snaps). The addition of Montez Sweat last year gave the Bears a top-tier rusher, but Booker's flashes in camp have been high enough to think he might work into the starting lineup opposite the star veteran early in his rookie season. With trademark speed and bend, Booker has double-digit sack potential.
4. Renardo Green, CB, San Francisco 49ers
If you watched the 49ers last season, you noticed how badly the team needed an upgrade at the third cornerback spot. Green was drafted late in the second round to be that impact player. He has already flashed the instincts, toughness and timing to be the team's nickel corner. Green's feisty style of play could immediately boost the Niners' defense in the slot.
5. Jaden Hicks, S, Kansas City Chiefs
It never made sense that Hicks fell to the fourth round of the 2024 draft. The Chiefs stole him at pick No. 133 and have already seen a return on investment with strong play in camp and the preseason. Hicks might not start -- he's behind Justin Reid on the depth chart -- but in Steve Spagnuolo's defense, he has a chance to be the third safety or nickel linebacker in a role similar to team favorite Drue Tranquill.
Reid's notes on the rookie quarterback starters
With the Bears' loaded receiving unit, Caleb Williams enters a situation that's arguably the best ever for a quarterback drafted in the top 10. Expect a lot of attacking concepts from offensive coordinator Shane Waldron that showcase Williams' ability in the intermediate and deep areas of the field. And because of his pocket movement traits, the Bears' offense will likely allow Williams to operate outside of structure -- one of his best attributes as a prospect. In order to grow, Williams will need to straddle the line between going for the big play and just taking what the defense gives him.
Hawkins' advice for Caleb Williams: He needs to control the game
Former NFL wide receiver Andrew Hawkins says Caleb Williams' game sense, not his arm, will lead him to success for the Bears.
Jayden Daniels could be the rookie passer who gets off to the fastest start because of his dual-threat ability. Not only is he a dynamic threat on the ground, but he also has the arm to stress defenses through the air. Known for his creative run schemes, Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will likely involve Daniels heavily as a runner early in the season as he adapts to the pro game as a passer.
Bo Nix's pairing with Broncos coach Sean Payton makes sense because of his accuracy, calmness from the pocket and quick decision-making. Some of those traits have already translated in the preseason, but he will need to stay consistent with playing on time, staying in-rhythm and executing good ball placement in Year 1.
Clay's projected rookie class leaders
Passing yards
1. Caleb Williams: 3,537
2. Jayden Daniels: 3,460
3. Drake Maye: 3,203
Passing TDs
1. Caleb Williams: 23
2. Bo Nix: 17
3. Drake Maye: 16
Passing interceptions
1. Jayden Daniels: 14
T-2. Caleb Williams: 13
T-2. Bo Nix: 13
T-2. Drake Maye: 13
QB rushing yards
1. Jayden Daniels: 587
2. Caleb Williams: 311
3. Drake Maye: 309
Rushing yards
1. Jonathon Brooks: 655
2. Blake Corum: 565
3. Bucky Irving: 450
Rushing TDs
1. Jonathon Brooks: 5
2. Blake Corum: 4
3. Isaac Guerendo: 2
RB receiving yards
1. Bucky Irving: 192
2. Jonathon Brooks: 174
3. Blake Corum: 130
Receiving yards
1. Marvin Harrison Jr.: 1,114
2. Malik Nabers: 1,078
3. Brian Thomas Jr.: 814
Receiving TDs
T-1. Marvin Harrison Jr.: 6
T-1: Rome Odunze: 6
3. Malik Nabers: 5
Tackles
1. Omar Speights: 83
2. Tyler Nubin: 77
3. Javon Bullard: 71
Sacks
1. Jared Verse: 7
2. Laiatu Latu: 6
3. Dallas Turner: 4
Interceptions
T-1. Tyler Nubin: 2
T-1. Terrion Arnold: 2
* Numerous other rookie defenders tied for second with one projected interception.
