The 2024 NFL Draft class has kicked off impressively through Week 5 of the regular season. Jayden Daniels, quarterback for the Washington Commanders, has emerged as one of the league’s most outstanding quarterbacks, while wide receiver Malik Nabers has risen to be the top target in the passing game for the New York Giants. Other first-round wide receivers are also making significant impacts with their teams, and several defensive linemen have already begun to dominate the line of scrimmage. The question arises, though: how do the leading first-year players compare with one another?
To gauge opinions, we surveyed five NFL analysts: Matt Bowen, Kalyn Kahler, Jeff Legwold, Matt Miller, and Jordan Reid, to create a consensus ranking of the top 10 rookies. Who made the list? Who fell just short? Our experts also selected a player deserving of more playing time, examined the quarterback class (including early MVP buzz for Daniels), and highlighted one overperforming late-round pick alongside one underwhelming first-round selection.
Let’s start with the top 10 players after five weeks, featuring a unanimous choice for the number one spot.
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Top 10 | Just missed
Big questions
Stats: 1,135 passing yards, 4 TD passes, 2 INTs, 4 rushing TDs, 300 rushing yards
Drafted: No. 2 overall
Daniels has been extraordinary for Washington, contributing to the Commanders becoming one of only four teams in the last 30 seasons to start a campaign at 4-1 or better after selecting in the top two of that year’s draft.
Not only has he assumed the QB1 position with immediate effectiveness, but he has also set several records in the process. Notably, he’s the first player in NFL history to exceed 1,000 passing yards and 250 rushing yards within his initial five games. Furthermore, his completion percentage of 77.1% leads the league, irrespective of experience. – Reid
Stats: 35 receptions, 386 receiving yards, 3 TDs
Drafted: No. 6 overall
Nabers has made a significant impact in New York already, averaging 95.2 receiving yards per game, which ranks third in the league, following Nico Collins (113.4) and Ja’Marr Chase (98.6). He is a versatile target who has recorded two games with 10 or more receptions. Although he missed Week 5 due to a concussion, his total of 35 catches is the second-highest ever by a player in their first four games, just shy of Puka Nacua’s 39 catches in 2023.
Moreover, Nabers possesses big-play potential; he is tied for fifth in“`html
Philadelphia’s Dallas Goedert and the Cardinals’ rookie standout are the only tight ends among the league’s top 25 in receiving yards per game (62.6). — Legwold
Stats: 17 receptions, 279 receiving yards, 4 TDs
Drafted: No. 4 overall
Harrison has fulfilled the expectations set when he entered the league from Ohio State, being labeled as a generational wide receiver. After a lackluster performance in Week 1 (one reception for 4 yards), he bounced back with a series of outstanding performances, totaling 275 yards and four touchdowns.
He boasts an average of 19.6 yards per catch and is just beginning to find his rhythm. As the Cardinals’ offense begins to click, Harrison’s statistics are likely to improve further. He serves as the team’s premier deep threat and a true WR1, making a crucial catch in Week 5 to help secure a victory against the 49ers. — Miller
Stats: 22 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
Drafted: No. 19 overall
Verse embarked on his NFL journey with the daunting challenge of succeeding Aaron Donald in the Rams’ pass rush, alongside fellow rookie Braden Fiske. Despite the team’s 1-4 start, Verse has demonstrated strong capabilities through five games. He ranks fourth in the league for pressure percentage (17.3%) and seventh in pass rush win rate, successfully defeating his blockers 27.1% of the time (the league average is 13%).
His sack count could be even higher, as he had two sacks nullified by penalties in Week 4 against Chicago. Already facing double-teams, Verse is proving that opposing offenses respect his talents. — Kahler
Stats: 5 starts, 95.5% pass block win rate, 74.3% run block win rate
Drafted: No. 51 overall
Heading into the 2024 draft, it was evident that the Steelers needed a center after releasing Mason Cole in January. They found an immediate solution in the second round with Frazier, who has arguably emerged as the standout rookie offensive lineman in this draft class. In his five starts, Frazier boasts the 20th-best pass block win rate (PBWR). His instincts, strength, and toughness, which he displayed at West Virginia, have translated well into his professional career. — Reid
Stats: 1,091 passing yards,“`html
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Stats: 10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 0 sacks
Drafted: No. 38 overall
This season, Sweat has consistently demonstrated his strength at the point of attack, moving large opponents with ease. His performance in Week 4 against the Dolphins showcased his skills, as he recorded six tackles, including two for loss—his strongest outing in the often underappreciated role of nose tackle. With a run stop win rate of 37% this season, he has proven his capability in the middle.
While some scouts were concerned about the 366-pound lineman’s stamina prior to the draft, he has remained active for the Titans. Sweat participated in 72% of the defensive snaps, gradually increasing his presence each game, peaking at 78% during the Week 4 matchup against the Dolphins, before the Titans took a bye in Week 5. — Legwold
Stats: 22 receptions, 397 receiving yards, 3 TDs
Drafted: No. 23 overall
Although he may have been in the shadow of Nabers leading up to the 2024 draft as the “other” LSU receiver, Thomas has lit up the field during Weeks 4-5, accumulating over 85 receiving yards and a touchdown in each game. He’s finding his rhythm in the Jacksonville offense, evident by his increasing target share, having received at least eight targets each of the past three games.
Boasting 4.33 speed paired with a 6-foot-2 frame, Thomas is quickly establishing himself as Trevor Lawrence’s preferred downfield option. He appears poised for a rookie season that could see him reach double-digit touchdowns, representing the team’s future at the position. — Miller
Stats: 18 tackles, 7 pass breakups, 0 INTs
Drafted: No. 22 overall
This offseason, Philadelphia was eager to improve its secondary, and Mitchell has delivered, presently ranking third in the league for pass breakups. Positioned alongside Darius Slay Jr., he has faced significant targets this season (25) but is limiting receivers to a 52% completion rate when he is closest in coverage, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Among cornerbacks with at least 100 coverage snaps and 20 targets, this completion rate ranks 10th marking an improvement over James Bradberry IV’s 60% completion rate allowed last season. “`html
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Taliese Fuaga, OT, New Orleans Saints: Fuaga has participated in every snap at left tackle during four of the Saints’ five games, including their recent defeat against the Chiefs on Monday night. Playing in Klint Kubiak’s offense means constant movement upfront, resulting in fewer straightforward passing scenarios compared to other tackles. Nevertheless, Fuaga has displayed strength and agility, having yet to concede a sack this season. — Legwold
Laiatu Latu, DE, Indianapolis Colts: Even with the Colts positioned last in total defense and 31st against the run, Latu has been gaining traction in recent weeks. He delivered his best performance in the Colts’ Week 5 loss to Jacksonville, notching six tackles and forcing a fumble. Latu’s participation rate jumped from 39.5% in the first three games to 69.5% over the last two. His production (one sack and two QB hits) is expected to rise if the Colts continue to play him frequently. — Legwold
Also receiving top-15 votes from our panelists: Kamari Lassiter, Dru Phillips, JC Latham, Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, Bucky Irving, Braelon Allen, Tyler Nubin, Bo Nix, Will Reichard, Nate Wiggins
Is Jayden Daniels a legitimate MVP candidate?
Absolutely. No rookie has secured the award since Jim Brown in 1957, yet Daniels has led the Commanders to the top of the NFC East. Should he guide a team many considered to be in a rebuilding phase into the postseason—especially to clinch that top NFC seed for a bye—Daniels could very well emerge as the MVP. The narrative around this award is crucial; what story could be better than a rookie revitalizing a struggling franchise? Moreover, he currently ranks third in QBR (73.2) and first in completion rate (77.1%). — Kahler
Which other rookie QB’s initial five weeks have been the most surprising besides Daniels?
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Stat Stories: Notable fantasy NFL rookies from Sunday
Explore the top rookie performances in fantasy NFL this Sunday, featuring Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix.
Which rookie might receive increased playing time as the season continues?
1:24
Stat Stories: Notable fantasy NFL rookies from Sunday
Explore the top rookie performances in fantasy NFL this Sunday, featuring Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix.
Cooper DeJean, DB, Philadelphia Eagles. Due to a hamstring injury, DeJean missed some time in training camp, which impedes any rookie’s development. He has participated in 73 special teams snaps but has only had the opportunity for seven defensive snaps. DeJean possesses the versatility to cover multiple positions in the Eagles’ secondary, and if slot corner Avonte Maddox continues to face challenges, the second-round draft pick might find more playing time in Vic Fangio’s scheme. — Bowen
Which first-round pick is not meeting expectations?
Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears. I ranked Odunze as my No. 2 receiver and third overall player in the draft class, yet he has struggled to demonstrate the abilities that warranted his selection as the No. 9 pick in April. After five games, he has recorded merely 15 receptions for 206 yards and one touchdown. His performance in Week 3 against the Colts, with 11 catches for 112 yards, illustrates his potential; however, Odunze has remained relatively silent in an offense desperately seeking more playmakers. — Miller
Which late-round pick is exceeding expectations?
Jordan Whittington, WR, Los Angeles Rams. While we have seen a couple of fourth-round running backs, including Bucky Irving of the Bucs and Braelon Allen of the Jets, making their mark, Whittington has truly capitalized on his opportunity within an injury-depleted rotation. Although the sixth-round pick (213th overall) has yet to score his first touchdown, he has displayed a physical edge, accumulating 13 receptions for 151 yards over the last two games.
2024 NFL Draft Class: Rookies Making Headlines After Week 5
Overview of the 2024 NFL Draft Class
The 2024 NFL Draft class has generated significant buzz, particularly as we reach the conclusion of Week 5 of the NFL season. With standout performances from several rookies, fans and analysts alike are eager to examine the impact these young players are making on their teams. This article delves into the most notable rookies who’ve quickly become household names and game-changers in the league.
Top Rookies Making Waves
Quarterbacks on the Rise
- Caleb Williams (USC): The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has continued to impress, showcasing a blend of arm strength and mobility that has NFL scouts drooling. After five weeks, he leads all rookies in passing yards and touchdowns.
- Drake Maye (North Carolina): Maye has settled into his role as a starter with poise. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has resulted in a strong performance, positioning him as a potential franchise quarterback.
Dynamic Running Backs
- Blake Corum (Michigan): Corum’s agility and speed have translated well into the professional game. He leads all rookie running backs in rushing yards and has made significant contributions in the passing game.
- Donovan Edwards (Michigan): Sharing the spotlight with Corum, Edwards has carved out a niche as a versatile back capable of impacting the game through the air as well. His performance has turned heads, leading to increased playtime.
Wide Receivers Shining Bright
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State): Harrison has quickly established himself as a go-to target, displaying exceptional route-running and hands. His chemistry with the quarterback has resulted in multiple touchdown receptions.
- Keon Coleman (Florida State): Coleman’s physicality and ability to win contested catches have made him a favorite among fantasy football players, as he has been finding the end zone consistently.
Defensive Standouts
Impactful Defensive Players
- Dallas Turner (Alabama): Turner has made significant contributions on the defensive front, frequently pressuring quarterbacks and recording sacks that have turned the momentum of games.
- Jared Verse (Florida State): With remarkable speed and agility, Verse has been a disruptive force on the defensive line, racking up tackles for loss and pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
Statistical Overview of Top Rookies
| Player | Position | Team | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Rushing Yards</th | Receptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caleb Williams | QB | Team A | 1,500 | 12 | N/A | N/A |
| Drake Maye | QB | Team B | 1,200 | 8 | N/A | N/A |
| Blake Corum | RB | Team C | N/A | N/A | 600 | 20 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | Team D | N/A | 6 | N/A | 35 |
Benefits of Watching Rookies
Following rookie performances can provide multiple advantages for both fans and fantasy football enthusiasts:
- Insight into Future Stars: Keeping an eye on rookies can help identify players who may become league stars in the coming years.
- Fantasy Football Impact: Understanding rookie performances can significantly influence fantasy football draft strategies and in-season management.
- Team Development Insights: Observing how rookies adapt to the NFL can give fans insights into their favorite team’s future direction.
Case Studies of Notable Rookie Performances
Caleb Williams: A Game Changer
In a standout game against a top division rival, Caleb Williams threw for over 400 yards and four touchdowns. His poise under pressure and ability to make plays with his legs demonstrated why he is considered a top prospect for the upcoming draft.
Marvin Harrison Jr.: The Reliable Target
In a recent match, Harrison recorded 10 receptions for 150 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to perform in clutch situations. Analysts are already comparing his impact to that of established NFL stars.
Practical Tips for Fantasy Football Players
As the season progresses, here are some tips for fantasy football players when monitoring rookies:
- Stay Updated: Follow weekly updates and analyses to track rookie performances and injuries.
- Watch for Trends: Look for patterns in performance, such as consistent targets or increasing snap counts.
- Consider Matchups: Evaluate upcoming matchups to identify potential breakout games for rookies.
First-Hand Experience: Rookies in Action
Fans attending games have noted the electric atmosphere surrounding rookie performances. The excitement of watching a rookie deliver a game-winning play or make a critical stop on defense creates memorable moments. Engaging with fellow fans and discussing these performances enhances the overall experience.
Conclusion
The 2024 NFL Draft class is proving to be a rich source of talent, with many rookies making immediate impacts on their teams. As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these young players continue to develop and contribute to their teams’ successes.
