Evaluating the NFL’s Top Rookie Classes of 2024

After the excitement of the NFL draft, the reality is that not every rookie is going to be an instant star. Some will struggle to make an impact, while others will be sidelined by injuries. However, for some teams, their rookie classes will immediately shine, contributing in major ways both on and off the field. Here’s a ranking of the top rookie classes of 2024, based solely on their contributions this season.

1. Los Angeles Rams

The Rams’ rookie class was both deep and impactful, with seven rookies earning at least 10 total points in production. The standout player is linebacker Jared Verse, a candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year who registered 4.5 sacks and 76 pressures, ranking 14th in pass rush win rate. Another key contributor was defensive tackle Braden Fiske, who led the Rams with 8.5 sacks in eight starts. Omar Speights, an undrafted free agent, took over as a starting inside linebacker midseason and made a strong impact. On offense, Beaux Limmer and Blake Corum provided solid depth, with Corum adding 207 rushing yards and 58 receiving yards. This was a class that was both deep and impactful across multiple positions.

Rams’ 2024 Draft Picks

• Round 1/19: Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
• Round 2/39: Braden Fiske (DT, Florida State)
• Round 3/83: Blake Corum (RB, Michigan)
• Round 3/99: Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami)
• Round 6/196: Tyler Davis (DT, Clemson)
• Round 6/209: Joshua Karty (K, Stanford)
• Round 6/213: Jordan Whittington (WR, Texas)
• Round 6/217: Beaux Limmer (C, Arkansas)
• Round 7/254: KT Leveston (G, Kansas State)

2. Washington Commanders

The Commanders’ rookie class is highlighted by Jayden Daniels, the favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, who finished 4th in QBR. Mike Sainristil, a second-round pick, started all 16 games and had two interceptions and 14 passes defensed. Defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton contributed with 44 combined tackles in 11 starts. Brandon Coleman, a third-round pick, proved to be a solid addition at left tackle with impressive pass and run blocking metrics. While their quarterback situation is drawing attention, Washington’s draft class also features solid depth with players like Ben Sinnott and Luke McCaffrey, both of whom could make an even bigger impact in the future.

Commanders’ 2024 Draft Picks

• Round 1/2: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)
• Round 2/36: Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois)
• Round 2/50: Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan)
• Round 2/53: Ben Sinnott (TE, Kansas State)
• Round 3/67: Brandon Coleman (OT, TCU)
• Round 3/100: Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice)
• Round 5/139: Jordan Magee (LB, Temple)
• Round 5/161: Dominique Hampton (S, Washington)
• Round 7/222: Javontae Jean-Baptiste (EDGE, Notre Dame)

3. Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers’ rookie class was top-heavy with Joe Alt (OT) and Ladd McConkey (WR) making immediate impacts. Alt, the No. 5 overall pick, was outstanding in pass protection, ranking 4th in pass block win rate. McConkey had a phenomenal season with 82 catches for 1,149 yards and 7 touchdowns, ranking 9th in DYAR. Tarheeb Still, a fifth-round cornerback, was another standout, ranking 3rd in coverage DVOA, a remarkable achievement considering his challenging assignments. The Chargers’ rookies have shown they can contribute at a high level, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Chargers’ 2024 Draft Picks

• Round 1/5: Joe Alt (OT, Notre Dame)
• Round 2/34: Ladd McConkey (WR, Georgia)
• Round 3/69: Junior Colson (LB, Michigan)
• Round 4/105: Justin Eboigbe (DT, Alabama)
• Round 5/137: Tarheeb Still (CB, Maryland)
• Round 5/140: Cam Hart (CB, Notre Dame)
• Round 6/181: Kimani Vidal (RB, Troy)
• Round 7/225: Brenden Rice (WR, USC)
• Round 7/253: Cornelius Johnson (WR, Michigan)

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay’s rookie class made significant strides, especially on offense. Bucky Irving emerged as a key running back, rushing for over 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns while also contributing in the passing game with 392 receiving yards. Jalen McMillan, another late-blooming offensive player, finished the season strong with 461 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. On defense, Tykee Smith, a third-round safety, was highly effective as a slot cornerback, ranking 6th in coverage DVOA. This class showcased both key contributors on offense and defense, with solid depth across multiple positions.

Buccaneers’ 2024 Draft Picks

• Round 1/26: Graham Barton (C, Duke)
• Round 2/57: Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama)
• Round 3/89: Tykee Smith (S, Georgia)
• Round 3/92: Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington)
• Round 4/125: Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon)
• Round 6/220: Elijah Klein (G, UTEP)
• Round 7/246: Devin Culp (TE, Washington)

These rookie classes have made an undeniable impact in 2024, with standout players on both sides of the ball. The Rams, Commanders, Chargers, and Buccaneers are all ahead of the curve when it comes to integrating their new talent, and these rookies could be crucial to their teams’ future success.