The NFL’s 5 Best Rookies of 2024
Brian Thomas (WR, JAX)
Dec 29, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr (7) celebrates the first down against the the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images.
The NFL playoffs enter the Divisional Round this weekend, and the Detroit Lions (+250) remain the odds-on favorite to win the chip in February.
Best NFL Rookies: The Top 5 of 2024
Several rookies — like dozens — performed wonderfully this season, scattered throughout the business and regardless of draft round.
The following five players represent the league’s top five rookies of 2024, ranked in ascending order, according to Pro Football Focus and other applicable statistics.
5. Ladd McConkey (WR)
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) scores on a pass in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images.
Team: Los Angeles Chargers
PFF Grade: 84.3
McConkey is set up wonderfully for the future because he’s the WR1 beyond the shadow of a doubt for a team led by Justin Herbert. In fact, one might argue there isn’t much else after McConkey on the depth chart. He could use a WR running mate.
The rookie notched 1,149 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns during his NFL debut, a fantastic statline for anybody, not just a first-year pass-catcher.
4. Jared Verse (EDGE)
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse (8) recovers a fumble against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Team: Los Angeles Rams
PFF Grade: 87.9
Verse took a fumble return to the house on Monday night against the Vikings, solidifying his name in Rams lore forever. He cannot be erased.
The Florida State alumnus ranks fourth in the NFL per quarterback pressures (77), trailing Myles Garrett, Trey Hendrickson, and Jonathan Greenard. Verse is here to stay. The guy might also win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
3. Brian Thomas (WR)
Dec 22, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) gains yardage against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images.
Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
PFF Grade: 82.0
Thomas stacked 1,282 receiving yards, grabbing passes from the crummy version of Trevor Lawrence and, later, Mac Jones.
Imagine his production with the pristine-upside version of Lawrence or a quarterback better than Jones. His potential is limitless.
If you’re a Dynasty Fantasy Manager, you can pretty much trade any 2025 draft pick of 1.03 or below for Thomas and feel good about it. He’s that legitimate.
2. Brock Bowers (TE)
Jan 5, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Team: Las Vegas Raiders
PFF Grade: 85.1
With Travis Kelce drying up, George Kittle tunneling into his 30s, and Mark Andrews on the back nine, Bowers is the new gold standard at tight end.
Like Thomas, his quarterback performance wasn’t tidy, but he got the job done anyway. Bowers tabulated 112 catches for 1,1194 yards — unholy for a rookie tight end.
1. Jayden Daniels (QB)
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) scrambles during the second quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images.
Team: Washington Commanders
PFF Grade: 90.1
The man tasked with toppling the heavily favored Detroit Lions on Saturday takes home the Draft Huddle bacon.
Daniels always looks like the calmest human alive, a characteristic uncommon for a rookie. He produced 4,459 passing and rushing yards and 31 touchdowns altogether.
He doesn’t need his team to beat the Lions for a successful season, but his legend will fly to the moon if so.
Daniels is the NFL’s best rookie and will win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the Minnesota Vikings, with 4-7 episodes per week. His NFL obsession dates back to 1989. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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