NFL Analysis
1/7/25
16 min read
2024 NFL All-Rookie Team: Who Were Season's Top Rookie Performers?
The 2024 NFL Draft might be the most impactful draft class in years, with rookies across the league playing crucial roles for their respective teams this season.
Rookies set franchise (and NFL) records throughout this season, wasting no time coming into the league. Others may not have put up video game numbers, but they were still able to play key roles for their respective teams to help them get into the postseason.
The competition is fierce this year, but let's dive into our selections for the 2024 All-Rookie team.
2024 All-rookie Team
Casual dime with free runner LB in his free... Jayden Daniels has some WOW each week. pic.twitter.com/IccPTMhZdS
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) November 12, 2024
Quarterback
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders 
From being a Heisman Trophy winner to starting a playoff game, Jayden Daniels has been on a dream path to the NFL.
Daniels hit the ground running immediately for Washington this season, potentially paving the way to the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He led the Commanders to a playoff berth with a 12-5 record, throwing for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine touchdowns while rushing for another 891 yards and six touchdowns.
That dual-threat ability made Daniels difficult to defend on off-script plays, but he also did an impressive job of playing within structure as a pure passer. He posted a 105.3 passer rating on throws less than 2.5 seconds after the snap, showing his ability to make quick decisions in the passing game.
A team that went just 4-13 last season is now in the playoffs, and that's not possible without nailing their first-round pick at quarterback.
Second Team: Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Bucky Irving highlights through Week 8 pic.twitter.com/845XfIzDsH
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) October 29, 2024
Running Back
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucky Irving didn't hear his name called until the fourth round of the draft, likely due to concerns about his sub-200-pound frame. However, Irving quickly eased any concerns about his ability to handle a heavy workload by dominating for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in his first season.
Irving finished the year with 5.4 yards per carry, rushing for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns. He also led the NFL with 4.03 yards after contact per carry, showing that his contact balance while at Oregon was always going to translate to the pro level.
The emergence of Irving took the pressure off of Tampa Bay's passing game this year, and it's a big reason why they made the playoffs and won the NFC South title.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants
A former college wide receiver, Tyrone Tracy transitioned to running back in his final year at Purdue. The move paid off, and as a rookie, he became a dual-threat running back for the New York Giants.
Tracy surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards as a rookie, rushing for 839 yards while adding another 284 yards as a pass-catching option out of the backfield.
The Giants' offense is still a work in progress, and they desperately need a franchise quarterback. Still, at least they have a pair of promising rookie skill players to prepare their next quarterback for success.
Second Team: Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills, Braelon Allen, New York Jets
Brian Thomas Jr. has a disgusting release game.
— Zareh Kantzabedian (@ZKantzFF) December 16, 2024
His footwork at the stem is beautiful. He plays it low and off the insides of his feet.
DB is playing inside leverage, so he sells the outside fake hard with his entire body.
This demands a lot of violence from his lower body. pic.twitter.com/CeWKZMFp7V
Wide Receiver
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
He had to wait until the 22nd pick to hear his name called, but Brian Thomas Jr. has looked like one of the best rookies in the league this year.
BTJ put up huge numbers for Jacksonville despite playing significant time without QB Trevor Lawrence. Thomas Jr. finished the year catching 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns while leading all rookie receivers with 2.45 yards per route run.
In fact, his YPRR was the sixth-best mark in the NFL, ahead of players like Mike Evans and Ja'Marr Chase. His efficiency, explosiveness, and height/weight/speed profile make him look like a future superstar for the Jaguars, especially with a healthy Lawrence throwing him the ball.
Malik Nabers, New York Giants
Being a No. 1 receiver comes with a certain mentality, which can be viewed as abrasive by some. That's exactly what Malik Nabers has brought to New York, demanding the football and thriving when it's thrown his way.
Nabers set the franchise record with 109 catches this season, going for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. That's in spite of a revolving door of quarterbacks that included Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, and Drew Lock throwing him the football.
That production comes with Nabers missing two games, so just imagine how productive he could be in 2025 with a healthy season and reliable quarterback play.
Second Team: Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers, Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals
Brock Bowers needs 9 Receptions to BREAK the TE single season receptions record held by Zach Ertz in 2018.
— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) January 4, 2025
Brock Bowers is accomplishing this during his ROOKIE season while catching passes from Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder..
Brock Bowers is Generational. pic.twitter.com/Zej7vbzOTM
Tight End
Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders
Putting Brock Bowers on the All-Rookie team was the easiest decision on the entire list. The former Georgia Bulldogs standout set multiple records this season, including the rookie receptions record (112) and rookie receiving yards record for a tight end (1,194).
Once the Raiders traded away Davante Adams, Bowers became the No. 1 target for their passing game, and for good reason. His size and athleticism make him almost impossible to guard compared to other tight ends around the league.
It's still early, but Bowers has quickly asserted himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
Second Team: AJ Barner, Seattle Seahawks
Lol these Raider EDGE rushers could not get around Joe Alt at LT yesterday... Just so damn smooth out of his stance and functionally long. Rarely beats himself with feet/balance
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 6, 2025
Fun to watch him back at left tackle. pic.twitter.com/47rCHXqx0N
Offensive Tackle
Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers
Joe Alt was viewed as the safest pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he's been every bit as advertised for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Along with paving the way in the run game, Alt has continued to develop in pass protection to keep Justin Herbert upright. His size and play strength have him looking like a franchise right tackle who can flip over to left tackle when required.
Roger Rosengarten, Baltimore Ravens
Troy Fautanu got all of the attention as an OL prospect out of Washington. However, Roger Rosengarten has had the early-career success coming out of the college football program.
Rosengarten has slotted into a tackle spot for the Baltimore Ravens and already looks like a veteran. He's played a key part in Derrick Henry's dominant season on the ground while protecting Lamar Jackson en route to what could be his third MVP award.
Second Team: DJ Glaze, Las Vegas Raiders, Amarius Mims, Cincinnati Bengals
Dominick Puni looks like a vet already pic.twitter.com/CK8jk4CKKp
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) September 11, 2024
Offensive Guard
Dominick Puni, San Francisco 49ers
For as bad as things went for the San Francisco 49ers this year, at least they hit a couple of home runs in the draft, including with third-round guard Dominick Puni.
An intriguing prospect out of Kansas, Puni has looked like the perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan's offensive system. He has the explosiveness off of the snap and fluidity in space to do whatever is asked of him, whether it's reaching landmarks on outside zone or pulling in gap scheme runs and catching a defender off guard to seal a rushing lane.
It's rare to see a rookie on the offensive line pick things up so quickly, and Puni might end up being a Pro Bowler and All-Pro by the time his career is over.
Mason McCormick, Pittsburgh Steelers
Going from FCS competition to the NFL is a massive jump in talent, but Mason McCormick has done an admirable job acclimating to the pros.
McCormick has had some down games, but when he's on, he's looked like a long-term starter for Pittsburgh. He only had one game this season where he allowed a sack, and there were five different games without allowing pressure, according to Pro Football Focus.
It was always going to take time for McCormick to reach his full potential, but at least he's already holding his own as a starter in his first NFL season.
Second Team: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Las Vegas Raiders, Isaiah Adams, Arizona Cardinals
Zach Frazier is a guy that's annoying to watch on film because it takes forever - you gotta watch every step/every play, and he finishes damn near every play - to the echoooo of the whistle... But it's worth. He's fantastic. pic.twitter.com/pgjpIg8ZmD
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) December 2, 2024
Center
Zach Frazier, Pittsburgh Steelers
There aren't a lot of rookie centers to choose from, but Zach Frazier is still the easy choice after such a strong start to his career.
Despite playing in 15 games, Frazier allowed just one sack and 12 pressures all season. On top of that, he was a bulldozer in the run game, flying all over the field to deliver some punishing blocks when climbing to the second level.
The Steelers revamped their offensive line in a hurry with Frazier and McCormick, and they still have a first-round pick in Troy Fautanu, who could end up being a long-term starter as well once he's healthy.
Second Team: Tanor Bortolini, Indianapolis Colts
Don't block Jared Verse with a TE x 4 pic.twitter.com/ceybvFzRqU
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) December 2, 2024
EDGE Rusher
Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams
It wasn't clear how the Los Angeles Rams were going to handle the loss of a Hall of Famer up front in Aaron Donald, but a young and ascending defensive front led by Jared Verse has quickly picked up the slack.
Verse already looks like one of the best power rushers in the NFL. He finished fourth in the NFL with 77 pressures, generating 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles as well. On top of his pass-rushing prowess, Verse also dominated at the point of attack and was a huge asset in the run game.
Considering he started his college career at Albany, Verse has come a long way to become a premier EDGE and will likely be the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Chop Robinson, Miami Dolphins
It may have taken him some time to hit his stride, but Chop Robinson became one of the toughest pass rushers to handle in the league by the end of the 2024 season.
Robinson finished 11th among EDGEs in pass rush win rate this season, generating 56 pressures with six sacks on the year. Of those 56 pressures, 42 of them came in Week 10 and beyond.
Progress isn't linear, and it takes some players a bit longer to get comfortable with the NFL than others. Once Robinson got his feet under him, he became almost unstoppable when getting after the quarterback, and Miami will need more of that going forward.
Second Team: Laiatu Latu, Indianapolis Colts, Jonah Elliss, Denver Broncos
T’Vondre Sweat is a stud pic.twitter.com/X7GaSg9xFH
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonNFL) November 24, 2024
Defensive Tackle
T'Vondre Sweat, Tennessee Titans
There were some concerns about T'Vondre Sweat's ability to handle an NFL workload as a 362-pound defensive tackle. Instead of playing a small rotational role, Sweat led all rookie defensive linemen with 699 total snaps played.
Those weren't meaningless snaps, either. Sweat dominated in the trenches all year, whether it was rushing the passer with 23 pressures or plugging rushing lanes with 24 defensive stops and just two missed tackles all season.
The Titans might have found a star nose tackle in the second round, with Sweat proving some of the doubters wrong about his stamina and ability as an every-down player.
Braden Fiske, Los Angeles Rams
While Sweat is the mammoth nose tackle, Braden Fiske is more of the undersized pass rusher, but both played important roles for their respective teams.
Fiske led all rookie defensive linemen with 51 pressures on the year, but he got home on a good ratio of his pressures. He finished with 8.5 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles, becoming a key pass rusher on the Rams defense.
While Fiske is a bit undersized to handle early-down duties against the run, his pass-rushing prowess means that he'll have a job in the NFL for years to come.
Second Team: Byron Murphy II, Seattle Seahawks, Jer'Zhan Newton, Washington Commanders
Edgerrin Cooper run defense from W17 might be ILB tape of the year pic.twitter.com/5Uz6jnZOd8
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) December 31, 2024
Linebacker
Edgerrin Cooper, Green Bay Packers
Injuries have kept Edgerrin Cooper out of the lineup for stretches this season, but when he's healthy, the Green Bay Packers rookie has looked like one of the best linebackers in the league.
A two-time NFC Defensive Player of the Week, Cooper filled the stat sheet in 14 games. He finished the year with 87 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, four pass breakups, a sack, an interception, 13 tackles for loss, and 11 pressures.
Along with top-end play speed, Cooper's instincts flashed to snuff out screens, quick passes, and outside runs throughout the year. Offensive linemen struggled to account for Cooper's pursuit speed, allowing him to get clean shots on running backs all year.
With the way he played as a rookie, Cooper should emerge as the much-needed leader at linebacker for the Packers in 2025 and beyond.
Payton Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Payton Wilson had a decorated college career at NC State, but there were questions about how his skill set would transition to the NFL level.
Fortunately for Wilson, he ended up in the perfect spot (Pittsburgh) to become an ascending playmaker. He had 78 tackles this year with a forced fumble and one of the most impressive interceptions any played made this season.
The Steelers' defense continues to be a dominant unit because the front office finds gems in the draft like Wilson.
Second Team: Tyrice Knight, Seattle Seahawks, Omar Speights, Los Angeles Rams
3 straight reps of Nate Wiggins shutting down Nabers inside the 5 pic.twitter.com/mYRIpbsdKW
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) December 18, 2024
Cornerback
Nate Wiggins, Baltimore Ravens
This year's rookie cornerback class has absolutely dominated the rest of the NFL. From unheralded late-round picks to first-round stars, this year's rookie cornerbacks are thriving.
Nate Wiggins deserves recognition for a near-perfect rookie campaign. He was one of three rookies who were full-time starters not to allow a single touchdown when targeted, generating an interception and 13 pass breakups in the process. Opposing quarterbacks only completed 50 percent of their passes when throwing his way for a passer rating of just 64.6.
For a cornerback who is only 185 pounds, Wiggins plays like one of the most physical rookies at the position, and he will need to keep playing at this level to help Baltimore make a Super Bowl run.
Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles
Even if the numbers aren't as eye-popping as some of the other rookie corners, Quinyon Mitchell earns first-team All-Rookie honors for the competition that he's had to face all season.
The first-round rookie out of Toledo has gone from facing MAC competition to locking down NFL No. 1 receivers all year. He hadn't allowed a receiving touchdown when targeted until Week 16 and generated 12 pass breakups throughout the year.
Mitchell's ability to shut down top weapons for opposing offenses was a big reason why the Eagles finished first in defensive DVOA this season. Vic Fangio has found ways to turn Mitchell into a future star at the position, and interceptions should be coming in 2025 and beyond.
Second Team: Kamari Lassiter, Houston Texans, Tarheeb Still, Los Angeles Chargers
Cooper DeJean in man vs. Kupp/Puka pic.twitter.com/gsYt6csEJP
— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) November 25, 2024
Slot Defender
Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia Eagles
In retrospect, Cooper DeJean should have never fallen out of the first round. There were questions about a broken leg he suffered in his final college season, but the rookie slot defender has been one of the most dominant defensive backs in the league this year.
DeJean didn't allow a single touchdown in coverage this season, playing sticky against some of the most elusive receivers in the league all season. On top of that, he's been a reliable tackler when playing run support or breaking downhill on underneath passes, even sticking Derrick Henry on one of the best tackles of the year.
The sky is the limit for DeJean, who has unlocked so much for Fangio's defense that the Eagles are being considered one of the top Super Bowl contenders.
Second Team: Andru Phillips, New York Giants
Safety
Malik Mustapha (#6) with a strong tackle for a TFL pic.twitter.com/cU0ULTcit3
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) November 25, 2024
Malik Mustapha, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers front office has a keen eye for drafting safeties. Malik Mustapha looks like the next star to dominate in San Francisco's defensive backfield.
Mustapha's traditional box score numbers aren't mind-blowing. He finished the year with 72 tackles, five pass breakups, and one interception. However, it's his impact and closing speed that showed up on film that helped him earn first-team All-Rookie honors.
When Mustapha reads a play, he flies to the ball at full speed, leading to some punishing highlight plays. He allowed a catch on just 7-of-17 targets for a passer rating of just 64.0 while being a dangerous alley defender in run support.
Other safeties might have more impressive numbers, but Mustapha's intensity and impact play style deserve recognition.
Kamren Kinchens, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams completely overhauled their defense through the 2024 draft, taking multiple players who appeared on this year's All-Rookie team.
Safety Kamren Kinchens might have been their biggest steal. Despite an impactful career at Miami, Kinchens' draft stock cratered due to poor athletic testing. That testing hasn't seemed to matter in 2024, with Kinchens earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors twice, racking up 57 tackles, six pass breakups, four interceptions, and a forced fumble this season.
Kinchens didn't get off to the strongest start, but once he found his lane in the Rams' defense, he started to thrive. He'll have a chance to have a big impact in the playoffs, starting with a matchup against a high-powered Minnesota Vikings offense.
Second Team: Calen Bullock, Houston Texans, Tyler Nubin, New York Giants
