NFL Rookies With the Best Situations

The 2024 NFL Draft was loaded with talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball. We saw a record-breaking six quarterbacks taken in the first twelve picks. Seven wide receivers and nine offensive linemen were taken in the first round. Dreams were achieved by each young man that was drafted back in April, but not every player is entering an ideal situation. Some may sit behind veterans for years without a chance to prove themselves as a starter. Others step into lineups lacking any established supporting cast. In 2023, we were presented with two perfect case studies for how a situation can affect a rookie’s performance. At the top of the draft, the Panthers selected former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young to become their new franchise signal-caller. The Panthers lacked talent on both their roster and coaching staff, and it showed in Young’s rookie performance. According to PFF, Young had the lowest passing grade of any quarterback with at least 500 dropbacks. Clearly, Young was not set up to succeed. CJ Stroud, on the other hand, had the pieces around him to help him have one of the best rookie seasons in recent history. The Texan’s rookie quarterback was drafted with the second overall pick and led his team to a playoff win in his first season. Stroud is now considered by many to be a top-10 quarterback, while many are already dubbing Bryce Young a bust. While I’m not so certain we’ll see a rookie season quite like the one CJ Stroud had, I’ve identified the six rookies who are best set up to succeed this season.

6. Tip Reiman, Arizona Cardinals TE

Weird pick, I know. Reiman totaled only 19 catches for 203 yards in his final year at Illinois. He was far from being one of the most talked about names at the draft in April. Reiman is primarily a blocking tight end who brings a unique combination of speed and strength to a Cardinals’ offense that is in desperate need of help. While Arizona’s offense was far from consistent in 2023, it was certainly innovative. With a below-average offensive line, Jonathan Gannon will surely use Tip Reiman in a significant way.

5. Byron Murphy II, Seattle Seahawks DT

This pick, like a couple of others on my list, is heavily influenced by the coaching staff. Seattle hired former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to be their next head coach this offseason. Macdonald is known for using creative looks to put his best players in positions to make game-changing plays. Former Texas Longhorn Byron Murphy II should benefit greatly from this season. Murphy is a gap-shooting defensive tackle with hand skills to put pressure on the quarterback and may be the perfect candidate to play the Justin Madubuike role in this defense.

4. JC Latham, Tennessee Titans OT

A year ago, I would not have put a Titans’ offensive lineman anywhere near this list. Tennessee had what was arguably the worst offensive line in the league in 2023, but they’ve made significant improvements over the offseason. The most significant of those improvements is bringing in Bill Callahan to coach the offensive line. Callahan has consistently developed top-tier offensive linemen throughout his coaching career, and former Alabama tackle JC Latham looks like his next project. Latham has a unique build and possesses the raw strength and agility to become one of the best offensive tackles in the league.

3. Ricky Pearsall, San Fransisco 49ers WR

This pick isn’t exactly Pearsall-specific. Yes, I like the route-running ability and sure hands the former Florida wideout brings, but he’s on my list largely because of his head coach and play-caller. Under Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers offense has finished top-10 in scoring in each of the last two seasons. Shanahan implements an efficient, read progression-based offense that helps the passing game to thrive. Pearsall steps in as the apparent third receiver behind Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, and should see a significant target share whether Aiyuk is traded or not. If reports of a strong connection between Pearsall and quarterback Brock Purdy are true, Pearsall could look like a steal for the 49ers by the end of the year.

2. Dallas Turner, Minnesota Vikings EDGE

The Minnesota Vikings traded up to select Dallas Turner with the seventeenth pick in the draft. At Alabama, Turner showed himself to be a do-it-all athletic freak with traits to grow into an elite edge rusher. Turner can set the edge against the run, drop back into coverage, and rush the passer effectively. He’s a perfect tool for Brian Flores, who uses outside linebackers more creatively than almost any other defensive coordinator in the league. While Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel will likely start over Turner, I expect Turner to become a key piece of this defense and challenge for Defensive Rookie of the Year. 

1. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears QB

Typically, the first overall pick in the draft joins a roster worthy of holding the first overall pick. Chicago held the top pick in this year’s draft due to a trade with Carolina, and they used it to take one of the most hyped quarterback prospects in the last decade in Caleb Williams. The Bears have done everything possible to set Williams up for success, aside from potentially boosting their offensive line. Chicago added receivers Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze and running back Deandre Swift to support their new quarterback. Nothing is a guarantee in the NFL, but Caleb Williams is positioned as well as any first overall pick in recent memory.