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It’s too early to make a definitive call on whether current NFL rookies will live up to the expectations set on them over the offseason. I know that. However, several rookies have provided viewers with hints of what they may become. Some seem to be rising stars, while others already have fans throwing around the “bust” label. I’ve ranked the top ten rookies so far this season.
10. Taliese Fuaga, New Orleans Saints OT
Taliese Fuaga was drafted as a solution to what was a well below-average Saints’ offensive line in 2023. While he hasn’t provided a complete fix, Fuaga has certainly been an improvement for the Saints. His run blocking grade of 74.2, according to PFF, shows the early impact he’s made.
9. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears QB
Caleb Williams was touted as a generational quarterback talent throughout the draft process. Though he’s had his fair share of struggles early in the season, Williams has shown flashes of the prospect he was expected to be. The question seems to be whether Williams will end up being the best quarterback from his draft class.
8. T’Vondre Sweat, Tennessee Titans DT
Prior to the draft, rumors swirled about T’Vondre Sweat’s effort and work ethic. So far this season, Sweat has looked like one of the better young interior defensive linemen in the league. The stats don’t quite jump off the page. Sweat has only six tackles, but he’s made an impact by plugging gaps in the running game.
7. Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals WR
Football fans panicked after Marvin Harrison Jr. managed just one reception for four yards in the Cardinals’ opener against the Bills. Harrison has silenced his doubters since, posting 239 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the following three games. While Harrison may not win Offensive Rookie of the Year, he’s proven himself to be far from the bust some initially labeled him as.
6. Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars WR
At the time of the draft, Brian Thomas Jr. was considered to be clearly outside of the top tier of wide receivers. Early in the season, he’s proving the experts wrong. Thomas has been an elite deep threat for the Jaguars so far. He’s posted three games with at least 80 receiving yards and has already scored three touchdowns.
5. Dominick Puni, San Fransisco 49ers G
The highest-ranked non-first-round pick on my list, Dominick Puni has slotted into the 49ers’ offensive line perfectly early in the season. Through four games, Puni has only allowed six pressures and has not yet allowed a sack. His PFF pass blocking grade of 70.6 shows just how effective he has been so far.
4. Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams EDGE
In a draft class with very few elite defensive prospects, Jared Verse has shone through as a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate. So far this season, Verse has produced 12 quarterback pressures and one sack. Verse’s physicality and consistent energy have caused problems for opposing offensive lines.
3. Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers OT
When Jim Harbaugh was hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, he brought with him an identity of physicality. That identity was solidified when the Chargers selected offensive tackle Joe Alt instead of taking the star receiver prospects that were available. Through four weeks, Alt has posted a run blocking grade of 77.8, per PFF.
2. Malik Nabers, New York Giants WR
Before the season started, I predicted that Malik Nabers would lead the NFL in receptions this year. Before his recent injury, he was doing just that. Nabers has commanded a target share of 38.2%, a ridiculous number for any receiver, let alone a rookie. The former LSU receiver has impressed with his ability to create separation and his elite body control in the air.
1. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders QB
I’ll admit, I was skeptical regarding Jayden Daniels before the start of the season. Daniels has proved me wrong, and then some. Through the first four games of the season, Daniels has led the Commanders to a 3-1 start with his dynamic passing and running abilities. Daniels captivated the football world with his near-perfect performance in a win over Cincinnati, and he hasn’t slowed down. Currently, Daniels is the clear favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
