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NFL Rookie Ladder #1

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The 2024 NFL draft class has shown out with star potential over the first three weeks of the season.

Whether it be first-round quarterback phenoms such as former LSU Heisman winner Jayden Daniels or lockdown offensive linemen such as WVU great Zach Frazier, this class has stood out massively.

These ten rookies have been the most impressive through the season’s start.

1. Jayden Daniels – QB – Washington Commanders

After his incredible coming-out party on Monday Night Football, Jayden Daniels looks to be the favorite for Rookie of the Year.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1838419908214055047

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner Daniels flashed superstardom with his dual-threat skillset. Daniels this season has 664 yards through the air and 171 on the ground. With six total touchdowns and no interceptions so far, Daniels has displayed stellar efficiency as a rookie.

Daniels and the 2-1 Commanders take on the challenge of Kyler Murray and the Cardinals this Sunday.

2. Malik Nabers – WR – New York Giants

The sixth overall pick has shown exactly why Joe Schoen and the Giants believed in his talent.

Through three weeks, Malik Nabers leads all receivers in fantasy points as a rookie. Nabers has 23 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns on the season, and trends show he is only improving.

His touchdown total has only gone up week by week, scoring his first in week two against Washington and following that up with two in Cleveland. Nabers’ Giants face Dallas on Thursday Night Football in Week 4.

3. Zach Frazier – C – Pittsburgh Steelers

Despite having a major leg injury in his last regular-season game with his home state college, West Virginia, this rookie center has been incredible for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Zach Frazier has been immense in the Steelers’ undefeated start to the season. He has yet to allow a sack or commit a penalty throughout his 203 offensive snaps on the year. Frazier has a 76.8 PFF grade, 6th among all rookies so far.

Frazier is shining as the potential franchise center for the Steelers. He looks to continue this against the Colts on Sunday.

4. Andru Phillips – DB – New York Giants

Despite being a fourth-rounder, this rookie corner is making a major impact for New York.

https://twitter.com/PFF_Giants/status/1837177688257110123

Andru Phillips has been the highest-ranked rookie in the entire NFL so far this year, according to Pro Football Focus. Despite his early exit against Cleveland and currently being listed as out against Dallas, Phillips deserves a shout as the best rookie defender.

5. Marvin Harrison Jr. – WR – Arizona Cardinals

After a slow week one, Marvin Harrison Jr. is exactly what was advertised.

Although Harrison was held to only one reception for four yards in his NFL debut against Buffalo, he has tallied up 198 yards in his first three games.

With that Randy Moss-esque performance in the first half of week two and another solid game against Detroit, Harrison looks to be well in the race for the Rookie of the Year.

6. Brock Bowers – TE – Las Vegas Raiders

Brock Bowers is second of all tight ends in receiving yards with 197. He trails only Dallas Goedert in that category. He has also caught 18 of his 20 targets this season, a 90% clip.

All-time great tight end Rob Gronkowski said that Bowers could be as good as he was, which is an incredible compliment to receive.

7. Joe Alt – OT – Los Angeles Chargers

Joe Alt had a rough game against the Steelers last week, suffering an MCL Sprain on the Chargers’ last drive. He has still been one of the top offensive tackles in football, regardless. At right tackle, Alt has only given up two sacks, one being to T.J. Watt, and has committed just one penalty. He has a PFF grade of 77 and has only allowed three quarterback pressures to this point.

8. Taliese Fuaga – OT – New Orleans Saints

Taliese Fuaga made the difficult switch from right to left tackle the second he reached the pros, and it has not hindered him.

Fuaga has anchored this fast-starting Saints offense and has yet to allow a QB hit this season.

8. Braelon Allen – RB – New York Jets

As the youngest player in the league, Braelon Allen has been a phenomenal addition to the Jets’ offense.

After scoring twice against Tennessee, Allen looks to finally receive more looks in the Jets’ offense, with his touches rising each week.

9. Bucky Irving – RB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucky Irving looks to become the number-one running back in Tampa Bay.

As the weeks go by, Irving becomes more comfortable in the Buccaneers’ offense. So far on the year, Irving has 154 yards and 6.2 yards per attempt.

10. Jared Verse – LB – Los Angeles Rams

Jared Verse has held the Rams pass rush back up following the retirement of legend Aaron Donald.

So far this season, Verse has pressured the quarterback 13 times, sacking him once.

Honorable Mentions

Brian Thomas Jr. – WR – Jacksonville Jaguars

Braden Fiske – DL – Los Angeles Rams

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Written by
Cody Burton

Cody is Thunder Lead's Twitter/X Admin and is an NBA Editor. He is a Sports Media Student and member of the Student Media at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia.

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