Ranking NFL Rookies to Start the Season
While it’s early days, a few NFL rookies have already distinguished themselves in the 2024 season, making an immediate impact for their teams. Let’s look at three of the best rookies who have started the season strong and are quickly becoming key contributors to their respective franchises.
1. Malik Nabers, WR – New York Giants
Malik Nabers has quickly established himself as a major playmaker for the New York Giants. With a PFF grade of 80.1 after three weeks, he is the second-highest-graded rookie receiver in the league. His Week 3 performance was particularly impressive, with two touchdowns and eight receptions for 78 yards. Through the first three games, Nabers has racked up 20 catches and three touchdowns, setting an NFL record for the most receptions by a rookie in their first three games. His ability to gain separation and make critical plays has made him a reliable target for quarterback Daniel Jones, providing a much-needed spark to the Giants’ offense.
2. Brock Bowers, TE – Las Vegas Raiders
Brock Bowers, one of the most highly anticipated rookies coming out of Georgia, has wasted no time proving himself in the NFL. Bowers is already setting records, including breaking the long-standing mark for most receiving yards by a rookie tight end in his first two games with 156 yards. His Week 3 performance against Baltimore, where he hauled in nine catches for 98 yards, demonstrated his potential as a top-tier pass-catching tight end. Bowers has quickly become a go-to option in the Raiders’ offense, adding a dynamic dimension alongside Davante Adams. With a PFF grade of 77.9, he ranks among the top tight ends in the league, not just rookies
3. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR – Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr. entered the NFL with high expectations due to his stellar college career, and he is beginning to live up to the hype. After a slow start in Week 1, where he only recorded four receiving yards, Harrison exploded in Weeks 2 and 3, accumulating three touchdowns and 130 receiving yards in Week 2 alone. His ability to find the end zone and make big plays down the field has given the Cardinals’ offense a significant boost. His 74.4 PFF grade reflects his improving performance, and his chemistry with Arizona’s quarterback is growing stronger each week.
Honorable Mentions
In addition to Malik Nabers, Brock Bowers, and Marvin Harrison Jr., several other rookies have also caught the eye early in the 2024 NFL season. One such standout is Jayden Daniels, the quarterback for the Washington Commanders, who delivered an impressive performance in Week 3, completing 21 of 23 passes and earning the highest single-game grade ever for a Washington rookie quarterback. Another rookie making waves is Will Anderson Jr., the Houston Texans’ pass-rusher, who has been a force on defense, accumulating sacks and quarterback pressures. Meanwhile, Joe Alt of the Los Angeles Chargers has anchored the offensive line, allowing minimal pressure in his first few games. These rookies are contributing at a high level and are poised to have a lasting impact as the season progresses.
Conclusion
These three rookies —Malik Nabers, Brock Bowers, and Marvin Harrison Jr.— are not only excelling for their respective teams but are also setting records and gaining national attention for their early contributions. As the season progresses, they are poised to become even more integral to their teams’ success, potentially contending for Rookie of the Year honors, with betting sites currently having Nabers at +250. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they continue to make their mark on the NFL in 2024.
