The 2024 NFL season is bound to have a number of rookie standouts, but who should fans look out for?
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Here are five rookies who are poised to make a splash in their regular season debuts.
1. QB Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
When the Bears selected Williams as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the franchise’s trajectory skyrocketed. The former Trojan had a plethora of highlights in his preseason debut and was 10 of 20 passing for 170 yards. His mechanics looked sharp and he has improved on his ability to evade a defense. Williams and his supporting cast of D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze are slated to be a successful unit this year. The real test comes in Week 1 of the regular season; however, what Williams has shown so far is nothing short of impressive.
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2. WR Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
Although Worthy already played in Week 1, his performance will likely be one of the best rookie debuts this year so it’s worth highlighting. The receiver was an instant playmaker for the Chiefs in their season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. The Thursday Night Football showdown commenced with a 21-yard speedy touchdown by Worthy. He also scored a 35-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game. It’s evident the rookie doesn’t need any time to adjust to the pros. He is a perfect fit in Kansas City.
3. WR Malik Nabers, New York Giants
As soon as the Giants drafted Nabers, he was the best receiver in New York’s arsenal. Nabers has a favorable matchup in Week 1 of the season as the Giants take on the Minnesota Vikings, a team that allowed the 10th most passing yards in 2023. At LSU, Nabers averaged 120.7 receiving yards in 2023.
4. OT Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers
The No.5 overall pick got 55 snaps in two preseason contests with the Chargers. Through his first two preseason games, Alt posted a pass-blocking efficiency of 98.2, according to Pro Football Focus. He recorded an 80.7 pass-blocking grade and didn’t allow one single pressure in 15 pass-blocking snaps in his preseason performance against the Rams. Despite making a position switch to right tackle, Alt certainly looks the part. The future looks bright for the Chargers.
5. QB Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Nix convinced Broncos head coach Sean Payton that he was the starter by his performance in Denver’s second preseason game. Nix’s confidence in the pocket, timing, and accuracy against the Green Bay Packers showcased the rookie was ready to make a start in the regular season. Several people have labeled Nix as the modern Drew Brees.
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