Which rookies from the 2024 NFL Draft could have the largest impact on their NFL teams early in the 2024 regular season? This list details some of the players best positioned to produce right away.
1 Rookie That Could Impact Their NFL Roster the Most in 2024
Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR
The Arizona Cardinals added a host of potential impact players in the 2024 NFL Draft, but fourth overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best positioned to make a major impression in 2024 — both in terms of talent and opportunity.
Harrison is easily the central presence in Arizona’s WR room — a room that boasts Michael Wilson, Zay Jones, and Greg Dortch as its next-best weapons. Kyler Murray will have to rely on Harrison’s elite three-level profile early and often.
Runner-Up: Max Melton, CB
Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Dorlus, DL
Atlanta is unique in that its first-round pick — Michael Penix Jr. — shouldn’t make an impact early if things go according to plan with Kirk Cousins. If we’re talking about rookie year impact, then the Falcons’ three rookie defensive linemen factor in first.
In the early and middle rounds, Atlanta added Ruke Orhorhoro, Brandon Dorlus, and Bralen Trice, all of whom could have significant roles early on. But Dorlus — with his power element and versatility from 3-tech to 7-tech — might have the most utility on Day 1.
Runner-Ups: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT; Bralen Trice, EDGE
Baltimore Ravens: Roger Rosengarten, OT
The Baltimore Ravens obviously have big plans for Nate Wiggins, who they selected in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft. But in the immediate timeline, Wiggins will be behind Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens, and Kyle Hamilton will limit his slot defender reps to a degree.
In 2024, the Ravens draft pick who will make the biggest impact may end up being right tackle Roger Rosengarten. He still has room to improve his play strength, but he’s an elite athlete with range in the run game and rare recovery freedom in pass protection.
Runner-Up: Nate Wiggins, CB
Buffalo Bills: Keon Coleman, WR
For better or worse, there’s a great deal of pressure on Keon Coleman to become a premier weapon for Josh Allen in Buffalo. The Bills have Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, and Dalton Kincaid as valuable outlets, but without Stefon Diggs, Coleman needs to be the alpha.
There may be an acclimation period for Coleman, who’s still growing as a route runner. But the 6’3″, 214-pound WR is an explosive athlete with domineering play strength, who can excel as a run-after-catch (RAC) and red-zone threat right away — and he has the potential to become more.
Runner-Ups: Cole Bishop, S; Ray Davis, RB
Carolina Panthers: Xavier Legette, WR
The Carolina Panthers’ decision to trade up for Xavier Legette signified their confidence in the former South Carolina standout. The trade for Diontae Johnson — a capable X receiver in Dave Canales’ scheme — will alleviate some pressure, but Legette still has an important role.
With his size and speed, Legette may be relied upon to be a dynamic vertical and RAC threat for Bryce Young — and he also has the contortion ability and hand strength to convert on tough passes over the middle. He’ll be a part of the offense on Day 1.
Runner-Ups: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE; Trevin Wallace, LB
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB
It’s pretty easy to look at the Chicago Bears’ rookie class and discern who’s positioned to make a massive impact. It starts and ends with the team’s two first-round picks: quarterback Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze. But even Odunze is dependent on the QB.
The Bears’ entire franchise history at QB has been mediocre at best. They’ve invested all their hope in Williams to change that, and he has the traits to deliver. He’s a magician in the creative phase, with the arm talent and natural feel for the game to dice up defenses.
Runner-Up: Rome Odunze, WR
Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Burton, WR
The Cincinnati Bengals have a potential stud waiting on the offensive line with Amarius Mims, but the presence of Orlando Brown Jr. and Trent Brown could prevent him from seeing the field in 2024. On the other hand, Jermaine Burton could be a surprise producer at WR.
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Burton’s tape in 2023 was near first-round caliber, and his ability as a separator, deep threat, and catch-point convertor can be absolutely deadly. Burton could reap the rewards with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins drawing defensive attention for another year.
Runner-Ups: Kris Jenkins, DT; McKinnley Jackson, DT
Cleveland Browns: Michael Hall Jr., DT
The Cleveland Browns quietly had a solid 2024 NFL Draft, even without a first-round pick. But their earliest selection — Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. — should have the best chance to pick up a major role down the stretch in the 2024 campaign.
Though the Browns have a host of veterans at DT — among them new additions Quinton Jefferson and Shelby Harris — Hall sets himself apart with his rare athleticism, flexibility, and torquing capacity on the interior. Alongside Dalvin Tomlinson, he can eat.
Runner-Up: Jamari Thrash, WR
Dallas Cowboys: Cooper Beebe, OL
After losing Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz in free agency, the offensive line took center stage for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft. The pressure will be on first-round pick Tyler Guyton, but the team’s third-round pick Cooper Beebe may make a greater early impact.
Beebe will have to transition from guard to center, but he proved in college that he can play any position asked of him. Beebe is explosive, strong, and intelligent — with a grisly tone-setting mentality that’s sure to permeate through the rest of Dallas’ line right away.
Runner-Up: Tyler Guyton, OT
Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB
With their capital, the Denver Broncos were able to put together a solid 2024 NFL Draft class. Jonah Elliss should provide an infusion of talent at EDGE, and Nick Gargiulo and Troy Franklin could compete for roles on offense. But this class lives and dies with Bo Nix.
The hyper-efficient Oregon passer broke the collegiate record for completion percentage in a season, and he has the combined creative and distributive skills to thrive in Sean Payton’s offense. But can he help the team compete in the AFC West? That’s the question.
Runner-Ups: Jonah Elliss, EDGE; Nick Gargiulo, C; Troy Franklin, WR
Detroit Lions: Terrion Arnold, CB
The Detroit Lions entered the 2024 NFL Draft with a transparent pallet of needs. Everyone knew cornerback was at the top of the list, and they left Round 1 with arguably the best CB in the class: Alabama’s Terrion Arnold.
Arnold should immediately upgrade Detroit in one of the most important defensive positions. He’s explosive, fluid, instinctive, and incredibly physical and proactive in both coverage and support — with the rare short-area mobility to suffocate WRs in man.
Runner-Ups: Mekhi Wingo, DT; Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB
Green Bay Packers: Javon Bullard, DB
You truly could pick any of the Green Bay Packers’ first three selections to make the biggest impact as rookies in 2024. But given what the Packers needed on the defensive side of the ball, Javon Bullard‘s versatility and tone-setting physicality may grant him the most responsibility.
Alongside post safety Xavier McKinney, Bullard translates perfectly as a hybrid defensive back who can play both strong safety and nickel defender. He’s a bit undersized, but he makes up for it with his angle IQ, corrective twitch, tenacity, and quick processing in space.
Runner-Ups: Edgerrin Cooper, LB; Jordan Morgan, OL
Houston Texans: Kamari Lassiter, CB
The Houston Texans were another team that lacked a first-round pick. But still, they were able to make the most of their remaining selections. Fourth-round rookie Cade Stover will have immediate chemistry with C.J. Stroud, but Kamari Lassiter may be the premier rookie.
The Texans needed more help at cornerback alongside Derek Stingley Jr., and they got it with Lassiter. Though he lacks elite vertical speed, Lassiter is a springy, fluid mover with terse physicality and impressive coverage and alignment versatility.
Runner-Up: Cade Stover, TE
Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu, EDGE
The upside of Adonai Mitchell in an offense commanded by Anthony Richardson and Shane Steichen is nearly unmatched, but it’s hard to argue Laiatu Latu‘s claim as the rookie best positioned to produce right away for the Indianapolis Colts.
Latu is the elite pass-rushing threat the Colts have been dreaming of for years. And now, he’ll get to play on a defensive line with DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Kwity Paye. Isolated 1-on-1, Latu is almost unstoppable on the attack.
Runner-Up: Adonai Mitchell, WR
Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr., WR
The Jacksonville Jaguars will need dividends down the board in the 2024 NFL Draft class to remain competitive in the AFC arms race. But it was of chief importance for Jacksonville to score a legitimate potential WR1, and they got that with first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr.
Thomas compares favorably to Javon Walker, who went in Round 1 to the Green Bay Packers in 2002 and eventually became a Pro Bowler. He’s an explosive, fluid vertical threat with crafty RAC ability and rare tracking skills when working the deep third.
Runner-Up: Jarrian Jones, CB
Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR
The Kansas City Chiefs came into the 2024 NFL Draft needing more WR help, and that was before Rashee Rice’s off-field saga that may soon land him a multi-game suspension. Xavier Worthy will be an important presence in Kansas City no matter how you spin it.
Worthy is a potentially game-breaking raw talent, in the hands of a schematic mad genius in Andy Reid. Not only is he a generational deep threat with his 4.21-second 40-yard dash speed, but he can separate with the best of them, and his alignment versatility yields immense RAC upside.
Runner-Up: Kingsley Suamataia, OT
Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers, TE
Several of the Las Vegas Raiders’ first few picks could be major contributors in 2024. DJ Glaze could be in the mix to be the team’s eventual right tackle, and Jackson Powers-Johnson is a tone-setter inside. But Brock Bowers is the X-factor, plain and simple.
Bowers can be a game-changing force at TE alongside Michael Mayer. While Mayer is the more traditional player, Bowers can be a dynamic big-slot weapon with alignment and phase versatility, while Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers stretch defenses thin.
Runner-Ups: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL; DeCamerion Richardson, CB
Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT
In terms of projected early impact, Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey are almost tied. McConkey might be the best separator in the Los Angeles Chargers receiving core. That, combined with his route running and versatility, could make him a target funnel for Justin Herbert.
Nevertheless, Alt’s transcendent upside on all three downs gives him the nod as the Chargers’ peak impact player in this piece. At around 6’9″, 321 pounds, Alt has mind-boggling athleticism and flexibility — tools that grant him an All-Pro upside early in his career.
Runner-Ups: Ladd McConkey, WR; Junior Colson, LB
Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, EDGE
The Los Angeles Rams have proven their formidability to find gems on Day 2 and Day 3. And in the 2024 class, Kamren Kinchens, Brennan Jackson, Jordan Whittington, and Beaux Limmer all bear noting. But in terms of impact, it’s the Florida State duo, then everyone else.
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Braden Fiske will surely factor into the team’s plans to replace Aaron Donald alongside Kobie Turner, but Jared Verse may have the most three-down impact with his strong run defense ability and relentless speed-to-power — giving a needed facelift at EDGE.
Runner-Up: Braden Fiske, DT
Miami Dolphins: Jaylen Wright, RB
The Miami Dolphins’ draft was unique. Chop Robinson will have an impact early on, but he may be more of an immediate rotational player with Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb. Patrick Paul may also be a pick for 2025.
Even Jaylen Wright sits third on the depth chart — but looking at Raheem Mostert’s age and De’Von Achane’s injury concerns, Wright could be just a snap away from entering a real, production-rich role. With his blistering speed, he’ll fit Mike McDaniel’s offense perfectly.
Runner-Ups: Chop Robinson, EDGE; Malik Washington, WR
Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB
Even if J.J. McCarthy doesn’t start right away, the success of the Minnesota Vikings’ 2024 NFL Draft class hinges greatly on his eventual development. The assumption is that, at some point, he’ll step in for Sam Darnold. When that time comes, all eyes will be on him.
The prevailing conclusion was that, while McCarthy still has more to prove as an individual player, he has the arm talent, athleticism, and clean mechanics to thrive in Kevin O’Connell’s offensive structure. Dallas Turner is a close runner-up in terms of impact.
Runner-Up: Dallas Turner, EDGE
New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB
With Jacoby Brissett in the building, the New England Patriots won’t be pressured to start Drake Maye right away. But when he does hit the field, Maye will be the Patriots’ most important player on either side of the ball, and his fit in Alex Van Pelt’s scheme can help him produce early.
While Maye was a polarizing prospect, he has some of the most compelling raw talent of any QB to hit the NFL Draft circuit over the past five years. He can anticipate, work off script, hit tight windows, and the presence of Ja’Lynn Polk will allow him to play his way.
Runner-Up: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR
New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT
The New Orleans Saints’ offensive line was in dire straits leading into the 2024 NFL Draft. Trevor Penning’s development hasn’t panned out, and long-term injury concerns could plague Ryan Ramczyk. Taliese Fuaga needs to make an impact to hedge for those concerns.
Whether it’s at left or right tackle, Fuaga — in an ideal world — has the athleticism, low center of gravity, power, and mauler mentality to be an impact player. And while there are lapses in hand precision, his synergy as a pass protector is promising.
Runner-Ups: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB; Khristian Boyd, DT
New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR
For at least another year, the New York Giants’ contingent — led by Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen — is placing its hope in Daniel Jones. It’s unclear if Jones will rebound after a disastrous 2023 campaign, but he’ll need to lean on rookie WR Malik Nabers to accomplish that.
Nabers broke out in 2023, distinguishing himself as a venerable three-level threat at the WR position. He can separate and generate RAC in isolation with his twitch and explosion, and he has impeccable catch-point instincts and proactivity on the attack.
Runner-Ups: Tyler Nubin, S; Dru Phillips, CB; Theo Johnson, TE
New York Jets: Malachi Corley, WR
In such a pivotal year for Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh, the New York Jets’ 2024 NFL Draft class underwhelmed a bit on the surface. But at the very least, the situation is ripe for Malachi Corley to have a role well-attuned to his skill set beside Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams.
With Wilson and Williams commanding attention over the top, Corley could fit very well as a designated slot WR and RAC threat for Aaron Rodgers and Co. That said, if either Tyron Smith or Morgan Moses gets injured, Olu Fashanu‘s rookie impact skyrockets.
Runner-Up: Olu Fashanu, OT
Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB
The Philadelphia Eagles invested heavily in their secondary in the 2024 NFL Draft, and as a result, two of their highest-impact rookies are in that position group. Cooper DeJean‘s versatility could be an asset early, and Quinyon Mitchell will be relied upon at CB opposite Darius Slay Jr.
With his proficiency in off-man and zone, Mitchell should feel right at home in Vic Fangio’s scheme. On the boundary, he’ll be able to read his WR’s hips, play off the rush, and click and close as a premier playmaker. The only way to go is up for the Toledo product.
Runner-Up: Cooper DeJean, DB
Pittsburgh Steelers: Zach Frazier, C
The Steelers completely reworked their offensive line in the 2024 NFL Draft, adding Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick. Fautanu will be invaluable on the line opposite Broderick Jones, but Frazier’s impact at center may be even more distinct.
With Mason Cole, the Steelers visibly lacked the athleticism necessary to execute different reach blocks off the line, and the point-of-attack strength to prevent displacement. Frazier has both of those traits, and he doubles as a high-IQ blocker with great leverage.
Runner-Up: Troy Fautanu, OT
San Francisco 49ers: Renardo Green, CB
Much has been made of Brandon Aiyuk’s trade rumors, and while the WR hasn’t done anything to discredit those rumors, he has admitted that he likely stays in San Francisco for the 2024 season. If he does, Ricky Pearsall may start out in more of a secondary role.
In that scenario, Renardo Green could have a greater impact early on, playing opposite Charvarius Ward on the boundary. Green is a menace in press-man, with biting physicality. But he also has the pedal experience to play zone and off-man.
Runner-Ups: Dominick Puni, G; Ricky Pearsall, WR; Malik Mustapha, S
Seattle Seahawks: Christian Haynes, G
Christian Haynes was graded as a fringe first-round prospect on my board, and the Seahawks got him in Round 3. Byron Murphy II could have just as great of an impact in a rotation with Jarran Reed and Leonard Williams, but there’s no reason Haynes can’t start.
At around 6’3″, 317 pounds, Haynes is a hyper-dense mauler with the combined explosiveness and rotational freedom to pummel opponents into submission. He can pull, pass protect, and control gaps, and he immediately upgrades Seattle’s interior line.
Runner-Ups: Byron Murphy II, DT; Tyrice Knight, LB
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton, C
This one is fairly simple for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers needed a new fulcrum man to keep Baker Mayfield clean after the QB’s resurgent 2023 campaign. With his football IQ, athleticism, flexibility, and driving power, Graham Barton qualifies as that fulcrum player.
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The wild card to watch in Tampa Bay’s 2024 NFL Draft class is Jalen McMillan. He could leapfrog Trey Palmer early on for the WR3 role, and he has the vertical speed, route-running chops, and positional instincts to thrive alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Runner-Ups: Jalen McMillan, WR; Chris Braswell, EDGE
Tennessee Titans: JC Latham, OT
The Tennessee Titans have a quarterback worth investing in with Will Levis, and they have an offensive mind who can develop him in Brian Callahan. The weapons core is growing. All that’s left is to solidify the offensive line, and JC Latham is an integral part of that.
Latham is an absolute powerhouse with his size and explosiveness, and he can plow open lanes in the run game. But he also quietly has very good patience and pass sets when protecting his QB. Learning from Bill Callahan, the sky is the limit for the Alabama product.
Runner-Up: Cedric Gray, LB
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB
The Washington Commanders’ entire 2024 NFL Draft class brings reason for excitement. Johnny Newton and Ben Sinnott can be playmakers on either side of the ball. Mike Sainristil is an elite nickel DB, and Brandon Coleman could be the team’s starter at left tackle.
All told, the team’s performance — and the performance of Dan Quinn’s regime — will be predicated on the play of Jayden Daniels. The 2023 Heisman winner is a superlative athlete and creator whose dual-sided playmaking could remake Washington’s offense.
Runner-Up: Mike Sainristil, CB