C.J. Stroud and Puka Nacua each had two of the most impressive rookie seasons at their positions in NFL history. After just one year, Stroud and Nacua are both considered to be among the best players at their positions, and they each made Pro Football Network’s NFL Top 100 List.
But after Stroud and Nacua, how many other second-year players made the cut?
2nd-Year Players on PFN’s NFL Top 100 List
1) C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans (35th overall)
C.J. Stroud could hardly have been more impressive in his 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign. The No. 2 overall pick led the NFL in passing yards per game (273.9) and interception rate (1%), showing a rare blend of aggressiveness and patience while looking like a 10-year veteran under center and becoming the youngest NFL quarterback to win a playoff game.
2) Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams (56th overall)
Puka Nacua’s 2023 receiving totals weren’t in the same dimension as any other rookie wideout. He had 500+ more yards and 20+ more receptions than Chiefs WR Rashee Rice, the next-best in both categories.
The BYU product’s statistics could only be compared to those of other high-end NFL receivers. Nacua ranked top six league-wide in targets (163), receptions (114), receiving yards (1,667), and yards per route run (2.75), all of which were new NFL rookie records.
3) Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions (64th overall)
Tight end is such a demanding position that rookies often have trouble adjusting to the NFL — but don’t tell that to Sam LaPorta.
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After being drafted 34th overall by the Lions in 2023, LaPorta broke the league record for receptions by a rookie TE (86). His 10 touchdowns led all tight ends, while his 889 receiving yards ranked fifth.
4) Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons (76th overall)
Don’t judge Bijan Robinson on his counting statistics alone. While he didn’t clear 1,000 rushing yards in his rookie campaign, the Falcons only asked him to carry the ball 214 times. With fellow RB Tyler Allgeier handling 186 carries, Robinson didn’t have the opportunity to put up gaudy rookie year numbers.
However, he still managed 1,463 total yards, more than any other rookie RB in 2023. Robinson passed the eye test every week and could be an All-Pro if Atlanta’s new coaching staff gives him more touches in 2024.
5) Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles (91st overall)
While the Eagles’ defense was one of the more disappointing units in the league in 2023, the club’s overall performance didn’t stop Jalen Carter from posting an outstanding rookie season.
Carter posted six sacks, second among first-year interior defenders, trailing only the Rams’ Kobie Turner. However, Turner also rushed the passer 70 more times than Carter. Among all NFL DTs, Carter ranked sixth in pass-rush win rate (16%) and 15th in pressures (50).
