The 2024 NFL Draft class is loaded with talented players, including quite a few prospects who could make an immediate impact in the NFL.
We recently broke down which rookies could have the biggest impact on their NFL teams during the 2024 regular season. Let’s examine the rookies to watch on each NFC East team.
1 Rookie That Could Have a Big Impact on Each NFC East Team
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
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
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
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