The 2024 NFL season delivered one of the most compelling rookie classes in recent memory, with standout performers defying draft position expectations while some highly-touted prospects struggled to live up to their billing. Two quarterbacks in particular emerged as the shining stars of this class.
The Overachievers Who Crushed Expectations
Jayden Daniels stands as the crown jewel of the 2024 rookie class. Selected second overall by Washington, Daniels exceeded virtually every projection placed upon him. He completed 69 percent of his passes for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding a record-setting 891 rushing yards. His rookie season was transformational for a franchise that won just four games the previous year.
Daniels became only the sixth rookie quarterback ever to reach a conference championship game, tying Ben Roethlisberger’s record with 14 total wins. His dual-threat ability made him the first player in NFL history to surpass 1,000 passing yards and 250 rushing yards in his first five career games. When evaluating rookie quarterbacks against the preseason betting lines at the best betting sites, Daniels’ success rate of 14-6 against the spread represented remarkable value for early-season backers.
Bo Nix perhaps delivered the most surprising performance relative to draft expectations. Nix silenced critics by leading Denver to their first playoff appearance since 2015, finishing with 3,775 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. His 10-7 regular season record shattered preseason projections that had Denver winning just 5.5 games. Nix broke multiple franchise records, including Peyton Manning’s single-game completion percentage mark, and set the NFL rookie record for home touchdown passes with 19.
The late-round gems proved equally impressive. Bucky Irving, selected in the fourth round by Tampa Bay, earned Pro Football Focus’s highest rookie grade at 90.6. Irving led all rookies with 1,122 rushing yards while averaging 5.4 yards per carry – the third-highest mark among rookies with 200+ attempts since 2000. His 1,514 yards from scrimmage made him just the fourth rookie since 2018 to surpass 1,500 total yards.
Malik Nabers justified the Giants’ sixth overall investment despite playing for a struggling team. He hauled in 109 receptions for 1,204 yards, averaging 2.17 yards per route run while earning an 87.1 PFF receiving grade.
The Disappointing Draft Investments
Caleb Williams entered the season as the overwhelming favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, but the first overall pick’s campaign became a cautionary tale about organizational dysfunction. Williams completed just 62 percent of his passes for 3,451 yards with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions while being sacked a league-high 68 times. The Bears’ eight-game losing streak to end the season left Williams admitting he “shed a few tears” and had “never lost this much.”
Xavier Legette failed to provide the receiving help Carolina desperately needed. The 32nd overall pick managed just 499 receiving yards in 16 games, falling well short of expectations for a first-round receiver tasked with supporting Bryce Young’s development.
Dallas Turner disappointed Minnesota after the Vikings traded multiple picks to select him 17th overall. Despite the team’s elite defense, Turner managed only three sacks and failed to justify the significant draft capital invested in acquiring him.
Looking Forward
The 2024 rookie class demonstrated that draft position remains an imperfect predictor of success. The class will be remembered for its quarterback excellence and the reminder that in the NFL, opportunity and organizational competence often matter more than where a player’s name is called on draft night.
