Top 5 Rookies in the NFL So Far…

September 28, 2024

By Carter Rennyson

We’re just three weeks into the NFL season, but these rookies have stood out. While the quarterbacks have been slower to start than anticipated, the receivers have been sensational. Despite a long wait for the first defensive player to be drafted, a few defenders have made solid progress in their first three games. Here are the top five rookies so far this season.

5. Jared Verse – LB, Los Angeles Rams

Verse is currently the favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. The linebacker joined a Los Angeles Rams defense that lost future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald to retirement. So far, Verse has 15 tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble. Drafted 19th overall out of Florida State, he has started his career on the right foot in Los Angeles.

4. Brock Bowers – TE, Las Vegas Raiders

Bowers was a dominant tight end at Georgia, and he’s now finding success early in his NFL career with the Raiders. He has 18 receptions for 197 yards through three games, including nine catches for 98 yards in an upset victory over the Ravens. Though he has yet to score, expect Bowers to find the end zone soon. He’s poised to develop into a star tight end over the next few seasons.

3. Marvin Harrison Jr. – WR, Arizona Cardinals

After a disappointing Week 1, “Maserati Marv” rebounded with a massive game in Week 2. Harrison had four catches for 130 yards against the Rams and followed it up with a five-catch, 64-yard performance with a touchdown in Week 3. It seems like Harrison has developed chemistry with Kyler Murray in Arizona, and he should be a force going forward.

2. Jayden Daniels – QB, Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels has looked tremendous in his first three games. After a blowout loss to the Buccaneers in his debut, Daniels has led the Commanders to two straight victories, including an upset over the Bengals on Monday Night Football. He has two passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns so far this season and will look to add to his totals against the Cardinals on Sunday. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner could very well add the Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) award to his trophy case this season.

1. Malik Nabers – WR, New York Giants

Malik Nabers has been the best wide receiver in his class so far. He has 35 receptions for 386 yards and three touchdowns through his first four games. Nabers has provided a spark to the Giants’ offense, which lost Saquon Barkley and Darren Waller this offseason. Daniel Jones has found a new favorite target in Nabers, who has stepped into the No. 1 receiver role. Nabers will be battling his former college quarterback, Daniels, for the OROY award throughout the season.

Though it’s early in the season, it’s never too soon to speculate on the Rookie of the Year awards. Which rookies have impressed you? And which are you still waiting to see break out? Comment below with your favorite rookie so far this season!