2024 NFL rookies guide: Stat leaders, fantasy picks, top QBs - ESPN
The 2024 NFL season is just around the corner, which means it's almost time for this year's rookie class to make their regular-season debuts.
First-year quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix have already been named their team's starters. First-round wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze and Xavier Worthy are entering this season with high expectations. And on the other side of the ball, a few defenders — like Laiatu Latu — have drawn a lot of hype throughout the preseason.
So here's our guide to everything you need to know about the rookie class. NFL draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid start by naming early Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates (including their ESPN BET odds to win), then NFL analyst Matt Bowen lists 10 guys who are likely to dominate in fantasy. Miller also picks out five under-the-radar players to watch, Reid shares his notes on the top first-year quarterbacks and fantasy analyst Mike Clay caps it off with his projected rookie stat leaders.
Jump to:
OROY | DROY
Fantasy picks | Sleepers
Quarterback notes | Projections
Williams brings a sense of stability to a franchise that has struggled to find consistency under center for decades. The Bears have never had a passer throw for more than 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, but it shouldn't come as a surprise if Williams gets close to both of those numbers during his rookie season. Williams walks into a unique situation loaded with talent. He'll be throwing to veteran receivers Keenan Allen and DJ Moore, along with fellow 2024 first-rounder Rome Odunze.
Harrison could be on a fast track to becoming one of the best young receivers in the NFL. He'll immediately step into the WR1 role in Arizona,