NFL Rookie of the Year Power Rankings: Jared Verse rises!

1. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels emerged as the early frontrunner for NFL Rookie of the Year after a scorching start. He even drew whispers as a dark-horse MVP candidate. However, a challenging November saw him hit a rough patch. He has absorbed three consecutive losses where his QBR dipped to 36.5, 22.2, and 64.1. Despite that, he has proven to be an ideal fit in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. As of this writing, he currently ranks fourth in the league in completion percentage (69.6 percent), sixth in QBR (68.4), and ninth in yards per attempt (7.8). With three of his final four games coming against the Saints, Falcons, and Cowboys, Daniels has a prime opportunity to close the season on a high note. He can certainly solidify his case as the top NFL Rookie of the Year.

2. Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams

Jared Verse has established himself as a natural disruptor. He has repeatedly showcased the physical tools needed to excel as a three-down defender. Already performing at a Pro Bowl caliber, he has racked up 39 QB pressures. That places him 10th in the league. His impact isn’t limited to the pass rush, too. Verse is also a force in the run game, boasting an impressive 31 percent run stop win rate. He has also recorded 11 tackles for loss. The future looks bright for Verse, and the Rams ae surely happy they have him anchoring their defense.

3. Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders’ Brock Bowers has emerged as a dominant force at tight end in his rookie season. In fact, he has earned an impressive 89.2 PFF receiving grade. Remarkably, he has dropped just two of 89 catchable passes thrown his way while averaging 2.12 yards per route run. Remember that sBowers has already shattered the rookie tight end receptions record. This means he has surpassed Sam LaPorta’s mark of 86 set just last season. Now, Bowers has his eyes on an even more historic milestone: Hall of Famer Mike Ditka’s 1,076 receiving yards. That’s a rookie record that has stood since 1961. With four games remaining and being targeted on 25 percent of the routes he runs, this record is well within reach for the rookie rising star.

4. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

Bo Nix has been remarkably efficient for the Broncos. He also continues to improve each week as Denver pushes for a playoff spot. He’s displayed an impressive ability to stretch the field. We saw this in his 93-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Mims Jr. against the Browns. The Broncos are reaping the benefits of Nix’s growing comfort with the scheme and his teammates. His Week 11 performance against Atlanta was a career highlight, as he completed 84.8 percent of his passes and threw for four touchdowns. Keep in mind that Denver hasn’t lost a game since. With Nix finding his rhythm, he should deliver more multi-touchdown performances in the final stretch of the season.

5. Malik Nabers, New York Giants

Malik Nabers has been outstanding even in the face of inconsistent quarterback play. He’s turned 121 targets into 80 receptions for 819 yards and three touchdowns. He has also averaged 1.91 yards per route run and earning an impressive 82.6 PFF receiving grade. Nabers has solidified his role as the Giants’ top offensive weapon and stands out as one of the league’s premier rookie receivers. He currently ranks eighth in receiving yards per game (74.5). Coach Brian Daboll has utilized Nabers effectively in the slot. He has exploited defenses with his yards-after-catch ability. Despite being just 21 years old Nabers has already emerged as the clear go-to target in the Giants’ offense.

Final Thoughts

As the 2024 season marches forward, the NFL Rookie of the Year race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Jayden Daniels continues to shine as the face of Washington’s offense, while Jared Verse is redefining the Rams’ defensive identity. Brock Bowers is proving why tight ends can be game-changers, Bo Nix is quietly leading Denver’s resurgence, and Malik Nabers is lighting up defenses with his big-play ability. Each of these rookies has a compelling case. With the season far from over, there’s plenty of time for surprises and standout performances. If Verse continues to terrorize quarterbacks the way he has so far, don’t be surprised if the defensive phenom leaps to the top of these rankings by season’s end.