The 2024 NFL Draft featured a number of prospects who have a chance to make a big impact as rookies. These 25 players are worth watching in their rookie campaigns.
Despite selecting tight end Michael Mayers in the second round of last year's draft, the Raiders found the opportunity to select Bowers 13th overall too enticing. Bowers was elite at run after the catch while at Georgia and should be a great complementary weapon to wideouts Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers.
After losing Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason, wideout was a major possession of need for Buffalo. They addressed the need in the second round with Coleman, a giant wideout who scored 18 touchdowns over the last two seasons in college. There are questions about Coleman's speed, but he should be a great Red Zone threat for Josh Allen.
Corum lacked the speed to have his name called early in the draft, but his power, vision, and production at Michigan made him a Day 2 selection. Kyren Williams had a breakout season in 2023 as the Rams starter, but his injury history makes Corum a likely factor in his rookie season.
The Commanders turned the page on Sam Howell after last season's struggles, but have a potential superstar in second-overall selection Jayden Daniels. Daniels completed over 72% of his passes with 40 touchdowns and added over 1,100 yards on the ground. He's a top Rookie of the Year candidate for good reason.
The Broncos seemed thrilled to get Franklin in the fourth round, reuniting him with Oregon teammate Bo Nix. The speedy Franklin had 1,383 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns last season, and could play a big role after the Broncos moved on from Jerry Jeudy.
Harrison Jr. was an instant superstar at Ohio State, a program that has become known for producing great wideouts. The opportunity in Arizona couldn't be greater after the team has moved on from DeAndre Hopkins and Hollywood Brown over the last year, as Harrison likely steps in as the team's No. 1 wideout.
The Rams have been a highly productive offense in recent seasons, so the kicker position is important. Karty is likely to step in as the team's kicker this season after his sixth-round selection. He converted 85% of his field goals in three years at Stanford.
The Colts were thrilled to see Latu fall to them 15th overall, and he should immediately join their pass rush rotation alongside Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam. The UCLA alum recorded 23.5 sacks over the last two seasons.
Coming off a breakout year at South Carolina, Legette joins an improved receiving corps with Adam Thielen and former Steeler Diontae Johnson. Legette will have a chance to grow with 2023 first-overall draft choice Bryce Young.
Pats fans were happy to see the Mac Jones era end, and are hoping for better luck with Maye. The third overall draft choice had two spectacular seasons at North Carolina, and is capable of making all the throws as New England's immediate starting quarterback.
McCarthy's ability was called into question by some because of Michigan's conservative offense, but the quarterback was highly efficient completing over 72% of his throws last season. He steps into an outstanding situation in Minnesota with head coach Kevin O'Connell and wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison after being drafted in the first round.
The Chargers waited until the second round to take a wideout, with McConkey possibly stepping in as their top wideout after the team moved on from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. While the team is expected to be focused on the run, McConkey should see plenty of targets from star quarterback Justin Herbert.
Mitchell had a productive final year at Texas with 845 yards and 11 touchdowns and should have a big role with his new team behind Michael Pittman Jr. Indy should work him in throughout the year to help young quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Philadelphia's secondary was a major issue last season, so the pressure is on first-round pick Mitchell. He was a lockdown corner at Toledo and should play immediately.
Murphy has a chance to be a game wrecker on the defensive interior, a role Seattle would welcome. The first-round pick should get immediate snaps for the Seahawks.
The Giants opted to add help for Daniel Jones in an area where they desperately needed it. Nabers is coming off two massive seasons at LSU, including 14 touchdowns and over 1,500 yards last season.
Nix drew comparisons to Drew Brees before the draft, so it's appropriate he finds himself playing under former Saints head coach Sean Payton in Denver. He has a good shot to win the starting job after going in the first round.
Chicago had a strong wideout room with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen coming into the draft, but they couldn't pass up the opportunity to pair Odunze with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Odunze has star potential after recording 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns at Washington last season.
The Patriots needed receiver help as badly as they needed a quarterback coming into the draft, and they were able to fulfill both needs by taking Polk and Drake Maye. Polk could be the team's No. 1 wideout soon after recording 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns at Washington last year.
Kicker was a need for the Vikings last year, and they hope to have answered the call with Reichard late in the sixth round. The Alabama alum has made plenty of pressure kicks, converting 84% of field goals in college.
The loss of Calvin Ridley created a need at wideout that the Jags hope Thomas can fill. He's a major deep threat and is coming off a great season at LSU with 1,177 yards and 17 scores.
Minnesota had a major need for a pass rusher and did well to get Turner in the middle of the first round. He recorded 22.5 sacks in three seasons at Alabama and should see significant snaps immediately.
The retirement of Aaron Donald created a huge void up front for the Rams that they hope Verse can fill. The hyped first-round pick had 18 sacks over the last two years at Florida State.
Williams had been considered the likely first overall draft choice for more than a year, and the Bears followed through. He has pressure in Chicago replacing former first-round pick Justin Fields, but the Bears have surrounded him with many weapons to succeed immediately.
Worthy set a new record for the 40 at the NFL Combine, so it's only appropriate that he was drafted by the Chiefs. Kansas City has lacked a great deep threat since trading Tyreek Hill two years ago, but Worthy should immediately step into that role alongside Hollywood Brown to make one of the scariest offenses in football.
Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.
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