You know what they say about NFL rookies: “You can’t judge a book by its cover… unless that cover includes a PFF grade of 90+.” Okay, maybe they don’t say that, but they should, especially after this year. Because let me tell you, 2024’s rookie class? Absolutely stacked.
From explosive running backs and lockdown defenders to quarterbacks who make your fantasy team look like a genius pick (looking at you, Jayden Daniels), this year’s fresh faces delivered big time. Whether they were first-round golden boys or late-round afterthoughts, these rookies came out swinging. Let’s rank the cream of the crop, shall we?
1. RB Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
PFF Grade: 90.6
Bucky Irving is the kind of guy who makes you forget Tampa Bay had a post-Brady hangover. This fourth-round gem amassed 1,514 yards from scrimmage, averaging 4.03 yards after contact. Dude juked defenders like he was playing Madden, forcing 57 missed tackles on just 207 rushing attempts. Every time he touched the ball, it felt like he had an “I’ll do it myself” mentality.
2. QB Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
PFF Grade: 89.6
Can we talk about the Commanders finally getting their QB situation right? Jayden Daniels didn’t just play quarterback; he orchestrated. Leading the NFC in QB grades, he kept turnovers to a minimum (1.7% turnover-worthy plays—what even is that?). A little more luck in Week 18, and he might’ve been top dog on this list.
3. WR Malik Nabers, New York Giants
PFF Grade: 86.7
It’s like every time Daniel Jones (or his backup, let’s be real) needed a lifeline, Nabers was right there. The rookie hauled in 109 catches for 1,204 yards, with a ridiculous 87.1 receiving grade. If he doesn’t have a breakout sophomore season, we riot.
4. EDGE Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams
PFF Grade: 86.2
Jared Verse is the defender your QB’s nightmares are made of. With 77 pressures on just 484 snaps, he lived in backfields. Earlier in the season, he missed a few too many tackles, but by the end? Almost flawless. It’s like he found cheat codes in December.
5. TE Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders
PFF Grade: 85.1
How does someone break an NFL rookie record and look humble doing it? Bowers snagged 112 receptions (most by a rookie ever), dropped only four passes, and made “tight end” synonymous with “unstoppable” for the Raiders.
6. LB Edgerrin Cooper, Green Bay Packers
PFF Grade: 84.0
Some guys peak early. Others, like Edgerrin Cooper, get better with time. By season’s end, he was a wrecking ball, excelling in pass rush and run defense. He’s the guy every Packers fan will tell you about at family barbecues next summer.
7. CB Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia Eagles
PFF Grade: 82.7
Here’s a fun stat: DeJean allowed only 7.3 yards per catch on 51 receptions. Eagles fans might still be salty about 2023, but at least now they’ve got a corner who can shut down anyone.
8. WR Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
PFF Grade: 82.0
This guy already plays like a veteran. With 1,282 receiving yards and an average of 14.7 yards per catch, Thomas made Trevor Lawrence look like an MVP candidate. Well, almost.
9. WR Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers
PFF Grade: 80.5
Ladd McConkey. The name alone deserves points, right? But seriously, he became Justin Herbert’s new best friend overnight, catching 13 contested passes and averaging 2.38 yards per route.
10. G Dominick Puni, San Francisco 49ers
PFF Grade: 80.5
Don’t sleep on offensive linemen! Dominick Puni was a rock, with an 81.5 run-blocking grade to prove it. Sure, his pass-blocking wasn’t perfect, but when you’re clearing lanes like that, who cares?
11. WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals
PFF Grade: 77.7
Marvin Harrison Jr. had flashes of brilliance. His Week 18 performance—five catches, 63 yards, and a touchdown—was the perfect exclamation point to a promising rookie season.
12. OT Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers
PFF Grade: 77.6
Chargers fans are still buzzing about Alt stepping in at left tackle and holding his own like a seasoned pro. His versatility makes him a cornerstone for LA’s future.
13. CB Andru Phillips, New York Giants
PFF Grade: 77.5
Phillips was solid in coverage and downright nasty in run defense. He allowed just 373 yards all season, making him one of the most reliable rookies on this list.
14. C Zach Frazier, Pittsburgh Steelers
PFF Grade: 76.8
If you didn’t notice Frazier improving every week, were you even watching? The Steelers center finished strong with two straight games of 70+ pass-blocking grades, proving he’s ready for playoff battles.
15. QB Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
PFF Grade: 76.4
Bo Nix saved the best for last. Completing 26-of-29 passes in Week 18 to secure a playoff spot? Ice in his veins. Broncos fans are finally breathing again.
The 2024 rookie class didn’t just meet expectations; they bulldozed them. From record-breaking tight ends to unstoppable pass rushers, this crop of newcomers has set the stage for a thrilling 2025 season. Who’s ready for the next chapter? (Spoiler: Me. It’s me.)
P.S. Did I forget someone? Probably. It’s been a long season. Let’s argue about it in the comments.
P.P.S. Is it too soon to order a Bucky Irving jersey? Asking for a friend.