Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams , Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix are slated to start in their first season. There will certainly be many non-quarterbacks who will have an impactful inaugural season, and be in the running for year-end awards.
USA TODAY Sports takes a look at the top non-quarterback rookies to keep an eye on for the 2024 regular season.
Aug 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) against the New Orleans Saints during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to be Arizona’s No. 1 wide receiver on Day 1. Harrison was the most complete wide receiver in this year’s draft, and he’s easily the Cardinals’ most talented receiver. He’s a smooth route runner with reliable hands and knows how to get open. He could become Kyler Murray’s favorite target in Year 1.
Many questioned the Chargers’ decision to bypass a wide receiver in the first round of this year’s draft in favor of tackle Joe Alt. But Alt is a quintessential Jim Harbaugh pick . Harbaugh’s Chargers want to play a physical brand of football.
The No. 5 overall pick has been as advertised in the preseason. He allowed zero pressures in 15 pass block snaps against the Los Angeles Rams. The Chargers figure to boast one of the top offensive tackle tandems in the NFL with 2021 All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater and Alt manning the right side.
Worthy’s already displayed his speed during training camp as a recipient of Patrick Mahomes passes. The Chiefs have missed a vertical element in their offense since Hill left for Miami. Worthy, and his 4.21 40-yard dash speed, can fill the void.
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Eagles
Eagles had the second-worst pass defense in the NFL last season. They needed to get younger in their secondary. Quinyon Mitchell was a consensus top two cornerback in this year’s draft.
Mitchell has shown the ability to play slot corner and line up on the outside. He could begin his Eagles career in the slot.
Mitchell is Toledo's all-time leader in career pass breakups with 46.
Jared Verse, DE, Rams
The Rams addressed their defensive front with their first two draft picks after the retirement of Aaron Donald. Jared Verse provides the Rams with much-needed pass rushing help . He was one of the most disruptive edge rushers in college football. He tallied 12 1/2 tackles for loss and nine sacks last year for Florida State.
Zach Frazier, C, Steelers
Frazier allowed zero pressures in 24 pass block snaps in Pittsburgh’s second preseason game, per Pro Football Focus .
The Steelers have enjoyed a rich history of standout centers, including Hall of Famers Dermontti Dawson and Mike Webster, and recently retired Maurkice Pouncey.
Frazier is already projected to be a Day 1 starter. He could be next along a long line of great Pittsburgh centers.
Dallas Turner, OLB, Vikings
Dallas Turner had two tackles and a sack in his first two preseason games. The Alabama product was the top edge rusher in college football last season, and boasts an impressive blend of speed, length and flexibility off the edge.
Minnesota signed pass rusher Jonathan Greenard during free agency, but Turner has the potential to be the Vikings’ best pass rusher.
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Panthers
Brooks might not be healthy enough to start the regular season on time – he is still rehabilitating a knee injury he sustained in college – but he is expected to see action this year. The running back could make an immediate impact when he returns to the gridiron. He is a decisive runner with a good initial burst.
Chuba Hubbard currently sits at the top of the Panthers' running back depth chart. However, Brooks is likely to supplant Hubbard once he’s fully healthy.
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