Free Post: Early 2024 NFL Draft Picks That Hit
Our look at the top rookies from NFL Week 1
Sure, it’s only been one week, but we can learn a lot from 60 minutes of football. And just like you, we’re prone to excitement when a player jumps off the tape.
In the case of the 2024 rookie class, we didn’t see much from the quarterbacks (expected), the wide receivers (unexpected) or a light group of running backs. In fact, only one rookie running back had more than 20 snaps. That goes to Bucky Irving, a fourth round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who logged exactly 20 snaps.
Instead, the very early reviews for the rookie class is that the offensive and defensive linemen owned the week.
We know that in due time, players like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels (who did have a good Week 1 on the ground), and Marvin Harrison Jr. will pop. In fact, it might be this weekend. But for now, here are the players that stood out to us in Week 1.
Players listed in order of draft position
Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers
Left Tackle: Round 1, Pick 5
Facing off against Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders’, Alt held his own after making the transition to right tackle during the offseason. PFF graded Alt with a 76.6 performance in pass blocking—the highest of any rookie tackle. Outside of that grade, just in watching the game, Alt was poised, powerful and confident despite facing one of the league’s most terrifying pass rushers.
Laiatu Latu, Indianapolis Colts
Defensive End: Round 1, Pick 15
Latu logged 31 snaps in Week 1 and managed one hurry while showing off the burst and expert hand use that made him the first defensive player drafted in 2024. More snaps will come, and he did have one missed tackle that affected his stat sheet, but the early review is a very positive one for Latu after a strong preseason and training camp.
Byron Murphy II, Seattle Seahawks
Defensive Tackle: Round 1, Pick 16
The first interior defender drafted in 2024, Murphy certainly looked the part in his 40 snaps as the 3-technique in Mike MacDonald’s defense. Murphy had two hurries and two tackles in his debut, but it was his quickness that caused so many problems that don’t show up in the box score. He looks to be a long-time fixture on the interior.
Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams
Defensive End: Round 1, Pick 19
Verse had a prolific night in his first start, logging six total tackles, one sack, two QB hits and three hurries under the lights of Sunday night football against the Detroit Lions. Of all the rookie pass-rushers who played in Week 1—and there were 13 who logged at least five snaps—Verse was the most impressive.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
Wide Receiver: Round 1, Pick 28
When your very first touch in the NFL gets you into the end zone, things are going well. Worthy scored as both a runner and a receiver on Thursday night football while showing off the record-setting speed that made him a first-rounder. With Hollywood Brown set for the IR, Worthy’s role will only increase.
T’Vondre Sweat, Tennessee Titans
Defensive Tackle: Round 2, Pick 38
The big man from Texas looked exactly like he did when he was patrolling the 40 Acres while manning the nose tackle spot for the Titans. In a loss, Sweat played 38 snaps and had two hurries to go with two tackles. His pass rush moves allowed him to give plenty of chase against quarterback Caleb Williams and otherwise collapse the Chicago pocket all day long.
Zach Frazier, Pittsburgh Steelers
Center: Round 2, Pick 51
Frazier was the best rookie offensive lineman we saw in Week 1. Manning the center spot where the team changed quarterbacks the week of the game, Frazier didn’t miss a beat. He allowed zero hurries, hits or sacks and was a clean performer in the run game. It was a near perfect first outing.
Kingsley Suamataia, Kansas City Chiefs
Left Tackle: Round 2, Pick 63
Depending on who you talk to, Suamataia was either so good you didn’t really notice he was a rookie left tackle or he struggled and is cause for concern. I didn’t see the concern. He had one holding penalty but allowed just one quarterback hit and one pressure on 54 snaps. Going against the Baltimore Ravens’ defense, I’ll say that’s a pretty good first game.
Calen Bullock, Houston Texans
Safety: Round 3, Pick 78
Bullock grabbed nine interceptions during his time at USC, and those ball skills showed up in Week 1 as he stole a pass from Anthony Richardson. While he did play just 15 snaps, Bullock made a huge impact in a tight game. Expect to see his snap count increase.
Dominick Puni, San Francisco 49ers
Offensive Guard: Round 3, Pick 87
Puni was a bright light during the 49ers’ training camp and preseason and did not disappoint in Week 1. Starting at right guard, Puni played 72 snaps (the most of any rookie lineman) and allowed just one hurry and one pressure while opening massive rushing lanes for backup tailback Jordan Mason in the 49ers’ dominant win over the New York Jets.