Instant Impact? Top 5 NFL Rookies Set for Big Roles in the 2024

Xavier Legette - Carolina Panthers

It's still somewhat unclear what the Carolina Panthers offense will look like in 2024. Still, adding Xavier Legette to the mix doesn't hurt. Legette was one of my favorite wide receivers in this draft class, and it wasn't hard to envision him having a first-round draft grade for multiple teams. The Panthers scooped him up to conclude the first round, and all signs point to him playing a significant role on offense in Year 1. More weapons are needed for Bryce Young, and Legette kicks off that movement. 

Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds: +5000

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Malik Nabers - New York Giants

There were definite question marks about whether the New York Giants would select a quarterback, wide receiver, or potentially trade down with their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The G-Men opted to select explosive wide receiver Malik Nabers out of LSU. It's still fair to wonder about Daniel Jones as quarterback for this group, but it's clear that Nabers will play a vital role on this offense in Year 1 and should lead the team in targets.

Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds: +1400

Keon Coleman - Buffalo Bills

It's difficult to say right now how the Buffalo Bills will operate on offense in 2024. After moving Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, the WR1 position in Buffalo became wide open. The expectation was that the Bills would use an early pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on a wide receiver, and that's precisely what they did with Keon Coleman. Coleman brings many qualities to the table that Bills signal-caller Josh Allen will love, and it's hard to see him not playing a significant role as the team's top wideout in Year 1. 

Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds: +2500

Brock Bowers - Las Vegas Raiders

There was at least some surprise when the Las Vegas Raiders called Brock Bowers's name with the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This didn't have anything to do with talent, more so that the Raiders had just selected tight end Michael Mayer in the prior draft class. This signals that the Raiders plan to operate plenty of two tight end sets, which shouldn't come as a surprise. Bowers can do it all on offense and will be expected to play a significant role in Year 1. 

Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds: +4000

Xavier Legette - Carolina Panthers

It's still somewhat unclear what the Carolina Panthers offense will look like in 2024. Still, adding Xavier Legette to the mix doesn't hurt. Legette was one of my favorite wide receivers in this draft class, and it wasn't hard to envision him having a first-round draft grade for multiple teams. The Panthers scooped him up to conclude the first round, and all signs point to him playing a significant role on offense in Year 1. More weapons are needed for Bryce Young, and Legette kicks off that movement. 

Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds: +5000

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