NFL · 1 year ago

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

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

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

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Caleb Williams - Chicago Bears
You can make the case that all three of the top three selections in the 2024 NFL Draft will play a significant role in Year 1. Still, Caleb Williams has the potential to make the most impact in his rookie season for the Chicago Bears. If you compare the weapons he has in his arsenal to those of Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye, it's night and day. Williams was the clear-cut top pick entering the 2023 season and went wire-to-wire as the top selection. The former USC Trojan will step right into the league and be a significant factor for the Bears as they try to return to the postseason.

Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds: +210

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.
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

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Caleb Williams - Chicago Bears
You can make the case that all three of the top three selections in the 2024 NFL Draft will play a significant role in Year 1. Still, Caleb Williams has the potential to make the most impact in his rookie season for the Chicago Bears. If you compare the weapons he has in his arsenal to those of Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye, it's night and day. Williams was the clear-cut top pick entering the 2023 season and went wire-to-wire as the top selection. The former USC Trojan will step right into the league and be a significant factor for the Bears as they try to return to the postseason.

Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds: +210

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.

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

Sports Betting

Sportsbook Promos

Social Casinos