![NFL Rookies to watch: Bo Nix [L] and Rome Odunze [R]](https://www.totalprosports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Bo-Nix-L-and-Rome-Odunze-R-1-2-1024x563.jpg)
A new season is here, bringing renewed hope for all 32 teams and the promising class of NFL rookies eager to make their mark. These young talents are ready to shine professionally, aiming to impress thousands of fans and coaches alike. The preseason is their chance to climb the depth chart, with standout performances capturing the attention of coaches who want the “best 11” on the field. This period is especially crucial for rookies drafted outside the first round as they work to prove their worth.
With cutdown day over, it’s time to spotlight the NFL rookies picked beyond the first round who showed they could make an immediate impact. Which of these young players will elevate their teams in 2024? And who is poised for the most success?
A Look At The NFL Rookies Ready To Make Their Mark This Season
Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have faced a lengthy dry spell since their Super Bowl XLI loss to the Colts on a rainy Miami evening 17 years ago. In this period, they have managed only four winning seasons, with one ending in infamous fashion due to the “double-doink” missed field goal.
First-overall pick Caleb Williams is expected to shoulder most of the responsibility to revitalize the Bears’ fortunes. However, Williams will need significant support, and that’s where rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze comes into play. Drafted ninth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Odunze is coming off a standout college season with the Washington Huskies. He recorded 92 receptions, 13 touchdowns, and 1,640 receiving yards in his final year, which earned him consensus All-American honors.
Chicago’s receiving corps includes notable names such as D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Cole Kmet, who will all vie for targets. Additionally, running back D’Andre Swift poses a threat out of the backfield. Despite this competition, focusing the offense around Odunze’s impressive college talents could be crucial if the Bears wish to improve their passing game substantially. His ability to make big plays and develop chemistry with Williams will be vital to the Bears’ success in the air.
Also Read: Dallas Cowboys Will Have A Surprise No. 1 Running Back For The 2024 Season
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Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos
The 2024 NFL Draft was notable for its depth in quarterback talent, with a record six signal-callers selected in the first round. Amid this glut of quarterbacks, Bo Nix might seem overshadowed despite being a top-12 pick. At 24 years old, he is considered older for a rookie and has been critiqued for thriving mainly in short-yardage situations during his college career.
However, Nix’s preseason performance has been impressive. He did not commit any turnovers or take any sacks while demonstrating effective downfield passing. Nix’s development will benefit from the guidance of head coach Sean Payton, known for his quarterback development expertise. Payton designs his play-action-heavy offense to simplify decision-making for rookies like Nix. If Nix executes this system effectively, he can make a significant impact immediately. His strong preseason and the support of Payton could make him a key player for the Broncos in 2024.
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Carolina Panthers
Brooks was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft and faces a challenging start to his NFL career. He has been placed on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list due to a torn ACL during his final college season at the University of Texas. As a result, Brooks will miss at least the season’s first four games.
Despite this setback, Brooks brings notable potential to the Panthers once he is healthy. At over 200 pounds, he is a powerful running back who can change direction quickly, making him a true three-down back. In his lone season as the primary running back at Texas, Brooks accumulated 1,425 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. His performance in college was impressive enough to warrant a high draft pick from the Panthers, even with the injury concerns. When Brooks returns, he will compete with Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders for the starting role, and there is a strong possibility he could eventually take over the backfield.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
The 2024 NFL Draft produced a deep class of wide receivers, allowing teams to secure quality talent without using a top pick. The Jacksonville Jaguars capitalized on this depth by selecting Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd overall pick. Thomas brings a rare combination of size and speed to the Jaguars’ receiving corps. Standing six-foot-three and weighing 210 pounds, he clocked a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, making him a formidable presence on the field.
With Calvin Ridley moving to the Tennessee Titans, the Jaguars have a notable vacancy atop their depth chart. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence will utilize Thomas’s unique attributes to stretch the field and create big plays. Among other NFL rookies, Thomas will have the chance to develop a strong rapport with Lawrence, a rare opportunity for first-year wide receivers. If Thomas can capitalize on this chance, he could become a key player for the Jaguars’ offense.
Also Read: Former Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden Announces New Job Ahead Of 2024 NFL Season
Laiatu Latu, DE, Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have struggled to maintain a consistent pass rush in recent years, attempting to fill gaps with players like Justin Houston and Yannick Ngakoue. They turn to Laiatu Latu, hoping to bolster their defensive line. Latu, drafted after a strong college career at UCLA, recorded 23.5 sacks over his final two seasons. His agility and strength were significant problems for opponents throughout his college tenure.
Latu joins a Colts defensive line that includes DeForest Buckner and Kwity Paye. Buckner and Paye combined for 16.5 sacks in 2023, drawing attention from opposing offenses and creating opportunities for Latu. With the Colts aiming to rebuild their pass rush, Latu’s ability to capitalize on one-on-one matchups could enhance the team’s defensive performance.
Demeioun ‘Chop’ Robinson, LB, Miami Dolphins
In Miami, linebacker Jaelan Phillips is recovering from an Achilles injury, while Bradley Chubb is on the PUP list due to an AC tear. These injuries have opened up significant opportunities for Demeioun ‘Chop’ Robinson, selected 21st overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Robinson, known for his exceptional speed, recorded the second-fastest time among edge rushers at the scouting combine with a 4.48-second 40-yard dash. His speed could be valuable in pressuring quarterbacks and bolstering the Dolphins’ run defense. Robinson’s performance will be crucial as he steps in to fill the void left by Phillips and Chubb, and if he performs well, he could secure a long-term role on the Dolphins’ defense.
What Can We Expect from Mike Macdonald as the New Head Coach of the Seattle Seahawks?
When we discuss high-impact NFL rookies, we don’t limit it to players alone, as the Seattle Seahawks are entering a new chapter with Mike Macdonald as their head coach. At 37, Macdonald is the youngest head coach in the league, taking over from Pete Carroll, who had a notable 14-season tenure. Macdonald, known for his defensive prowess from his time with the Baltimore Ravens, will be leading the team alongside three new coordinators: Ryan Grubb (offensive coordinator), Aden Durde (defensive coordinator), and Jay Harbaugh (special-teams coordinator).
Macdonald faces the challenge of establishing his coaching identity while integrating his defensive strategies with a young roster. The Seahawks have promising young talents such as Devon Witherspoon, Jarran Reed, Leonard Williams, Riq Woolen, and Byron Murphy II. With Macdonald’s defensive expertise and the potential of these young players, the Seahawks could recreate the success of the “Legion of Boom” era.
Also Read: Baltimore Ravens Superstar Announces He’s Officially Changing His Name Ahead Of 2024 NFL Season
