Ranking NFL’s Top 10 Instant Impact Rookies for 2024
The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and now it’s time to decide which rookies are ready to make an immediate impact in the league. With the NFL’s “win-now” mentality, every team is looking for players who can contribute right away.
In recent years, we’ve seen players like C.J. Stroud, Puka Nacua, Bijan Robinson, and Jahmyr Gibbs make an instant impact in their rookie seasons. Last year, Sauce Gardner was a lockdown corner from the start, while Charles Cross, Abraham Lucas, Kenneth Walker, and Tariq Woolen were key contributors to the Seahawks’ surprise playoff run.
So, who will be the top instant impact rookies from the 2024 NFL Draft class?
10. Keon Coleman, WR, Bills
The Bills have a huge void to fill with the departure of Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, leaving 317 targets up for grabs. Keon Coleman, the rookie receiver, has a massive opportunity ahead of him. With Josh Allen’s penchant for chucking the football all over the field, Coleman is poised to make an immediate impact.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen
9. Trey Benson, RB, Bengals
Trey Benson, the Bengals’ fourth-round pick, is a physical runner with a strong lower body. He’s a north-south runner who can break tackles and gain extra yards after contact. With Joe Mixon’s injury history, Benson could see significant playing time early on.
Trey Benson
8. JC Latham, OT, Saints
JC Latham, the Saints’ second-round pick, is a massive tackle with a strong anchor and good length. He’s a powerful run blocker who can help the Saints’ struggling ground game. With the Saints’ need for a right tackle, Latham could start from day one.
JC Latham
7. Jordan Battle, S, Browns
Jordan Battle, the Browns’ third-round pick, is a physical safety with good range and ball skills. He’s a hard hitter who can provide support in the box and cover deep. With the Browns’ need for a strong safety, Battle could see significant playing time early on.
Jordan Battle
6. Michael Mayer, TE, Falcons
Michael Mayer, the Falcons’ second-round pick, is a talented tight end with good size and athleticism. He’s a reliable receiver who can create mismatches in the secondary. With the Falcons’ need for a tight end, Mayer could be a key contributor in the passing game.
Michael Mayer
5. Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers
Quentin Johnston, the Chargers’ first-round pick, is a talented receiver with good size and speed. He’s a physical receiver who can win contested catches and make big plays down the field. With the Chargers’ need for a number one receiver, Johnston could be an instant impact player.
Quentin Johnston
4. Bryan Bresee, DT, Ravens
Bryan Bresee, the Ravens’ second-round pick, is a talented defensive tackle with good size and athleticism. He’s a disruptive force who can penetrate and make plays in the backfield. With the Ravens’ need for a defensive tackle, Bresee could be an instant impact player.
Bryan Bresee
3. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Steelers
Joey Porter Jr., the Steelers’ second-round pick, is a talented cornerback with good size and athleticism. He’s a physical corner who can press and mirror receivers. With the Steelers’ need for a number one corner, Porter Jr. could be an instant impact player.
Joey Porter Jr.
2. Peter Skoronski, OT, Titans
Peter Skoronski, the Titans’ first-round pick, is a talented tackle with good size and athleticism. He’s a dominant run blocker who can pave the way for Derrick Henry. With the Titans’ need for a left tackle, Skoronski could be an instant impact player.
Peter Skoronski
1. Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers
Quentin Johnston, the Chargers’ first-round pick, is a talented receiver with good size and speed. He’s a physical receiver who can win contested catches and make big plays down the field. With the Chargers’ need for a number one receiver, Johnston could be the top instant impact rookie of the 2024 NFL Draft class.
Quentin Johnston