Ranking the Top Five Rookie Classes of the 2024 NFL Season: Commanders, Eagles Struck Gold
The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and teams across the league are now looking to their rookie classes to make an immediate impact. While it’s still too early to say for sure which teams have hit the jackpot, several standout classes have emerged.
1. Washington Commanders
The Commanders had a phenomenal draft in 2024, adding several impact players who should contribute right away. Their top pick, quarterback CJ Stroud, is a pro-ready passer with a cannon arm and excellent decision-making. He’s joined by a pair of talented wide receivers in Jalin Hyatt and Kayshon Boutte, both of whom have the potential to become stars in the NFL. On defense, the Commanders added a dynamic edge rusher in Nolan Smith, who had 14 sacks in his final season at Georgia. They also picked up a versatile safety in Titus Leo, who can play both free and strong safety.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles also had a strong draft, led by cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who is considered one of the best defensive backs in the country. He’s joined by a pair of talented pass rushers in Julius Brents and Derick Hall, both of whom have the potential to make an immediate impact. On offense, the Eagles added a dynamic wide receiver in Josh Downs and a versatile running back in Evan Hull, who can also contribute as a receiver.
3. Tennessee Titans
The Titans addressed several key needs in the 2024 draft, adding a talented quarterback in Cade Klubnik, a dynamic wide receiver in Marvin Jones Jr., and a versatile linebacker in Jeremiah Alexander. Klubnik is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and his legs, while Jones Jr. is a big-play threat who can stretch the field. Alexander is a tackling machine who can play all three linebacker positions.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals added several key pieces to their defense in the 2024 draft, including cornerback Jaheim Oatis, safety JQ Hardaway, and linebacker Harold Perkins. Oatis is a massive presence in the middle of the line, while Hardaway is a rangy safety who can make plays all over the field. Perkins is a versatile linebacker who can rush the passer or drop into coverage.
5. Detroit Lions
The Lions had a solid draft in 2024, adding several players who can contribute right away. Their top pick, edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., is one of the most dominant pass rushers in college football. He’s joined by a talented wide receiver in Jordan Addison, who is one of the most productive receivers in the country. On defense, the Lions also added a versatile safety in Antonio Johnson and a physical cornerback in Kelvin Banks.
Honorable Mentions
Several other teams had strong draft classes in 2024, including the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and Houston Texans. The Bears added a talented quarterback in Anthony Richardson and a dynamic wide receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while the Cowboys added a versatile running back in Bijan Robinson and a talented cornerback in Cam Smith. The Texans addressed several key needs, including adding a quarterback in Bryce Young, a wide receiver in Tyler Booker, and a pass rusher in Shemar Stewart.
Conclusion
The 2024 NFL Draft was a deep and talented one, and several teams added players who could make an immediate impact. The Commanders, Eagles, Titans, Bengals, and Lions all had standout draft classes, and they will be looking to their rookies to help them compete for championships in the years to come.