The 2024 NFL draft made history with the first 14 overall picks belonging to the offense—the longest streak of picks on one side of the ball at any point in the modern draft era. Then came along Laiatu Latu, a 6’5, 265 pound defensive end out of UCLA who became the first defensive player taken off the board at No. 15 to Indianapolis. Six quarterbacks were taken in the first round amongst the surge of offensive players, which tied the 1983 record for the most QBs taken in round one.
Enough offensive glazing. NFL teams still struck defensive gold post pick 15 with studs such as linebacker Dallas Turner (No. 17 to Minnesota), defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (No. 16 to Seattle), and cornerback Terrion Arnold (No. 24 to Detroit).
With the NFL season creeping closer, let’s get to know the top offensive and defensive players of the 2024 rookie class based on odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, and pick a couple to take home an award in February.
OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR CANDIDATES
QB Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (+135)
I won’t spend much time here because, well, this is a no-brainer. The No. 1 overall pick has mounds of expectations placed on him to start his rookie campaign. With 42 touchdown passes and 4,537 passing yards his sophomore year, followed by 30 touchdowns on 68.6 completion percentage his junior year, Williams racked up a flurry of accolades in college, including 2022 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, 2022 Consensus All-American, and the 2022 Heisman Trophy.
Being compared to Patrick Mahomes is no light feat, and Williams’ elite arm strength, accuracy on the run, and mind-boggling release set him up as the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. With a revamped offense filled with talented receivers—D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and fellow rookie Rome Odunze—Williams is in prime position to start his professional career off lightning hot if he manages the transition to the big leagues well.
It’s a safe pick to take him at +135, but a very realistic outcome.
QB Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (+475)
There’s some good words coming out of Commanders training camp surrounding their rookie QB. The 23-year-old out of LSU is not entering the same kind of a situation as Williams, but has the dual-threat ability to put on a show with his feet and his arm. Daniels finished his college career as the lone QB in FBS history with at least 12,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards. As for deep passes, Daniels was arguably the best quarterback in CFB on passes of at least 20 yards, which should pair nicely with deep threat Terry McLaurin. He also owned the best QBR in college football last season with a 95.6 rating, and went home with the 2023 Heisman Trophy.
Washington fans should be excited. Coaches and teammates have been raving about Daniels’ performance in camp, applauding his work ethic and knowledge of the team’s offense. As for preseason games, the rookie has completed 12-of-15 passes for 122 yards while adding one rushing touchdown as well. Not too shabby.
Daniels was officially announced as the starting quarterback for the Commanders as of Monday, August 19th.
WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals (+650)
The former Buckeye put up over 1,200 yards, 67 receptions, and 14 touchdowns in his 2023 season. He also was named the 2023 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Big Ten, and Big Ten Receiver of the Year. With that kind of resume, it’s not surprising the Cardinals snatched him at No. 4 overall. Harrison Jr. also recently stated in an interview that he believes he is the best receiver to come out of Ohio State, so it’s safe to say he doesn’t lack confidence.
Standing at 6’4, 205 pounds, Marv moves with rare foot speed and nimbleness for an athlete his size. His joystick-like cuts allow him to burst off his routes and accelerate to a max speed defensive backs should be afraid of. On top of it all, the 22-year-old possesses top-notch ball handling skills, remaining in control through contact and seeing the ball in cleanly for the majority of his receptions.
In order to shine more than Caleb Williams, Marv will have to put up Puka Nacua-like numbers, or better. Nacua, who was the 177th pick in the 2023 draft, broke the record for most receiving yards by a rookie in a single season with 1,486 yards, and also broke the record for the most receptions in a season by a rookie at 105. While it’s not impossible, hitting these numbers with an offense that ranked 26th in passing offense last season—and 19th in overall offense—will be a more difficult task to complete. But, Harrison Jr. will be the sole focus of this offense, so getting targets won’t be an issue.
In the hunt: WR Malik Nabers, New York Giants (+1100), QB Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (+1200)
OROY PICK:
QB Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (+135)
Trust me. I’d love to support a rookie who hasn’t gotten the large majority of praise going into the season—and a whole Hard Knocks documentary practically devoted to him—but Williams is really that guy. No one is immune from being a bust in the pros, but the No. 1 pick has illustrated flashes of brilliance in preseason games with impressively accurate balls under pressure, and scrambling effectively for a gain while keeping his eyes downfield. Let’s see what happens when he faces the starters come September.
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR CANDIDATES
DE Laiatu Latu, Indianapolis Colts (+425)
The first defensive player taken in this draft has, so far in preseason, lived up to the hype. Latu was a hot commodity due to his quick first step, grand physicality, and power against the run game. The UCLA stud also finished fourth in the nation in sacks in his last season of college ball with 13 sacks.
While Latu before was a great addition to the Colts’ offense, he’s recently adopted a stronger need to produce consistently. Indianapolis lost defensive end Samson Ebukam to a torn Achilles in late July—a tough blow, since Ebukam was the Colts’ sack leader last season with 9.5. Latu will have to pick up a bit of the slack, but he’s already proven in training camp his ambition to earn the starting position come September. In the preseason opener against Denver, the 23-year-old made his way into the backfield a handful of times, and made his presence felt—enough to result in a Kenny Moore interception. With his ability to be disruptive and fluid, Latu is going to make a splash in the big leagues.
LB Dallas Turner, Minnesota Vikings (+450)
The Alabama game-wrecker is best know for his burst off the ball, crazy bend and balance, and speed off of his two-point stance. In his last season of college ball, Turner recorded 53 tackles (28 solo), 11 sacks, led his team with 14.5 tackles for loss, and forced two fumbles. These numbers earned him First-Team All-SEC honors, and he was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
In an offseason that’s seen countless injuries for the Vikings on both sides of the ball, Turner is already gearing up to be a solid weapon. He’s shown spirts of greatness in preseason, including getting his first professional sack—or unofficial, however you want to categorize preseason action—on Raiders quarterback Aiden O’Conell. Last season Minnesota sat middle of the pack in total defense at 16th in the league, and the addition of Turner’s explosiveness and dominating athleticism will result in more destruction in the opposition’s backfield.
DT Byron Murphy II, Seattle Seahawks (+1000)
At 6’0, 306 pounds, Murphy II absolutely dominates offensive tackles and commands the trenches. The 21-year-old out of Texas breaks barriers with his ability to be quick off his first step—even with a powerful frame—and utilizes his combination of speed and size to be devastating to offensive lines.
Specifically, Murphy II credits his skill to his adoption of the “swim move,” which allows him to effectively beat offensive linemen and dive into the backfield. The Hawks’ selection of a talented DT at No. 16 is truly needed as their 2023 defense ranked 30th in the league in total defense and 31st against the run.
Murphy II has shown flashes of physical dominance in preseason. In the Hawks’ matchup against the Chargers, the rookie executed a bull rush that shoved a lineman into quarterback Easton Stick, forcing an incomplete pass. He made negative plays, illustrated his quickness, and has also been compared to Christian Wilkins’ time in Miami. Look out for Murphy II, especially when he inevitably pushes the pocket into the lap of the quarterback.
In the hunt: LB Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams (+1100); CB Terrion Arnold, Detroit Lions (+1200)
DROY PICK:
LB Dallas Turner, Minnesota Vikings (+450)
Turner is a crazy athlete. While he could use some time in the pros to fully develop, he’s gearing up to be a game-wrecker for the Purple People Eaters who, unfortunately, are dropping like flies. With an offense now manned by quarterback Sam Darnold and a handful of injured receivers—including Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson—emphasis on a physical and strong defensive unit to keep Minnesota alive is more important than ever. The Alabama game-wrecker has explosiveness, raw athleticism, and hand quickness on his side to be a menace on this defense. Let’s get it, Turner.
I’ll be following the rookie class closely this upcoming season, so stay in touch with DraftKings Network on X and on our newly-revamped website—plus, you can head to the DraftKings Sportsbook to make your picks for OROY and DROY as Week 1 inches closer.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
