As the 2024 NFL draft class completes its first year in the league, analysts are looking back at how these rookies performed. This article will grade picks from 17 to 32 of the 2024 draft, providing insights into their performances and projecting their future potential.
The Panthers traded up to select Xavier Legette at pick 17 from South Carolina. In a year marked by ups and downs, Legette recorded 49 receptions for 497 yards and four touchdowns. Despite a rough start—highlighted by eight drops and a notable one against the Eagles in week 14—his performance improved as the season progressed. His early struggles were overshadowed by flashes of talent, leading to a C+ grade with expectations of improvement moving into 2025.
In a unique situation, Ricky Piera was the 49ers' first-round pick, having been shot before the season. Despite the serious nature of that incident, Piera managed to record 400 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a limited role. His impact is seen as optimistic, resulting in a B- grade for his resilience and flashes of potential, though some may consider withholding a grade due to the year’s unusual circumstances.
Nate Wiggins, a cornerback, exemplified a typical Ravens strategy—drafting a player with potential despite some questions regarding his weight and injuries. Wiggins had a productive season, navigating through penalties while making a name for himself. He garnered an A- grade for his solid debut and the promise of many good years ahead.
Los Angeles Chargers: Tyler Gon
Chargers’ offensive tackle Tyler Gon transitioned from right to left tackle and faced significant challenges early, particularly against formidable opponents like Myles Garrett. With eight penalties and six sacks allowed during his first few games, he improved as the season progressed, earning a C+ grade but remaining under scrutiny given the struggles in his transitioning position.
The Chiefs’ speedsterXavier Worthy showcased his potential with 742 total yards and nine touchdowns. Given his impactful performances in the latter part of the season, analysts have given him a B+ grade, signaling a bright future ahead as a key asset in Kansas City’s high-octane offense.
Arizona Cardinals: Darius Robinson
After being selected 18th overall, Darius Robinson faced a challenging season due to injury, leading to a redshirt year with minimal impact. With only 10 total tackles and a sack across six games, he will have an incomplete grade, with hopes resting on his recovery and future contributions.
Graham Barton made his mark with the Buccaneers, providing substantial support in the offensive line, particularly aiding in quarterback protection. Accumulating a strong rookie season, he earned an A- grade, signaling expectations for continued success moving forward.
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan
Packers drafted Jordan Morgan, who played sparingly and had limited visibility on the field, leading to an incomplete grade. Despite limited snaps and one actual start, he showed promise that could develop into greater contributions for the team.
Selected to bolster the Lions' corner depth, Terion Arnold displayed typical rookie inconsistencies before stabilizing for a decent showing towards the latter part of the season. Given the learning curve, he received a B grade, reflecting cautious optimism for his growth in the coming year.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr.
In one of the more standout performances of the 2024 class, Brian Thomas Jr. exceeded expectations by becoming the leading receiver in yards and touchdowns. With 87 receptions for nearly 1300 yards and 10 touchdowns, he received an A+ grade for his impressive debut season alongside quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
As the first corner taken overall, Quinan Mitchell ranked among the best of the draft class, demonstrating remarkable skills that even led opposing teams to avoid targeting him. Analysts awarded him a solid A+ grade, confirming his status as a promising star in the Eagles' defense.
Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson
Dolphins’ pick Chop Robinson turned heads with his impactful performance, delivering six sacks and 56 pressures throughout the season. This achievement earns him an A+ grade, signaling his readiness to become a critical asset for the defense moving forward.
Despite his potential, Troy Fautanu managed to play only one game in his rookie season due to injury. His solid but limited performance leaves him with an incomplete grade, as positive indicators exist for future contributions.
Indianapolis Colts: Jared Verse
Selected much later than expected, Jared Verse made an immense impact with 77 pressures, ranking high among the class's edge rushers. He earned a flawless A+ grade, reflecting his capability to become a central element in the Colts' defensive strategy.
Amarius Mims faced the challenge of transitioning into the NFL but made significant strides, improving as the season progressed. At just 22 years old, he earned a B+ grade, with expectations of his continued enhancement as he gains more experience.
Minnesota Vikings: Dallas Turner
Lastly, Dallas Turner faced limited playing time due to the presence of two Pro Bowl teammates. His performance was underwhelming during his rookie year, leading to a C grade but offering hope for a more robust future role.
As we conclude this analysis of picks 17 through 32 from the 2024 NFL Draft, it is clear that while some players exceeded expectations, others faced challenges that will shape their trajectories as they progress into their second seasons. The potential for breakout performances looms large as these young athletes continue to adapt to the pressures and demands of the NFL. As draft season approaches once again, fans eagerly anticipate the next wave of talent to join the league.
Part 1/11:
Grading the 2024 NFL Draft Class: A Year Later
As the 2024 NFL draft class completes its first year in the league, analysts are looking back at how these rookies performed. This article will grade picks from 17 to 32 of the 2024 draft, providing insights into their performances and projecting their future potential.
Carolina Panthers: Xavier Legette
Part 2/11:
The Panthers traded up to select Xavier Legette at pick 17 from South Carolina. In a year marked by ups and downs, Legette recorded 49 receptions for 497 yards and four touchdowns. Despite a rough start—highlighted by eight drops and a notable one against the Eagles in week 14—his performance improved as the season progressed. His early struggles were overshadowed by flashes of talent, leading to a C+ grade with expectations of improvement moving into 2025.
San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Piera
Part 3/11:
In a unique situation, Ricky Piera was the 49ers' first-round pick, having been shot before the season. Despite the serious nature of that incident, Piera managed to record 400 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a limited role. His impact is seen as optimistic, resulting in a B- grade for his resilience and flashes of potential, though some may consider withholding a grade due to the year’s unusual circumstances.
Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins
Part 4/11:
Nate Wiggins, a cornerback, exemplified a typical Ravens strategy—drafting a player with potential despite some questions regarding his weight and injuries. Wiggins had a productive season, navigating through penalties while making a name for himself. He garnered an A- grade for his solid debut and the promise of many good years ahead.
Los Angeles Chargers: Tyler Gon
Chargers’ offensive tackle Tyler Gon transitioned from right to left tackle and faced significant challenges early, particularly against formidable opponents like Myles Garrett. With eight penalties and six sacks allowed during his first few games, he improved as the season progressed, earning a C+ grade but remaining under scrutiny given the struggles in his transitioning position.
Part 5/11:
Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy
The Chiefs’ speedster Xavier Worthy showcased his potential with 742 total yards and nine touchdowns. Given his impactful performances in the latter part of the season, analysts have given him a B+ grade, signaling a bright future ahead as a key asset in Kansas City’s high-octane offense.
Arizona Cardinals: Darius Robinson
After being selected 18th overall, Darius Robinson faced a challenging season due to injury, leading to a redshirt year with minimal impact. With only 10 total tackles and a sack across six games, he will have an incomplete grade, with hopes resting on his recovery and future contributions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton
Part 6/11:
Graham Barton made his mark with the Buccaneers, providing substantial support in the offensive line, particularly aiding in quarterback protection. Accumulating a strong rookie season, he earned an A- grade, signaling expectations for continued success moving forward.
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan
Packers drafted Jordan Morgan, who played sparingly and had limited visibility on the field, leading to an incomplete grade. Despite limited snaps and one actual start, he showed promise that could develop into greater contributions for the team.
Detroit Lions: Terion Arnold
Part 7/11:
Selected to bolster the Lions' corner depth, Terion Arnold displayed typical rookie inconsistencies before stabilizing for a decent showing towards the latter part of the season. Given the learning curve, he received a B grade, reflecting cautious optimism for his growth in the coming year.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr.
In one of the more standout performances of the 2024 class, Brian Thomas Jr. exceeded expectations by becoming the leading receiver in yards and touchdowns. With 87 receptions for nearly 1300 yards and 10 touchdowns, he received an A+ grade for his impressive debut season alongside quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Philadelphia Eagles: Quinan Mitchell
Part 8/11:
As the first corner taken overall, Quinan Mitchell ranked among the best of the draft class, demonstrating remarkable skills that even led opposing teams to avoid targeting him. Analysts awarded him a solid A+ grade, confirming his status as a promising star in the Eagles' defense.
Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson
Dolphins’ pick Chop Robinson turned heads with his impactful performance, delivering six sacks and 56 pressures throughout the season. This achievement earns him an A+ grade, signaling his readiness to become a critical asset for the defense moving forward.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu
Part 9/11:
Despite his potential, Troy Fautanu managed to play only one game in his rookie season due to injury. His solid but limited performance leaves him with an incomplete grade, as positive indicators exist for future contributions.
Indianapolis Colts: Jared Verse
Selected much later than expected, Jared Verse made an immense impact with 77 pressures, ranking high among the class's edge rushers. He earned a flawless A+ grade, reflecting his capability to become a central element in the Colts' defensive strategy.
Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims
Part 10/11:
Amarius Mims faced the challenge of transitioning into the NFL but made significant strides, improving as the season progressed. At just 22 years old, he earned a B+ grade, with expectations of his continued enhancement as he gains more experience.
Minnesota Vikings: Dallas Turner
Lastly, Dallas Turner faced limited playing time due to the presence of two Pro Bowl teammates. His performance was underwhelming during his rookie year, leading to a C grade but offering hope for a more robust future role.
Conclusion
Part 11/11:
As we conclude this analysis of picks 17 through 32 from the 2024 NFL Draft, it is clear that while some players exceeded expectations, others faced challenges that will shape their trajectories as they progress into their second seasons. The potential for breakout performances looms large as these young athletes continue to adapt to the pressures and demands of the NFL. As draft season approaches once again, fans eagerly anticipate the next wave of talent to join the league.