Not all rookies obtain liftoff on the finish of the runway of their first few months within the NFL, the place improvement of draft picks can usually separate contenders and supply stability to remain within the playoff chase 12 months after 12 months.
Whereas celebrated prime picks took flight, not each 2024 draft choice loved the trip Jayden Daniels did with Washington, or made the moment impression of Giants broad receiver Malik Nabers.
Earlier than settling in to see how your crew stacks the depth chart with a brand new wave of expertise this week, we picked out a number of post-hype breakout candidates from the 2024 draft.
CB Beanie Bishop Jr., Steelers (Undrafted, 2024 draft)
Surprisingly undrafted after an amazing profession at West Virginia, the Steelers took him and turned him right into a ballhawk slot who appears to be like like he’ll be a starter for years.
WR Keon Coleman, Payments (Second spherical, 2024)
5 broad receivers got here off the board in a run of seven picks beginning with Ricky Pearsall (No. 31, 49ers) and ending with Ja’Lynn Polk (No. 37, Patriots). The Payments chosen Coleman with the primary decide within the second spherical due to his measurement and profitable traits on the deep ball. Coleman flashed big-play skill as a rookie, however a a lot better impression is anticipated as Buffalo retools its passing assault.
S Kam Kinchens, Rams (Third spherical, 2024)
One of many younger studs drafted to play instantly within the Rams’ rebuilt protection, Kinchens matches the profile of the speedy resurgence in L.A.: aggressive, younger and hungry.
OT Jordan Morgan, Packers (First spherical, 2024)
Inexperienced Bay Packers offensive lineman Jordan Morgan (77) runs by way of a drill in the course of the eleventh follow of coaching camp on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Ray Nitschke Area in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Morgan by no means seemed to be working at full energy and was shut down with a shoulder damage final season. He’s able to enjoying guard or deal with, and Inexperienced Bay is relying on him to fill a key position in 2025.
DT Jer’Zhan Newton, Commanders (Second spherical, 2024)
“Johnny” Newton had 18 sacks in three seasons at Illinois, and the door is broad open for him to take off in Yr 2 with the Commanders, who parted with former first-round decide Jonathan Allen (Vikings). Newton, the Huge Ten Defensive Participant of the Yr in 2023, has the fitting lecturers on the teaching workers and should tweak his approach to beat common arm size. He began 11 video games as a rookie however has had two surgical procedures for foot fractures since January 2024.
QB Michael Penix Jr., Falcons (First spherical, 2024)
Dec 16, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) warms up earlier than a sport in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Photos Perhaps he’s not a certain factor for the Patrick Mahomes monitor after sitting most of his rookie season, however the Falcons are banking on a breakout with a bevy of talent expertise round him. Penix is a pure thrower, and the lefty received’t have to hold the burden of the offense with a few top-10 picks to lean on in Bijan Robinson and Drake London.