The 2024 NFL Draft class is loaded with talented players, including quite a few rookies who could make an immediate impact in the NFL.
We recently broke down which rookies could have the biggest impact on their NFL teams during the 2024 regular season. Let’s examine the rookies to watch on each AFC West team.
1 Rookie That Could Have a Big Impact on Each AFC West Team
Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB
With their capital, the Denver Broncos were able to put together a solid 2024 NFL Draft class. Jonah Elliss should provide an infusion of talent at EDGE, and Nick Gargiulo and Troy Franklin could compete for roles on offense. But this class lives and dies with Bo Nix.
The hyper-efficient Oregon passer broke the collegiate record for completion percentage in a season, and he has the combined creative and distributive skills to thrive in Sean Payton’s offense. But can he help the team compete in the AFC West? That’s the question.
Runner-Ups: Jonah Elliss, EDGE; Nick Gargiulo, C; Troy Franklin, WR
Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR
The Kansas City Chiefs came into the 2024 NFL Draft needing more WR help, and that was before Rashee Rice’s off-field saga that may soon land him a multi-game suspension. Xavier Worthy will be an important presence in Kansas City no matter how you spin it.
Worthy is a potentially game-breaking raw talent, in the hands of a schematic mad genius in Andy Reid. Not only is he a generational deep threat with his 4.21-second 40-yard dash speed, but he can separate with the best of them, and his alignment versatility yields immense RAC upside.
Runner-Up: Kingsley Suamataia, OT
Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers, TE
Several of the Las Vegas Raiders’ first few picks could be major contributors in 2024. DJ Glaze could be in the mix to be the team’s eventual right tackle, and Jackson Powers-Johnson is a tone-setter inside. But Brock Bowers is the X-factor, plain and simple.
Bowers can be a game-changing force at TE alongside Michael Mayer. While Mayer is the more traditional player, Bowers can be a dynamic big-slot weapon with alignment and phase versatility, while Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers stretch defenses thin.
Runner-Ups: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL; DeCamerion Richardson, CB
Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT
In terms of projected early impact, Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey are almost tied. McConkey might be the best separator in the Los Angeles Chargers receiving core. That, combined with his route running and versatility, could make him a target funnel for Justin Herbert.
Nevertheless, Alt’s transcendent upside on all three downs gives him the nod as the Chargers’ peak impact player in this piece. At around 6’9″, 321 pounds, Alt has mind-boggling athleticism and flexibility — tools that grant him an All-Pro upside early in his career.
Runner-Ups: Ladd McConkey, WR; Junior Colson, LB
