[BobCarl]

I looked back at the performances of the Rams 2024 rookies, and I was blown away.

I asked the (Artificially Intelligent) Nate Kesslier where he thought the Rams ranked and he gave me his top-5 teams below:

Top 5 NFL Rookie Classes of 2024 – Ranked

1. Washington Commanders — Led by Jayden Daniels (O-ROY, Pro Bowl), plus major contributors on defense like Jer’Zhan Newton and Mike Sainristil.

2. Philadelphia Eagles — Defensive rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean both made the All-Rookie team and finished top 4 in D-ROY voting.

3. Los Angeles Rams — Jared Verse (D-ROY, Pro Bowl) and Braden Fiske led a transformative defensive class; Kam Kinchens and Joshua Karty added value.

4. New York Giants — Malik Nabers (historic WR season) and RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. each had over 1,000 scrimmage yards and earned All-Rookie honors.

5. Los Angeles Chargers — Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey were instant offensive starters; Tarheeb Still flashed big-play ability on defense.

A much more in depth article is in the next post, and it turns out that one of Nate's 30+ sources was a similar article on Jan 3rd, 2025 by Bucky Brooks who's top-5 was only slightly different.

Bucky Brooks top-5 was:

1 Commanders
2 Eagles
3 Rams
4 Chargers
5 Green Bay

[BobCarl]

Top Five NFL Rookie Classes of 2024
by Artificially Intelligent Nate Kessler of GPT Sports May 10, 2025

1. Washington Commanders
The Commanders’ 2024 rookie class was a franchise-changer. Led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick, Washington finally found its franchise QB. Daniels delivered a spectacular dual-threat season – he passed for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns (against just 9 INT) with a 69% completion rate, and added 891 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground. He broke the NFL rookie QB rushing record and became the first rookie ever with 3,500+ passing and 750+ rushing yards. Daniels was the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and even earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie.

Beyond the star QB, Washington’s rookies contributed on defense as well: defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton and cornerback Mike Sainristil both became immediate starters. Newton provided interior disruption (including 2 sacks and a forced fumble), while Sainristil led the team with 2 interceptions and 11 pass breakups. The offense also got help from later picks like tackle Brandon Coleman, who started at left tackle all year, and tight end Ben Sinnott.

Key Rookies – Washington Commanders:
- Jayden Daniels (QB): 3,568 pass yards, 25 TD, 9 INT; 891 rush yards, 6 TD — Offensive Rookie of the Year, Pro Bowl, PFWA All-Rookie Team
- Jer’Zhan Newton (DT): 2.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble
- Mike Sainristil (CB): 2 INT, 11 passes defensed
- Brandon Coleman (LT): 16 games started

2. Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia’s 2024 draft class transformed its defense. Two rookie defensive backs – Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean – stepped in as impact starters and helped the Eagles improve from one of 2023’s worst pass defenses to the No. 1 pass defense in 2024. Mitchell (1st Round) played like a lockdown veteran on the outside, tying for the rookie lead with 12 passes defensed and adding sticky coverage. DeJean (2nd Round) showcased exceptional versatility as a slot corner/safety hybrid. Both Mitchell and DeJean were voted to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and finished 2nd and 4th in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting respectively.

The Eagles’ third-round pick, defensive end Jalyx Hunt, flashed pass-rush potential down the stretch. Despite playing only ~22% of snaps, Hunt logged 21 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 TFL.

Key Rookies – Philadelphia Eagles:
- Quinyon Mitchell (CB): 12 passes defensed, 2 INT — PFWA All-Rookie Team, DROY Runner-Up
- Cooper DeJean (CB): 1 INT, ~5 PD — PFWA All-Rookie Team, DROY Finalist
- Jalyx Hunt (EDGE): 21 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 FF, 2 TFL

3. Los Angeles Rams
Less than three years after famously “f*** them picks,” the Rams rode an influx of young talent to a resurgence in 2024. Despite picking late, Los Angeles unearthed multiple defensive stars. Edge rusher Jared Verse (Round 1, 19th overall) had a phenomenal rookie campaign. Verse tallied 66 tackles and 11 tackles for loss, along with 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. He led all NFL rookies in QB hits (18) and pressures (77), and was recognized with a Pro Bowl selection and the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

The Rams’ second-round pick, Braden Fiske, joined his college teammate Verse and proved to be a steal. Fiske became a starter and was so effective at generating pressure that he finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. He and Verse were both voted to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Third-round safety Kamren Kinchens intercepted 4 passes and defended 6 others. Undrafted linebacker Omar Speights chipped in 64 tackles as a mid-season starter. On special teams, rookie kicker Joshua Karty nailed 28 field goals, finishing with 106 points.

Key Rookies – Los Angeles Rams:
- Jared Verse (EDGE): 66 tackles, 11 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 2 FF, 2 FR, 18 QB hits — Defensive Rookie of the Year, Pro Bowl, PFWA All-Rookie Team
- Braden Fiske (DT): 8 TFL, 4 sacks — PFWA All-Rookie Team, 3rd in DROY voting
- Kamren Kinchens (S): 4 INT, 6 PD
- Joshua Karty (K): 28/32 FG, 22/23 PAT, 106 points

4. New York Giants
The Giants’ rookie class produced two offensive cornerstones. Wide receiver Malik Nabers erupted with one of the best rookie WR seasons ever: 109 receptions, 1,204 yards and 7 touchdowns. Fifth-round running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. added 839 rushing yards and 5 rushing TDs, plus 38 receptions for 284 yards and a TD. Together, Nabers and Tracy became the third rookie duo in NFL history to both exceed 1,000 scrimmage yards.

Third-round corner Andru “Dru” Phillips recorded 71 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 interception, and 2 forced fumbles.

Key Rookies – New York Giants:
- Malik Nabers (WR): 109 receptions, 1,204 yards, 7 TD — PFWA All-Rookie Team, OROY Finalist
- Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB): 839 rushing yards, 5 TD; 38 rec, 284 yds, 1 TD — PFWA All-Rookie Team
- Andru Phillips (CB): 71 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 FF

5. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers’ 2024 rookies rejuvenated the team. First-round pick Joe Alt started all 16 games at right tackle and posted a 94.3% pass-block win rate. He earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors.

Second-round receiver Ladd McConkey emerged as the top target, with 76 receptions for 1,000 yards and 7 touchdowns. Fifth-round corner Tarheeb Still recorded 4 interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and a pick-six. Linebacker Junior Colson added 45 tackles, 2 TFL, and 1 sack.

Key Rookies – Los Angeles Chargers:
- Joe Alt (OT): 16 starts at RT, 94.3% pass-block win rate — PFWA All-Rookie Team
- Ladd McConkey (WR): 76 receptions, 1,000 yards, 7 TD
- Tarheeb Still (CB): 4 INT (1 TD), 10 PD
- Junior Colson (LB): 45 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack

[PARAM]

So that would make two stellar drafts in a row, preceded by a not too shabby 2022 draft. And followed by what could be another good one. This just in: This front office is GOOD.

Which brings me to the question, which is the worst draft of this regime? I would nominate 2020. Their first 3 weren't as good as their last 3 (prior to the most recent draft), but they drafted some good players, many of whom are still in the NFL.

[BobCarl]

This just in: This front office is GOOD.

!!!

Three Exclamation Points to that!

[snackdaddy]

In 2022 5 of their 8 picks were round six or later. No first or second round picks. They did find a gem in Kyren Williams. Starters in Decobie Durant and Quentin Lake. Derion Kendrick was a starter but the coaches liked him more than the fans did. All in all in a draft there wasn't much to work with they did find some starters. I'd say it was a successful draft.

In 2023 they didn't have a first but they did have a second. Their first 3 picks were all quality starters. Avila, Turner and Young. They found a star in Puka Nacua. A good punter in Ethan Evans. Rotational and depth guys in Hampton, Mathis, Johnson and McClendon. And guys who contribute on special teams. That draft was a homerun in my opinion. Without a first round pick.

In 2024 they finally had a first round pick. And they made the most of it with Verse. He's gonna be a star in this league for years to come. They took a lot of heat for trading up to pick Fiske. I think all those concerns are put to bed now. Fiske was another key piece to one of the league's best defensive lines. Corum could be the heir apparent if Kyren leaves in free agency. He's got a similar skill set to Kyren. Kinchens became a starter with 4 interception and became a key piece to the back end. Bo Limmer played in 16 games and started 14. Joshua Karty after early season struggles became a consistent kicker down the stretch. Tyler Davis was a nice piece the to rotation. Jordan Whittington returned kicks and added 22 catches for 293 yards. All in all another homerun draft for the Rams.

As PARAM so eloquently put it, This front office is GOOD.

[PARAM]

6 picks this past draft is the all time low for these guys. The previous low was 8 (2017, 2019, 2022).

[snackdaddy]

6 picks this past draft is the all time low for these guys. The previous low was 8 (2017, 2019, 2022).

This year's roster is set. All they need is a few tweaks. Hopefully adding Ferguson gives McVay that playmaking tight end he's wanted for years. Everett was supposed to be that guy. He did have his moments but overall he didn't live up to expectations. So they stuck with old reliable Higbee. But he's entering the twilight of his career.

I have a feeling Stewart will be a regular piece to the rotation sooner than later. He's got the same makeup guys like Verse and Fiske have. Hard worker. Plays with violence. Loves the game. I think in passing situations having the two tackles with 3 edge rushers could give them options. Sometimes all 5 rush the passer. Sometimes one drops back into coverage. Keep the offense guessing which it will be.

[Dare]

This roster is pretty much set for the long term with only the CB, RT, RG open to question. If Forbes plays as expected, i.e. up to his draft expectations and Durant who flashes shows the consistency he must to stay on this roster then the secondary is looking simply for rotational depth.

I don't see Dotson as a long term solution. I expect him to be gone in 2026. They already have at least two perhaps 3 prospects in McClendon, Leveston and one of the UDFAs. RT is where IMO the primary focus will be. McClendon has been mediocre and though promising his flaws are apparent, i.e. heavy feet. Can Leveston or Wedig be the answer? I think we will get that answer in OTAs. Havenstein is in an option year, i.e. limited guaranteed money, no guaranteed salary. If they extend him this year it will simply be by converting some of the existing money on the contract to guaranteed salary. But I think they are waiting to see how the young guys look in OTAs.

Higbee is in his contract year and doesn't project beyond this year which is why they drafted Ferguson.

With Landman, Speights, and Paul they look set at ILB. They replaced Hoecht with Stewart who is a different kind of player. More versatile in someways, perhaps potentially more consistent which is what I expect.

Hunter is Williams replacement next year. They will play him in a rotational role, but focusing upon developing his pass protection. Corum is a decent #2 RB and it's all I see him as. I can see them using Corum and Hunter in rotation next year as Corum is signed through 2027. So the Rams look set at RB over the long term.

I see Adams as a one maybe two year rental. I'm excited to see how Mumpfield and Hamilton look. I think they have two long term starters in them.

The bottom line is that the last three drafts, 2023, 2024 and 2025 have basically completed their long term roster with the exception of some depth positions which will always be rotational draftable positions. I can see their starting WRs after Adams departs, as Nacua, Whittington and Mumpfield, each with different skill sets.

No question IMO that last year's draft was key in putting together a very good top 10 type of defense. This year's draft was simply about filling the last holes with long term potential players. Yeah in terms of team building the Rams are built.

The only glaring hole is at QB1 beyond Stafford. With two first round picks they are positioned to get that filled next year with or without Manning who I expect to stay in school one more year.

[PARAM]

This year's roster is set. All they need is a few tweaks. Hopefully adding Ferguson gives McVay that playmaking tight end he's wanted for years. Everett was supposed to be that guy. He did have his moments but overall he didn't live up to expectations. So they stuck with old reliable Higbee. But he's entering the twilight of his career.

I have a feeling Stewart will be a regular piece to the rotation sooner than later. He's got the same makeup guys like Verse and Fiske have. Hard worker. Plays with violence. Loves the game. I think in passing situations having the two tackles with 3 edge rushers could give them options. Sometimes all 5 rush the passer. Sometimes one drops back into coverage. Keep the offense guessing which it will be.

Dead on. There was all kinds of talk pre-draft about needing QB, RB, CB, and OT but the Rams showed, once again, the amateurs really don't have a clue.

I think we're gonna love the DT and Edge added to this defense. And the ILB position might be a strength for once.

I'm curious to see the new WR they drafted as well as the UDFAs..Particularly Troy Edwards' son.

Should be another fine season. It's still a great time to be a Rams fan.

[Joe Pendleton]

ditto.. but, i'm not going to be completely completely relaxed till Mr Ramsey's return (please let this happen lol).. the Defense could be elite this year imma thinkin'