Caleb Harris
2024 NFL Draft was significant in terms of the positions that attract fans to the stands. Led by six rookie defenders, the draft class is almost certain to provide exciting matchups this season.
Here are ten rookie vs. rookie battles to watch in the upcoming regular season:
1. Bears QB Caleb Williams vs. Commanders QB Jayden Daniels
October 27th at 1pm ET on CBS (Week 8)
The reality is that defenders don’t play against each other. Williams and Daniels will never be on the field at the same time, but quarterbacks are always competing against each other in the court of public opinion. Fans want to see them come and go. These two players have an easy path to the starting lineup. Williams has already been named Chicago’s Week 1 starter and Daniels shouldn’t be far behind. Each brings a dual-threat skill set to the football field.
2. Williams vs. Vikings QB JJ McCarthy
November 24th at 1pm ET on FOX (Week 12) and December 16th at 8pm ET on ABC (Week 15)
A concerted effort was made not to include a rookie more than once on this list, but let’s face it: everyone wants to see rookie quarterbacks play against each other. They will always be evaluated against each other throughout their careers, so it’s best to start doing this when they are in the same field.
In Week 15, McCarthy should be the starting quarterback, but unlike Williams and Daniels, there is at least a semblance of a conversation with veteran Sam Darnold. McCarthy will pitch to former first-round picks Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson.
3. Williams vs. Patriots QB Drake Maye
November 10th at 1pm ET on FOX (Week 10)
Williams is facing a great situation with Chicago. They have a formidable offensive line and the trio of pass catchers DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze is as good or better than anyone else in the league. Williams is one of the most exciting young stars in the league with his ability to make improvised plays. Tight end Cole Kmet only adds to his already good luck under the circumstances.
Maye has the toughest path to play. Jacoby Brissett has shown he can be a functional quarterback on a weekly basis in Cleveland. While New England doesn’t have the same level of talent, Brissett will bring an air of professionalism to the position. He will be a good teammate and influence while keeping the seat warm for Maye. The Patriots shouldn’t be in a rush to get the rookie on the field, considering the offensive infrastructure is in the bottom half of the league, with an overreliance on young, unproven players.
4. Lions CB Terrion Arnold and Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
September 22 at 4:25 pm ET on FOX (Week 3)
Detroit received some of the best value in the first round, with Arnold falling on his pick. He was the No. 1 cornerback in the draft for some teams and also fills a position of need for the defending NFC North champions. Not only will Harrison start for Arizona, but he should be the focal point of the offense.
Arnold will find himself in several interesting matchups against rookie receivers this season: San Francisco (Ricky Pearsall), Buffalo (Keon Coleman), Jacksonville (Brian Thomas Jr.), Chicago (Rome Odunze) and Indianapolis (AD Mitchell). Detroit also used a top-50 overall selection on Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw.
5. Colts EDGE Laiatu Latu at Titans OT JC Latham
October 13th at 1pm ET on CBS (Week 6) and December 22nd at 1pm ET on CBS (Week 16)
Latu was the draft most ready to contribute as a pass rusher. He is a refined technician when it comes to setting up and executing pass rush moves. Latham is expected to transition from right back to left back. Fans can expect growing pains in this transition. Offensive line coach Bill Callahan helped facilitate a similar move with Jedrick Wills in Cleveland.
Latu will also have a chance to prove himself against fellow rookie offensive tackles Olu Fashanu (Jets), Troy Fautanu (Steelers) and Jordan Morgan (Packers). Latham will also face Dolphins first-round rookie Chop Robinson and Vikings first-round pass rusher Dallas Turner.
6. Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. at Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell
November 3 at 8:20 pm ET on NBC (Week 9)
Thomas has often been left out of the Big 3 wide receivers in the draft conversation, but he remains one of the most interesting young prospects to watch. He has immense potential and could be better than Calvin Ridley in the long run. Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars will need that growth and maturity to happen early in his career as they hope to avoid another early offseason.
Philadelphia managed to steal Toledo’s cornerback in the second half of the first round. It’s unclear how much playing time he’ll get at the start of the season considering the presence of veterans Darius Slay and James Bradberry, but as the season progresses fans should expect to see more and more of the rookie.
Mitchell will also be tasked with shadowing Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers twice a year.
7. Packers OT Jordan Morgan vs. Vikings EDGE Dallas Turner
September 29th at 1pm ET on CBS (Week 4) and December 29th at 1pm ET on FOX (Week 17)
There is a lack of clarity about where Morgan will line up in his rookie season and beyond. He will likely play left tackle, replacing veteran David Bahktiari, as he did in Arizona, but the organization has not said so outright. It appears they will head into training camp with the idea that Rasheed Walker is still competing for the role. Morgan will also face Jared Verse, Robinson and Rams’ first-round pass rusher.
Turner doesn’t have that obstacle to playing time. Yes, the franchise signed pass rushers Jon Greenard and Andrew Van Winkel, but Minnesota traded for the right to draft Turner. He will receive a significant portion of the reps.
8. Rams EDGE Jared Verse on Saints OT Taliese Fuaga
December 1 at 4:05 pm ET on FOX (Week 13)
Los Angeles used its first two picks on the first seven players: Verse and his Florida State teammate, defensive tackle Braden Fiske. Verse is expected to start alongside last year’s rookie sensation Byron Young. Fiske is tasked with absorbing some of the loss felt by Aaron Donald’s retirement.
New Orleans filled a huge need in the first round of the draft, as many expected. Former first-round pick Jared Penning has yet to live up to expectations and right tackle Ryan Ramczyk’s injured knee is not responding well to treatment. Fuaga should have no difficulty becoming a starter.
9. Buccaneers OG Graham Barton vs. Commanders DT Johnny Newton
September 8th at 4:25 pm ET (Week 1)
Selecting Newton could allow Washington to explore deals for veterans DaRon Payne and Jonathan Allen at the trade deadline, but that wouldn’t happen until later in the season. When the Commanders come to town for the season opener, Newton will likely still be rotating with the established starters.
Barton, on the other hand, should have an open path to start. Fans should have the opportunity to see the two newcomers face off in a battle of power.
10. Dolphins EDGE Chop Robinson on Jets OT Olu Fashanu
December 8th at 1pm ET on CBS (Week 14) and January 5th (Week 18)
Neither Fashanu nor Robinson are the projected starters. Despite injuries to pass rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, Miami signed Shaq Barrett as a free agent before signing Robinson. New York signed veteran offensive tackle Tyron Smith and was traded for Morgan Moses, meaning Fashanu may not be in a position to start early or ever as a rookie. If injury disrupts the current plan, Fashanu could step into the starting lineup and clashes against Robinson are on the cards for the final two five weeks of the season.
The Jets will also see rookies Verse and Turner this season.
