PlayerProfiler is home to the award winning redraft rankings and tools. Our Player Rankings are second to none, and the World Famous Draft Kit contains detailed player write ups and cheat sheets to help You dominate fantasy drafts! Check it out. Below, Joel Ybarra highlights fantasy rookies who made an impact in Week 1 of NFL action.
Gone are the days of waiting on rookies to produce after they have gained valuable NFL experience. In recent seasons, we have had rookie breakouts at wide receiver, tight end and quarterback. In 2024, it becomes increasingly important to pay attention to incoming prospects and rookies entering NFL offenses, especially highly drafted ones. Occasionally, though, rookies drafted late in the NFL Draft come in and deliver elite performances on par with the top performers in the league, i.e. Puka Nacua last season.
The Rookie Report is here to keep you informed of all the top rookie performances – yes, even in Week 1. The first week of NFL action was full of rookie production, as well as other rookies to watch – those who are playing a significant part in their offenses and are poised to break out as the season moves on.
Rookie Performance of the Week
Xavier Worthy | WR, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs wasted no time getting their speedy new weapon, Xavier Worthy, involved in the offense. Worthy ran the second-most routes on the team (23), tied with Rashee Rice. The rookie made an immediate impact, scoring two touchdowns on three touches – one on a 21-yard end around and the other on a route where he blew by his defender.
Worthy would have had three touchdowns, as he was targeted by Patrick Mahomes in the end zone in the second quarter, but the pass was defended by Ar’Darius Washington.
Other Notable Rookie Performances
Brock Bowers | TE, Las Vegas Raiders
Brock Bowers led Raiders pass catchers in targets with eight, hauling in six of them for 58 yards. They were mostly dump offs, but it’s encouraging usage for the rookie tight end who was struggling with a foot injury coming into his first NFL game.
Brian Thomas Jr. | WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Thomas Jr. looks every bit the part the Jaguars’ new WR1. He tied Christian Kirk for the team lead in targets (4), but led the team in receptions, catching all four and scoring the team’s only receiving touchdown.
Trevor Lawrence targeted Thomas another time – 41 yards downfield in the end zone in the first quarter, but defensive pass interference was called. This resulted in the Jags getting the ball on the one-yard line and scoring a rushing TD.
Adonai Mitchell | WR, Indianapolis Colts
Alec Pierce was the recipient of the big bomb touchdown pass from Anthony Richardson, but Adonai Mitchell was targeted more often in the Colts’ Week 1 game against the Texans. Richardson’s throws to Mitchell were just inaccurate. In the second quarter, Mitchell ran past his defender and was wide open in the end zone. Richardson just missed him.
Xavier Legette | WR, Carolina Panthers
It’s hard to take anything from a 13-for-30, 2-interception game by Bryce Young, but Xavier Legette looks like he will be a usable piece in a Panthers offense that will see better days. The South Carolina product led the team in targets (eight) and Air Yards (16.9 per target), reeling in four catches for 35 yards.
Jalen McMillan | WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jalen McMillan scored a 32-yard TD in the fourth quarter, but narrowly missed having a huge day. He was wide open down the right sideline in the first quarter and Baker Mayfield just barely missed him.
McMillan was also targeted in the end zone another time in the third quarter, but defensive pass interference was called. This resulted in a subsequent four-yard TD to Chris Godwin.
Ladd McConkey | WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Ladd McConkey led the Chargers in targets (7), receptions (5), receiving yards (39),and scored the team’s only receiving touchdown. The most productive pass catcher in a Justin Herbert-led offense is a valuable role.
Keon Coleman | WR, Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman led Bills pass catchers in targets (5), catches (4) and yards (51), including a huge 28-yard fourth-quarter grab down the right sideline. Josh Allen went right back to Coleman with an end zone target on the next play, but the pass was too high, and Allen ran it in for a score on the next play.
Bucky Irving | RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucky Irving was the only rookie running back to take meaningful work away from the incumbent. Irving logged nine rushes to White’s 15 and three targets to White’s six. Irving was also more effective on the ground, especially between the tackles.
The former Oregon Duck totaled 62 yards to White’s 31 – on six less carries.
Jayden Daniels | QB, Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels had the best performance of the rookie QBs in Week 1. He scored 30 fantasy points, mostly because he rushed 16 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns. If that’s any indication of what is to come, Daniels is a league winner. He was 17 of 24 in the passing game for 184 yards. If his passing numbers improve, he’s easily a top five QB.
Other Key Usage Notes
Malik Nabers – five catches for 66 yards, including 24 YAC.
Devaughn Vele – eight targets, eight catches for 39 yards. He’s available on many waiver wires.
See Joel’s early season rookies to watch here: The Rookie Report | Rookies to Watch in Early Season Games
