INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 20: A view of an NFL Shield logo on the field before a game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
With the 2024 NFL regular season ending in just one week, the Rookie of the Year races are nearly over. Here are my top 5 candidates on offense and defense.
5. Bucky Irving, RB, TB
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 10: Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Irving arrived in Tampa as Rachaad White’s backup, but that won’t be the case next year. Irving has the fewest carries of any 1,000-yard rusher this season with just 188 and has added nearly 400 yards through the air as well.
4. Malik Nabers, WR, NYG
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 08: Malik Nabers #9 of the New York Giants runs a route during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at MetLife Stadium on August 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
A freak of a wideout at LSU, Nabers’ explosive athleticism has more than translated to the NFL. He’s been productive despite playing for a sinking Giants franchise, and his 104 catches for 1,140 yards are top 10 in the league this season.
3. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, JAX
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 27: Brian Thomas Jr. #7 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at EverBank Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
The Robin to Nabers’ Batman at LSU, Thomas has come alive as the top option in the Jaguars’ passing game. Like Nabers, Thomas is gifted athletically, and with his improved route-running, BTJ has torched NFL defenses for 1,179 yards and 10 TDs.
2. Bo Nix, QB, DEN
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 22: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Nix has been impressive in his first year as an NFL QB. His pre-snap reads are on point and his arm talent and athleticism have helped him to extend plays. He’s got the Broncos in the thick of the playoff race and has racked up 29 total TDs to 12 interceptions.
1. Jayden Daniels, QB, WAS
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 06: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders rushes against the Cleveland Browns at Northwest Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
At points this season, Daniels has been completely unstoppable. His speed and elusiveness make him practically unsackable and a nightmare to stop in the running game. His accuracy and decision-making are also excellent; Daniels has 31 total TDs against just 9 interceptions, and his QBR is 4th in the NFL.
NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year Candidates:
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 05: A Boise State Broncos cheerleader’s “DEFENSE” sign lies on the field before the team’s game against the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Broncos defeated the Rebels 38-13. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
