Now more so than ever, the NFL is developing players at a rapid pace. In recent years, we’ve seen multiple rookies make All-Pro teams like Puka Nacua, Justin Jefferson and Sauce Gardner. The jump from college to the league seems to be as expedited as we’ve seen it in today’s NFL. Every year, we see guys who use the rookie year as a springboard to an even more explosive sophomore campaign. This season will be no different, and today we look at four players who are destined to take a major leap in year two. We will be omitting players like CJ Stroud and Nacua, who were already elite in their opening acts.
Dontayvion Wicks & Jayden Reed
One thing the Packers have always been successful with is finding great young, under the radar Wide Receivers. Even dating back to Jordy Nelson and a young Davante Adams, the organization has a knack for finding young pass catchers at a good value in the draft. In 2023, this trend continued with the rookie duo of Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed. Since this is my list and I can do what I like, I am pairing the two of them together, as I expect them both to thrive. As rookies, the two combined for 1,373 yards and 12 touchdowns catching passes from Jordan Love (+1400 MVP odds per Fox Sports). In year two, expect those numbers to climb for a team that should be viewed as heavy NFC contenders.
Jalen Carter
The Eagles front seven has been elite for years, but at the same time has gotten older. Fletcher Cox retired this offseason and Brandon Graham has announced he will be playing his final season in 2024. Luckily, Philadelphia has the young interior DL from Georgia who was arguably the most ferocious rookie defender in 2023. Carter, despite losing the DROTY to Will Anderson, was the highest rated defensive rookie (89) according to PFF. With 49 pressures from the inside, Carter recorded 7 sacks and looks to take on a larger role for new DC Vic Fangio.
De’Von Achane
Creator: Megan Briggs | Credit: Getty Images
In a high-powered Miami offense that features Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert, it’s easy to overlook the track star turned Running Back from Texas A&M. Achane as a rookie amassed 997 all-purpose yards in just 11 games. With more health and touches in 2024, Achane and his game changing speed could become more of a focal point in South Beach. Achane graded out at a 92 from PFF, and if he ascends from that, could legitimately become a top Running Back in the league, forming an elite tandem with Mostert.
Devon Witherspoon
The second Devon on this list, Witherspoon looks to be a huge impact player in the Seattle secondary. He showed a lot of shine as a rookie, with the highest coverage grade of all rookie DBs with at least 500 snaps (86.7). Seattle is now being led bypass-rush connoisseur Mike McDaniel, who led the 2023 Ravens to a historical defensive campaign. If he can work the same magic in his new spot, he can create a lot of opportunities for his secondary, headed by Witherspoon. If Riq Woolen can bounce back in year 3, the Seahawks could have one of the league’s best CB tandems.