The initial signs are extremely encouraging – if not abundant – suggesting that the 2024 NFL draft could significantly shape the league’s future.

This draft will certainly be remembered for its impressive quarterbacks, with a record six signal-callers selected in the first twelve picks last April. However, the wide receivers may also play a critical role, with seven taken in Round 1, ten among the first 37 picks, and 16 overall in the top 100 selections.

Given some remarkably historic performances in Week 3, it’s a fitting moment to introduce our ongoing rookie power rankings:

1. WR Malik Nabers, New York Giants

On Sunday, Nabers made history as the youngest receiver (21 years, 56 days old) to catch two touchdowns in a single NFL game, showcasing his remarkable talent against the Cleveland Browns. His total of 23 receptions for 271 yards leads all rookies, and he shares the league lead with three touchdown receptions. Nabers has been targeted 37 times, also the highest in the NFL, five targets ahead of the next best player (All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown). His ability to dominate games speaks volumes, especially since he is the sole standout in a struggling offense. He has over twice the receiving yards of his nearest teammate (Wan’Dale Robinson) and quadruple of any other Giants player. Comparisons to former LSU Tiger and ex-Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. seem increasingly valid.

2. QB Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

With a franchise that has long struggled, Daniels is leading Washington to a two-game win streak following a stunning victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The team has been searching for a quarterback for years—having cycled through names like Heath Shuler and Robert Griffin III—but Daniels appears to be a promising find, reminiscent of Offensive Rookie of the Year RG3 in 2012. Leading the league with an impressive 80.3% completion rate, he set a single-game rookie record (21-for-23, 91.3%) in the recent win. He hasn’t turned the ball over yet and is guiding an offense that has not had to punt in the last two games, though it did face challenges in the red zone against the Giants. Daniels not only leads all rookies in passing yards (664) and touchdowns (2) but also in rushing yards (171) and rushing touchdowns (3). Other rookie quarterbacks like Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears and Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos have not come close to matching his performance.

3. WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals

Considered by many as a top contender in the 2024 draft—and some view him as the second-best wide receiver behind Nabers—Harrison’s three touchdown receptions place him among the league leaders. His average of 19.8 yards per reception is the highest in the NFL among players with at least ten catches. The Cardinals seem to be increasingly integrating him into their offensive strategy, which could help him catch up to Nabers now that QB Kyler Murray has begun looking his way more frequently.

4. OT Taliese Fuaga, New Orleans Saints

The former Oregon State standout has smoothly transitioned from right tackle to the critical blind side position in the NFL. Fuaga has not permitted a hit on QB Derek Carr and has fortified a previously fragile offensive line, contributing to New Orleans’ emergence as one of the league’s top offenses.

5. TE Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders

The quarterback-heavy draft saw the talented Bowers slide to the 13th overall pick, where the Raiders eagerly drafted him a year after selecting TE Michael Mayer at 35th. Bowers (18 receptions for 197 yards) and veteran WR Davante Adams have been the primary contributors to an underperforming offense still in search of a solid answer at quarterback.

6. RB Braelon Allen, New York Jets

Even with rising star Breece Hall as a teammate, Allen has been too impressive to keep off the field. While he needs some improvement in pass protection, the 20-year-old appears capable of handling a lead back role. Standing at 6-1 and weighing 235 pounds, Allen is a powerful runner but also has good hands. He scored two touchdowns in a Week 2 victory over Tennessee, boasting an impressive 5.6 yards per touch, almost a yard more than the explosive Hall at 4.7 yards.

7. CB Dru Phillips, Giants

Although he plays in the considerable shadow of Nabers, Phillips is making his mark as the Giants’ slot cornerback. With 17 tackles, just two shy of the team leader, he made a significant impact with 12 tackles against Washington in Week 2. Proving to be a playmaker, Phillips has recorded three tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble. His performance is vital for a defense that needs to be strong for the team to succeed.

8. RB Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With head coach Todd Bowles acknowledging that Irving has “earned more snaps going forward,” it seems he’s on the verge of taking over the starting role from Rachaad White. Through three weeks, Irving has demonstrated more effectiveness, accumulating 182 total yards and an impressive 6.1 yards per touch, making him a significant threat on big plays.

9. OT Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers

Much like the Chargers, Alt started strong as the right tackle, allowing only three pressures across three games while facing tough pass rushers like Maxx Crosby and T.J. Watt. He also played a crucial role in a run game that amassed nearly 400 yards during the Chargers’ perfect 2-0 start. However, a sprained MCL suffered in Pittsburgh may sidelines him for a while.

10. WR Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

Despite the Jacksonville Jaguars struggling without a victory this season, Brian Thomas Jr. has proven to be a standout player. He has been the team’s most effective target in the passing game, amassing 11 receptions for 189 yards and one touchdown, leading the team in each category. However, he was largely ineffective during the team’s recent heavy loss to Buffalo, reflecting the team’s overall performance.

11. OLB Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams

Jared Verse is making a significant impact on a Los Angeles Rams defense that has undergone major changes after the retirement of star player Aaron Donald. He has been instrumental in maintaining a strong defensive line and has already recorded one sack along with 13 pressures this season, contributing effectively to the team’s efforts.

12. K Will Reichard, Minnesota Vikings

Will Reichard, a sixth-round draft pick from Alabama, has reinforced the kicking unit for the undefeated Minnesota Vikings, who lead the NFC North. He has achieved perfection in his attempts thus far, going 10-for-10 on extra points and 5-for-5 on field goals, including a remarkable 58-yard field goal, showcasing his reliability for the team’s high-scoring offense.

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Keep up with the latest from YSL News Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ByNateDavis.