This offseason, I've already reviewed the 2024 draft class at quarterback and wide receiver -- both loaded positions. Remember, the first 14 picks of the draft were all spent on offense, which set a record. Yet despite the defense's predraft reputation as a weaker group, its collective rookie impact was substantial. So now I'm turning my attention there.
Twenty-seven rookies played at least 500 snaps on defense in 2024, a whopping 20 of whom were defensive backs. But it wasn't just that a lot of rookies played; in fact, 29 rookies took at least 500 defensive snaps in 2022.