Certain NFL rookies achieve stardom immediately. Others require additional time to develop. Here are five first-round picks from the 2024 NFL Draft who could be breakout stars as “sophomores.”
Note: This list includes players who did not get a first-place vote as Offensive or Defensive Rookie of the Year or place within the top five of the voting.
5. Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Drafted: 31st overall
Key 2024 stats: 31 catches, 400 yards, 3 touchdowns in 11 games
For a guy who got shot, Ricky Pearsall exceeded expectations. He had his best game against the NFC’s best team with 10 catches, 141 yards, and a score vs. the Detroit Lions. That’s a reason for optimism. San Francisco will need to increase Pearsall’s targets because the 49ers are thin at wide receiver. Deebo Samuel was traded in the off-season, and Brandon Aiyuk (torn ACL and MCL) isn’t expected to return until October. Despite San Francisco’s disappointing and injury-riddled season, Kyle Shanahan remains one of the league’s top play-callers. Expect him to find creative ways to feed Pearsall.
Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall in an early rhythm
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— NFL (@NFL) August 16, 2025
4. Byron Murphy II, DT, Seattle Seahawks
Drafted: 16th overall
Key 2024 stats: 36 tackles, 0.5 sacks in 14 games
Byron Murphy II’s production probably doesn’t tell the whole story about his potential. His stats weren’t impressive overall, but that can be a little misleading when it comes to interior line play. Sometimes the job is doing the dirty work so that others can thrive. This season, Murphy will be playing more three-technique defensive tackle, which should open up more opportunities to rush the passer. Murphy should also benefit from a second season playing alongside Leonard Williams (11) and Jarran Reed (4.5). ESPN has ranked the Seahawks’ interior defensive linemen as the best in the league.
Byron Murphy is out of Nose Tackle hell and will play more 3-Tech this year
Full Interview: https://t.co/Y6tRxDMKWX pic.twitter.com/ArNhKzVLzr
— ᴅᴏxx ⚡️ (@new_era72) June 3, 2025
3. Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
Drafted: 1st overall
Key 2024 stats: 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, 6 interceptions in 17 games
A decade ago, Caleb Williams’ statistics would have been reason to celebrate. Not anymore. With advanced metrics and the fast emergence of guys like Jayden Daniels, C.J. Stroud, and Brock Purdy, the bar has been lifted on rookie quarterbacks. Plus, considering how cheap rookie contracts are in a salary-cap sport, teams are less patient than ever. Williams has a new head coach (Ben Johnson) and a revamped offensive line. Johnson received a ton of credit for what he accomplished with the talented Detroit Lions offense. The Bears’ skill guys aren’t as good, but Williams will have every opportunity to succeed.
Caleb Williams to Rome Odunze pic.twitter.com/tvMTQfNBLB
— Dave (@dave_bfr) August 15, 2025
2. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals
Drafted: 4th overall
Key 2024 stats: 62 catches, 885 yards, 8 touchdowns in 17 games
It’s probably unfair, but Marvin Harrison Jr.’s rookie season felt like a slight disappointment. The son of an NFL Hall of Famer was expected to be the next great Ohio State wide receiver from the start. Harrison didn’t dominate, recording just two 100-yard receiving games with none in the season’s final two months. Sometimes it takes receivers a while to adapt to the professional level. Harrison could have a similar second-year jump as his former Buckeyes teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He added 10 pounds to his 6-foot-3 frame, which might help his production as well as under year working with Kyler Murray.
Such a great rep by Marvin Harrison Jr. here 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/yzOrIYarpW
— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) July 24, 2025
1. Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Drafted: 28th overall
Key 2024 stats: 59 catches, 638 yards, 6 touchdowns in 17 games
Xavier Worthy’s progress was hindered due to injuries sustained by his fellow receivers, Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown. As a rookie, he was forced into a role that he probably wasn’t ready for. Worthy did show signs of improvement down the stretch with 19 catches for 287 yards and three scores in three playoff games. He seems poised to take on a heavier load and make the best use of his blazing speed. If the Chiefs’ offensive line improves and the wideouts are healthy, Worthy should be a game-changing weapon that revitalizes Patrick Mahomes’ deep-passing game.
Xavier Worthy is bringing the deep ball back to KC.pic.twitter.com/4Mh4KY2Y4t
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) July 22, 2025