The 2024 NFL Draft will bring in a fresh group of talented players to the league in a few months. But first, Eric Edholm and Chad Reuter are going to look back at the rookie class of 2023, team by team. Below, Eric looks at the NFC East.
Carter, whom the Eagles acquired in a draft-day trade-up with the Bears, led the defensive unit that produced almost all of the team’s rookie production. He was a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year and the class show stealer. He recorded six sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery—which he returned 42 yards for a touchdown—despite only starting one game. Carter has all the makings of a future All-Pro, especially if new Eagles coordinator Vic Fangio can replicate what he did for Akiem Hicks in Chicago. Carter has exceptional get-off and athletic qualities for such a big man.
Although Smith was a bit player on defense, occasionally spelling Josh Sweat and Haason Reddick, he did have a few standout performances in the late season, notably a half-sack in the Eagles’ wild-card loss to the Bucs. The Eagles benefited from his enthusiasm. In Year 2, it will be interesting to see if Smith can manage more off-ball responsibilities and expanded coverage.
Brown opened some eyes at safety after sustaining a hamstring injury, but before he suffered an ACL tear that ended his season. For the most part of the season, the Eagles had trouble on the back end, but he was a bright spot for the most part, especially after his 99-yard pick-six against Arizona. After being forced into action late in the season, Ringo also displayed some promise at cornerback, and if the Eagles choose to cut ties with the veteran, he could help them move on from James Bradberry. Ricks could play outside, in the slot, or on special teams in the future.
The only offensive rookie to see action was Steen, who started against the Cowboys in Week 9 and played nearly all of his snaps. Despite his struggles that day at right guard, he can play tackle-guard and should be considered for the 2024 squad.
After overcoming some early setbacks, Banks became one of the Giants’ more dependable cornerbacks. Before a late-season shoulder injury sidelined him, he recorded 11 passes defensed and two interceptions, showing a willingness to tackle and take on challenging coverage assignments.
There was a moment when it seemed like Banks had a rookie standing beside him. Hawkins made his debut during training camp and played in Week 1, but his role decreased as he was exposed early and was forced into action on occasion by injuries. Although Hawkins’ length is appealing and he played in all 17 games, his development is still a little raw.
On the offensive end, Schmitz quickly established himself as the team’s starting center, but he had to overcome a shoulder injury that kept him out of action for almost a month at the beginning of the season. Schmitz was also put in a difficult situation by the Giants’ offensive line woes. He struggled toward the end, particularly as a pass blocker, and had some snapping issues. He missed Week 18 due to a shin injury. However, as stated by general manager Joe Schoen in January, the Giants value his “leadership potential” and “intangibles.”
Due to the Giants’ severe offensive line limitations and quarterback turnover, Hyatt saw limited use as their deep threat. He caught just 23 passes for 373 yards and zero touchdowns. Although his yards per catch (16.2) was impressive, the Giants were unable to find
After the Giants upset the Packers in Week 14, DeVito became the second-most famous Jersey-ite (after Tony Soprano) for a brief period of time. With Daniel Jones out for the majority of the season due to a torn ACL, DeVito led the Giants in touchdown passes, tallying eight in his eight games. He played the scrambler in a few plays as well. However, DeVito only managed 36 sacks in 237 dropbacks—one for every six pass plays—before relinquishing the starting job to seasoned backup Tyrod Taylor.
Although the Cowboys had a decent season, very little was contributed by their rookie class. Just five of their eight draft selections made it onto the field, but a few undrafted players did contribute to the Dallas first-year pro group’s success. (The fact that All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey was disqualified from rookie status in his first NFL season due to his time in the USFL is too bad for the Cowboys’ grade.)
Despite starting just three games and ranking fourth among Dallas DTs in snaps, Smith was one of the main contributors in Year 1. Smith, who played nose tackle in college, was asked to play more 3-technique later in the regular season, but he only played four snaps in the playoff loss to Green Bay.
On defense, no other rookie had any influence. Leighton Vander Esch’s long-term replacement may be Overshown, although the latter had an ACL tear and had a disappointing first season. Fehoko and Scott had what amounted to redshirt seasons, as they were both inactive for every game.
Later in the season, Schoonmaker’s receiving responsibilities were somewhat increased, but his primary roles were as a goal-line receiver and run blocker. He required more playing time, just like many rookie tight ends. In a league where fullbacks have been phased out somewhat, Luepke proved to be a nice find; he earned a role as a lead blocker and was given the leftover touches (six carries, three catches). He’ll get an opportunity.
Bass outperformed Richards, stepping in up front when injuries struck the Cowboys’ offensive line. Getting to work with his father, Chris Vaughn, the assistant director of college scouting for the Cowboys, was one of Vaughn’s greatest stories during draft weekend. He did, however, struggle to find a role on offense or special teams, and even though he had some flashes against the Jets in Week 2, he will probably need a strong offseason to maintain his spot on the team.
Both of the DBs the Commanders selected with their first two picks experienced difficulties during their rookie seasons. Despite having a strong playmaking ability in college, Forbes struggled in his first season, being benched and unfairly targeted early in a defense that leaned heavily on zones. Forbes had a few of his best moments, but they usually came against less serious offenses. He’s going to have a busy offseason with Dan Quinn and the new coaching staff, it appears.
Martin, like he did in college, spent some time at safety and eventually earned the nickel role. It will be interesting to find him the ideal position in a new defense. Martin might additionally aim to
After Chase Young and Montez Sweat were traded, Henry was given his opportunity, and he took some eye-opening pictures during the process. Henry’s resume as an every-down player is still lacking, but he might be able to contribute as a rotational rusher in the upcoming campaign. Even with fewer spectacular plays, Jones’ playing time increased toward the end of the season.
While Stromberg and Daniels were rookies, Washington received very little offensive line support when they needed it. After struggling in camp and the preseason, Daniels was placed on injured reserve, and Stromberg saw 26 snaps of mop-up time. It appears that their futures are still very much in doubt, especially in light of the recent Quinn administration.
If any rookie stood out, it was Rodriguez, who despite being mostly ignored during the season averaged 4.8 yards per carry and made a name for himself as an aggressive, strong runner. In each of his final five games, he recorded a long carry of at least 11 yards. If he can stay injury-free, he has the potential to be a first- and second-down tone-setter.
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