2024 NFL Rookie standouts: 5 defensive players who have had immediate impact feat. Byron Murphy II
The early part of the 2024 NFL Draft was dominated by players on offense, so much so that the first defensive player wasn’t selected until midway through the first round.
Yet despite this, several rookies on defense have made their impact felt on Sundays, including those who were not selected during the seven rounds.
#1 - Byron Murphy II, DL, Seattle Seahawks
After a hamstring injury caused a three-game absence at the start of the season, Murphy quickly assimilated into the Seahawks defense and made an immediate impact. Murphy has wrecked opposing offensive lines, penetrating past double-team blocks and disrupting the action.
His quickness off the snap and ability to get leverage on opponents, attributes he played with during his time in college, have made stopping Murphy a tough task on Sundays. He’s not only getting more productive each week, but the Seahawks run defense became much stouter once Murphy entered the lineup.
#2 - Beanie Bishop Jr., CB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Bishop was never invited to the combine last March and didn’t get drafted, yet he is making a major impact with the team who signed him after the seven rounds were complete.
Named Defensive Rookie of the Month in October, Bishop picked off Aaron Rodgers twice to help facilitate the Steelers’ comeback victory over the Jets, then he helped seal the win over the Giants a week later with another interception.
He has broken up five passes to go along with his three interceptions this season, and the Steelers came away with a steal.
#3 - Payton Wilson, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
The fourth Steelers rookie to make my list this season, Wilson has been productive in both a rotational role and as a starting linebacker. He’s been credited with 40 tackles this season, including a nine-tackle performance against the Dallas Cowboys and 10 takedowns against the Jets.
He’s displayed a lot of ability in space, specifically running down ball handlers in pursuit, and Wilson always plays with his patented athleticism. Wilson was a bit of a medical risk considering his long injury history in college, yet he was too good for the Steelers to pass up as the third round was coming to a close.
#4 - Tyler Nubin, S, New York Giants
Yet another 2024 draft pick positively impacting the Giants roster, Nubin is behind only Bobby Okereke in total tackles for Big Blue. He sits third on the list of most tackles produced by a rookie this season. His 513 snaps played this season leads all rookies. Stats aside, Nubin has shown the poise and intelligence of a veteran and has also played well against the pass.
#5 - Mike Sainristil, CB, Washington Commanders
Putting aside his fisticuffs with George Pickens last weekend, Sainristil has played tough, feisty and productive football his first year in the league. He followed up a sensational Week 5 performance against the Cleveland Browns with his first career interception the next game, picking off Lamar Jackson. Ten games into the season, Sainristil has been credited with six PBUs.