5 NFL rookies who failed to impress in 2024 feat. Luke McCaffrey

Luke McCaffrey, like many rookies this year, left fans wanting. After years of hype and a long wait, some rookies delivered, but others did not. For every Jayden Daniels and Brian Thomas Jr., there were a dozen disappointing rookie seasons. Here's a look at five rookie players who couldn't get off the ground in their first season.

5 NFL rookies who disappointed in 2024

1] Luke McCaffrey, WR, Washington Commanders

Luke McCaffrey at Philadelphia Eagles v Washington Commanders - Source: Getty

Luke McCaffrey, the brother of Christian McCaffrey, was one of the most talked about names at the Senior Bowl in 2023. However, despite coming from the same family, Luke McCaffrey failed to live up to the expectations set by his brother, at least in his rookie season. McCaffrey registered just 18 catches for 168 yards and zero touchdowns.

2] Xavier Legette, WR, Carolina Panthers

Xavier Legette at Carolina Panthers v Philadelphia Eagles - Source: Getty

The Panthers wide receiver was touted as a potential boost for Bryce Young, perhaps going so far as to "fix" him. Instead, he failed to cross the 500-yard mark, despite getting drafted in the first round. He also played in 16 games, offering even fewer explanations for the output. Perhaps he can bounce back in 2025.

3] Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams at Chicago Bears v Green Bay Packers - Source: Getty

The Chicago Bears quarterback put out some highlight moments, but at the end of the day, wins are a quarterback stat. Williams won just five games this season in a year some expected him to have a Super Bowl run.

Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix beat out Williams in spades by most standards. Perhaps in 2025, the next Bears head coach can milk more wins out of the quarterback.

4] Ben Sinnott, TE, Washington Commanders

Ben Sinnott at Commanders at Eagles - Source: Getty

Coming out of college, Ben Sinnott was one of the most touted prospects who didn't exactly jump off the statistics sheet with 676 yards and six touchdowns, per Sports Reference, but was invited to the 2024 Senior Bowl. He was then drafted in the second round, 53rd overall by the Washington Commanders.

With his rookie regular season over, Sinnott logged just five catches for 28 yards. He did get into the endzone once, but that was the lone highlight of his 17-game season.

5] Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills

Keon Coleman looks on wearing a Buffalo Bills uniform - Source: Imagn

Coleman was drafted to be the successor to Stefon Diggs. Put simply, in his first try, he failed to live up to Diggs' production or even that of an impressive rookie season. Coleman earned just 29 catches all season long and four touchdowns. He was drafted to lead the receiving room but has fallen well short of that this season with 556 yards.