The 2024 NFL season is shaping to be another thrilling chapter in football history, with several players already cementing their places among the sport’s elite. This season has seen emerging stars and seasoned veterans excel in key positions, showcasing their abilities in every facet of the game.
1. Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes continues to prove why he’s considered one of the NFL’s all-time greats. Leading the Kansas City Chiefs to back-to-back championships, Mahomes elevated his play, particularly in the postseason. He has been excellent in the playoffs, boasting a 91.7 overall PFF grade, significantly improved from his regular-season form.
Despite the highs and lows of the regular season, including a dip to an 85.1 grade, Mahomes’ ability to shine when it counts most makes him a standout. As his career progresses, the only question remaining is how much further he can cement his place in NFL history.
2. Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett’s 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award highlights not just his brilliance but also the Cleveland Browns’ success in building a strong defense around him. While some edge rushers may have posted higher sack totals, Garrett’s influence extends far beyond that.
Recording 89 pressures throughout the season and earning an elite 94.0 PFF grade, his impact is felt on nearly every play. Week in and week out, Garrett is a force to be reckoned with, making him one of the most formidable defenders in the league.
Fantasy football fans have taken notice, with Garrett being a top pick for fantasy rosters. For those looking to maximize their team’s potential, tools like the NFL Lineup Optimizer can further assist in building the most compelling lineup possible.
3. Trent Williams
Trent Williams continues to set the gold standard for offensive tackles. In 2024, his ability to protect the quarterback and bulldoze in the run game again put him at the top of his position.
Williams didn’t allow a single sack throughout the season and posted an outstanding 92.6 PFF run-blocking grade. His highlight-reel plays as a tackle, an unusual feat for linemen, showcase his dominance and versatility.
No other tackle matched his consistency in pass protection and run blocking at such an elite level.
4. Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson’s 2023 season was marred by injury, yet the Minnesota Vikings star still managed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Despite missing seven games, he dropped just two passes out of 98 targets and averaged a remarkable 2.91 yards per route run. His return to full health in 2024 should help the Vikings navigate their transition with new quarterbacks.
5. Micah Parsons
Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys entered rarefied air in 2024, becoming just the fourth player in the PFF era to record 100 pressures in a single season. His 103 pressures across the regular season reflect his explosiveness and ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
With a pass-rush win rate of 24.1%, second only to Myles Garrett, Parsons has quickly risen to the top of the NFL’s elite pass rushers. The Cowboys have given him more opportunities to focus on rushing the passer, and it’s paying off in a big way.
6. Chris Jones
Chris Jones remains a key defensive force for Kansas City, even in what many considered a down year. His 90.4 PFF pass-rushing grade and 91 pressures during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run demonstrate his consistent ability to disrupt offenses.
Jones recorded pressure in every game, showcasing his relentless ability to get into the backfield. Even at 30, his performances remain elite, making him one of the most consistent interior defensive players.
7. Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence is redefining what it means to be a dominant nose tackle in the modern NFL. His ability to generate pressure from a position traditionally known for stopping the run is unmatched, as evidenced by his 81 quarterback pressures over the last two seasons.To put that in perspective, the next closest player from a similar alignment recorded just 16 pressures.
8. Nick Bosa
Nick Bosa’s 2024 season may have started slowly, with just one sack in the first four games, but his impact was felt. Accumulating 27 pressures in three playoff games, including 12 in the Super Bowl, Bosa remains one of the league’s premier pass rushers.
9. Tyreek Hill
Tyreek Hill is one of the most electrifying wide receivers in the NFL. No defender can consistently match his ability to create separation, especially with Miami’s pre-snap motion to free him up in space.
In 2023, Hill was on track to break the single-season record for yards per route run before an injury interrupted his historic pace. Despite the setback, he finished with an impressive 3.72 yards per route run, among the best in Pro Football Focus (PFF) history.
10. Fred Warner
Linebacker play has become one of the most challenging roles in the NFL, Fred Warner consistently stands out as one of the best. His 90.3 PFF grade in 2023 reflected his ability to excel in all areas of the game, whether it be coverage, tackling, or run support.
Despite an uncharacteristic rise in missed tackles (28 across 20 games), Warner remains the gold standard at his position, showcasing his versatility and leadership for the 49ers’ defense.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 NFL season is shaping up to be a turning point for several players who have already left a significant mark on the game. Veterans like Patrick Mahomes and Myles Garrett continue solidifying their legacies, while younger stars like Micah Parsons and Justin Jefferson are just entering their prime. However, as the season progresses, the NFL is likely to introduce even more breakout talents, players who will challenge these established names for the spotlight.
