Training camps will ramp up the work of 2024 rookies around the NFL as many try to carve out key initial roles amid heavy competition. Although the high-profile, first-round picks — led by the quarterbacks — will have the biggest spotlights, there are many rookies drafted in the second round or later who will work to shine right away.
Just take the 2023 Rams as a prime recent example. Wide receiver Puka Nacua (fifth round), edge rusher Byron Young (third round), and defensive tackle Kobie Turner (third round) all became huge contributors to help the team earn an NFC wild-card playoff berth.
Here's going around the league ahead of '24 camps to identify offensive rookie sleepers across positions and teams.
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14 offensive rookies to watch in training camp
Rookie RB sleepers
Trey Benson, Cardinals (third round, No. 66 overall)
James Conner remains productive as Arizona's lead back, but he's 29, has his share of durability issues, and is in the final season of his contract. Benson is a strong runner who needs to nail down his No. 2 status as a promising heir apparent.
Blake Corum, Rams (third round, No. 83 overall)
Kyren Williams is coming off a breakout rushing season as the workhorse, so it was a mild surprise the Rams took the similarly shifty and powerful back from Michigan. But Sean McVay has seen injuries consistently wreak havoc on his backfield and will look for Corum to emerge as another valuable rookie backup in the NFC West.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., Giants (fifth round, No. 166 overall)
Tracy is third on the depth chart behind Devin Singletary and Eric Gray as the Giants work to replace the production of Saquon Barkley. There are several late-drafted backs around the league with similar opportunities on shaky depth charts, but Tracy has the advantage of working behind more of an elevated backup and another youngster.
Rookie WR sleepers
Keon Coleman, Bills (second round, No. 33 overall)
This is more of an obvious call, but he has a lot of pressure to come through with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis gone. Can he develop into a rookie go-to guy for Josh Allen? Khalil Shakir and Curtis Samuel are versatile options, but neither profiles as a strong, outside No. 1. Allen can't just rely on tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox in the new-look passing game.
Brenden Rice (seventh round, No. 222 overall) and Cornelius Johnson, Chargers (seventh round, No. 253 overall)
Fellow rookie Ladd McConkey will play a significant possession role trying to replace Keenan Allen, but Rice and Johnson both can be key depth pieces in the new Greg Roman offense as they try to make the team behind McConkey and top veteran option Josh Palmer.
There's limited competition beyond second-year first-rounder Quentin Johnston, as the Chargers also need to compensate for the loss of Mike Williams. Watch for either or both Rice and Johnson to stand out from Derius Davis, DJ Chark, Simi Fehoko, and others.
Ja'Lynn Polk, Patriots (second round, No. 37 overall)
Polk is slated to start in 11 personnel (three wide receiver looks) with underrated Kendrick Bourne and emerging slot option Demario Douglas. Whether it's rookie No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye or Jacoby Brissett starting at QB, the Patriots need to start catching up to the rest of the league with wide receiver production. Polk can rise above a largely mixed bag.
Luke McCaffrey, Commanders (third round, No. 100 overall)
Christian's brother is working to emerge in the slot in between Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson with Curtis Samuel now playing for the Bills. His role is key as Kliff Kingsbury works to spread the field well for rookie Jayden Daniels.
Adonai Mitchell, Colts (second round, No. 52 overall)
Mitchell vs. Alec Pierce will be a great camp battle to watch to see who gets the top field-stretching role opposite Michael Pitmaan Jr. and alongside returning slot Josh Downs Anthony Richardson needs someone else to trust for big plays outside with his big arm.
Jermaine Burton, Bengals (third round, No. 80 overall)
Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will have more versatile roles as the team works to replace the reliable slot production of Tyler Boyd, now with former Bengals' offensive coordinator Brian Callahan and the Titans. Trenton Irwin is the default veteran No. 3, with second-year men Andrei Iosivas and Charlie Jones also in the mix. But Burton is one to watch to be an emerging technician for Joe Burrow.
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Rookie TE sleepers
Cade Stover, Texans (fourth round, No. 123 overall)
Stover played with C.J. Stroud at Ohio State, so that gives him a chance to reconnect well in the NFL. Dalton Schultz signed a three-year extension in March, but Brevin Jordan is in the final year of his rookie contract. Stover can emerge as an important No. 2 and extra target for Stroud in 12 personnel looks.
Rookie offensive line sleepers
Zach Frazier, C, Steelers (second round, No. 51 overall)
Frazier needs to take command as Pittsburgh's immediate starter, both in delivering as a smooth all-around blocker and becoming a young leader on a revamped line. His presence is key to the Steelers' run-heavy approach as they settle on a new QB between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, Raiders (second round, No. 44 overall)
He and Thayer Munford Jr. can combine to make the right side of the line a new strength and can be critical to boosting what should be a more effective rushing offense.
Roger Rosengarten, OT, Ravens (second round, No. 62 overall)
Rosengarten will battle to nail down the starting right tackle job and be thrust into a critical role blocking for a youth-shifting line. He is a natural good pass protector for Lamar Jackson, but it's important that he emerges in the running game for Jackson and Derrick Henry, too.
