Every Team's Biggest Hidden Gem at Quarter Mark of 2024 NFL Season
Even if the NFL is a star-driven league, football remains the ultimate team sport.
Standouts like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, T.J. Watt and Sauce Gardner may be the faces of the league, but teams rely heavily on players who don't get their faces in the preview packages.
While we clearly don't know which teams will reach Super Bowl LIX or who their top under-the-radar players will be, we can identify the hidden gems of the early 2024 season.
Specifically, we've targeted players who have never made a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team and who weren't selected within the first three rounds in any of the last three drafts.
These hidden gems may not be household names, but they've been significant contributors through the first month of the season and could (or should) see expanded roles.
Arizona Cardinals: LB Dennis Gardeck
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If you're not a fan of the Arizona Cardinals, you're probably unfamiliar with linebacker Dennis Gardeck. The Sioux Falls product joined the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and has been a valuable contributor ever since.
However, Gardeck has never been a full-time player, starting just 14 games over his first six seasons. He still isn't starting but has become a capable situational pass-rusher under head coach Jonathan Gannon over the past two years.
Gardeck, who also had seven sacks in 2020, logged six sacks last season and is already up to three quarterback takedowns in 2024. The 30-year-old has played just 52 percent of the defensive snaps this season but has tallied 15 tackles, five tackles for loss and three quarterback pressures.
With B.J. Ojulari (torn ACL) on injured reserve, Gardeck is positioned to be Arizona's top edge-rusher this season, and Gannon would be wise to make that his featured role moving forward.
Atlanta Falcons: LB Kaden Elliss
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In need of an improved pass rush, the Atlanta Falcons traded for Matthew Judon just before the start of the regular season. While Judon is certainly a featured member of Atlanta's defense, his presence has overshadowed the impact of Kaden Elliss.
Elliss, a 2019 seventh-round pick of the New Orleans Saints, followed former defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen from New Orleans to Atlanta last offseason. He was a capable edge-rusher and starting linebacker for the Falcons under Nielsen, finishing last season with four sacks, nine quarterback pressures and 11 tackles for loss.
While Elliss has yet to record a sack this year, he's continued to be productive under new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake. Through the first four weeks, he had already amassed 3 tackles, three quarterback hits and three pressures.
The 29-year-old should continue to be a regular starter in Atlanta and a key defender who simply doesn't get enough national recognition.
Baltimore Ravens: RB Justice Hill
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New Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry has garnered a ton of attention through the first month, and rightfully so. The four-time Pro Bowler has added a new element to Baltimore's ground attack and led the NFL with 480 rushing yards at the quarter mark.
Those who haven't been following the Ravens closely—or, at least, been invested in fantasy football—may have overlooked the contributions of Justice Hill.
Hill, a 219 fourth-round pick, has long been a quality role player for the Ravens. With Henry taking over as the leading ball-carrier, Hill has settled in this year as a capable receiving back.
The 26-year-old ranks second on the team with 16 receptions and has averaged just under 60 scrimmage yards per game. He should continue to form one of the league's best backfield duos alongside Henry—and, yes, he deserves a spot on your fantasy roster.
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Buffalo Bills: WR Khalil Shakir
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Wide receiver Khalil Shakir is another player who might only be familiar to fantasy football enthusiasts—or, in his case, Buffalo Bills fans.
The 2022 fifth-round pick saw limited playing time as a rookie before breaking through with a 611-yard season in 2023. Following the offseason departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, he's become Josh Allen's new go-to target.
Shakir leads the Bills with 18 receptions and 230 receiving yards, and he's become a big-play threat both before and after the catch.
While Shakir suffered an ankle injury in Week 4 that will bear watching, he's likely to remain Buffalo's No. 1 receiver moving forward. That role was widely expected to go to top 2024 draft pick Keon Coleman, but Shakir is clearly "the guy."
A 1,000-yard season feels likely, and Shakir will probably be a household name by the end of the season.
Carolina Panthers: DL Jayden Peevy
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The Carolina Panthers haven't been good defensively in 2024—they rank dead-last in points allowed—and they took a massive hit when star defensive tackle Derrick Brown suffered a season-ending knee injury.
While the Panthers haven't found a player-for-player replacement for Brown, defensive lineman Jayden Peevy is becoming a pleasant surprise.
A 2022 undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M, Peevy spent portions of his first two seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He landed on Carolina's practice squad last October and made his way back there—after a brief spring stint with the Cleveland Browns—before being promoted to the active roster in September.
Peevy has appeared in all four games this season and has logged 1.5 sacks, six tackles, a tackle for loss and three quarterback hits despite playing just 32 percent of the defensive snaps.
Not only should Peevy stay on the active roster for the rest of the season, but he's also played well enough to warrant a bigger role moving forward.
Chicago Bears: Edge Austin Booker
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If you're a fan of the Chicago Bears, or at least followed them during HBO's Hard Knocks, you might have caught some of the offseason buzz being generated by Austin Booker.
"He already has several moves in his arsenal," Adam Jahns of The Athletic wrote of Booker in August. "My favorite is his spin. You saw it in the preseason. The Bears might have found a late-round gem."
If you weren't paying attention during the offseason, you may have no clue who the fifth-round rookie out of Kansas is. That should change sooner than later.
While Booker hasn't played extensively over the first month (12 snaps per game, on average), he has flashed his disruptive potential. Over his last three games, the 21-year-old recorded five tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit.
The rookie is stuck behind Montez Sweat, DeMarcus Walker and Darrell Taylor in the pass-rushing rotation, but Chicago should give Booker more opportunities to get after opposing quarterbacks moving forward.
Cincinnati Bengals: WR Andrei Iosivas
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After the Cincinnati Bengals parted with longtime receiver Tyler Boyd this offseason, most expected rookie third-round pick Jermaine Burton to soak up targets. However, Andrei Iosivas has emerged as one of Joe Burrow's favorite targets instead.
Iosivas, a 2023 sixth-round pick out of Princeton, showed flashes as a rookie. He's had a much more prominent role this season, especially with Tee Higgins sidelined over the first two weeks.
The 24-year-old has already caught 11 passes for 114 yards and three touchdowns. Nine of his receptions have gone for first downs, and the former Tiger has maintained an offensive role even with Higgins back in the lineup.
Over the past two weeks, Iosivas has caught six passes for 81 yards and a score. He's establishing himself as the clear-cut third receiver after Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, and he should continue to limit Burton's opportunities throughout the 2024 season. He may also eventually take over Cincinnati's No. 2 role, if Higgins departs in 2025 free agency.
Cleveland Browns: S Ronnie Hickman
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The Browns snagged former Ohio State safety Ronnie Hickman as an undrafted free agent last offseason and saw immediate returns. He appeared in 10 games as a rookie, made four starts and allowed an opposing passer rating of just 44.9 in coverage.
Hickman hasn't been as effective as a cover man in 2024—he's allowed an opposing passer rating of 97.4—though he's more than serviceable filling in for Juan Thornhill (injured reserve, calf).
Though he has split time with Rodney McLeod Jr. at free safety, Hickman has started three of four games and has played 63 percent of the defensive snaps. He has recorded 14 tackles and a pass defended through the first month—all over the last three games.
While Hickman may not keep Thornhill on the sideline once healthy, he's likely secured a long-term spot as a member of Cleveland's safety rotation.
Dallas Cowboys: RB Rico Dowdle
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Let's be honest: The Dallas Cowboys' backfield is not good. Dallas opted not to pursue a difference-maker like Derrick Henry in free agency and instead brought back an aging Ezekiel Elliott to be the starter.
As a team, the Cowboys rank 30th in yards per carry and dead-last in total rushing yards this season.
The lone bright spot in the backfield has been Rico Dowdle, a 2020 undrafted free agent who re-signed with the team on a one-year, $1.3 million deal this offseason. Dowdle, not Elliott, has emerged as Dallas' top option through the first month.
The 26-year-old hasn't exactly been spectacular, but he has averaged a respectable 3.9 yards per carry and 52 scrimmage yards per game. He's given Dallas some semblance of a running game, and he could soon push Elliott out of the game plan almost entirely—especially if the Cowboys ever decide to elevate Dalvin Cook from the practice squad.
Denver Broncos: LB Jonathon Cooper
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Even though he became a full-time starter last season, casual fans probably aren't familiar with Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper. The 2021 seventh-round draft pick has spent his entire NFL career with a franchise that hasn't been in the spotlight for particularly positive reasons.
Denver is starting to generate a little buzz, though, after consecutive wins and with an emergent defense. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has garnered much of the attention, but it's the Broncos' second-ranked defense that might make this team playoff-relevant.
The 26-year-old Cooper is on the cusp of being a star in that defense. He recorded 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a defensive touchdown last season, and he's off to another fast start in 2024.
Cooper has already recorded 17 tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks and seven quarterback hits while playing 75 percent of the defensive snaps. If the Broncos do become a factor in the AFC, and their defense leads the way, expect Cooper to earn some serious Pro Bowl consideration.
Detroit Lions: TE Brock Wright
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The Detroit Lions have no shortage of offensive stars. From Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown to Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta, Detroit's offense is loaded with stars and recent high draft selections.
Tight end Brock Wright is an outlier. The 2021 undrafted free agent has largely flown under the radar in Detroit, even if he's caught the attention of other teams.
To keep Wright, the Lions had to match a three-year, $12 million offer from the San Francisco 49ers this offseason.
While LaPorta is Detroit's top pass-catcher at the tight end position, Wright still fills a valuable role for the team. He's a serviceable, though not elite, blocker who can give Goff an extra target on occasion.
While Wright has just seven catches for 49 yards this season, he's played 50 percent of the offensive snaps and remains an important, if overlooked, part of the game plan.
Green Bay Packers: WR Dontayvion Wicks
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The Green Bay Packers' youthful receiving corps might not have a true No. 1 receiver, but it is filled with quality complementary pass-catchers. While fans may be familiar with the likes of Christian Watkins and Romeo Doubs, 2023 fifth-round pick Dontayvion Wicks remains a relative unknown.
That may soon change.
Wicks has shined when given the opportunity to play a prominent role. He played 70 percent or more of the offensive snaps twice last season, finishing one game with six catches for 97 yards and finishing the other with 61 yards and two touchdowns.
After Watson exited Week 4 with an ankle injury, Wicks went on to catch five passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
Wicks should remain one of Jordan Love's go-to targets for as long as Watson remains sidelined. Really, he's shown enough to justify more snaps moving forward anyway.
Houston Texans: LB Henry To'oTo'o
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Houston Texans linebacker Henry To'oTo'o was a 2023 fifth-round pick who was thrust into a prominent role early on. He appeared in 14 games with six starts as a rookie and had some impressive moments, though missed tackles were a problem.
"Everyone knows I kind of struggled in tackling last year," To'oTo'o said in August, per Brian Schaible of Athlon Sports. "I think that is one of the biggest things that I have harped on this offseason was tracking angles and trying to get better at being a better tackler."
While tackling is still a bit of an issue for the 27-year-old—he's missed five in four games—To'oTo'o has largely impressed in a bigger role this season. He's started all four games, played 86 percent of the defensive snaps and recorded 32 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a pass deflection.
To'oTo'o's missed-tackle rate is also down nearly three percent from last season.
Now a key player in Houston's defense, To'oTo'o has the potential to develop into a star if he can continue developing his instincts and technique.
Indianapolis Colts; LB E.J. Speed
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Linebacker E.J. Speed first joined the Indianapolis Colts as a fifth-round pick out of Tarleton State in 2019. Largely an ancillary defender and special teamer over his first few seasons, he emerged as a regular contributor last season.
This year, the 29-year-old is beginning to blossom into a legitimate star. Speed has started all four games and led the NFL with a whopping 47 tackles and 34 solo stops through the first month of the season.
Speed has also tallied two tackles for loss and a quarterback hit while playing 99 percent of the defensive snaps.
There's a chance that Speed finishes with numbers impressive enough to earn Pro Bowl consideration—he's on pace for 200 tackles, only 14 fewer than Hardy Nickerson's single-season record.
Speed is becoming an integral part of the Colts' defense, and he's having a career year just in time for his 2025 foray into free agency.
Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Montaric Brown
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Not much has gone right for the 0-4 Jacksonville Jaguars, but cornerback Montaric Brown has provided a much-needed bright spot.
A 2022 seventh-round pick out of Arkansas, Brown saw little playing time as a rookie (63 defensive snaps) before making six starts and logging 34 tackles with four passes defended in 2023. He's already made three starts in 2024 and has seen a significant rise in usage.
After playing just 19 snaps in Jacksonville's season-opener, the 25-year-old has played at least 96 percent of the defensive snaps over the past three games. While he hasn't provided shut-down coverage play—he's allowed an opposing passer rating of 95.6—he's already recorded 29 tackles, 22 solo stops and a team-high (tied) three passes defended.
Brown has been more effective than fellow corner Ronald Darby (125.4 opposing passer rating) and should continue to remain in the starting lineup moving forward.
Kansas City Chiefs: DB Chamarri Conner
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The Kansas City Chiefs parted with a huge defensive piece when they traded cornerback L'Jarius Sneed this offseason. However, their seventh-ranked scoring defense has remained dependable, thanks to budding role-players like Chamarri Conner.
Conner, a 2023 fourth-round pick out of Virginia Tech, appeared in all 21 games as a rookie (including playoffs). He played well then and has been even better in an expanded role so far this season.
After playing 28 percent of the defensive snaps as a rookie, the safety/nickel back has played 60 percent of the snaps through four weeks. So far, he's tallied 25 tackles, two passes defended, an interception and a fumble recovery that was returned for a touchdown—all while allowing an opposing passer rating of just 76.2 in coverage.
The 24-year-old is fast, physical and seems to have a knack for locating the football. He's a perfect fit for Steve Spagnuolo's defense, and it won't be a shock if he's on the field even more frequently as the season progresses.
Las Vegas Raiders: CB Jakorian Bennett
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If you're not a Las Vegas Raiders fan, you probably have no idea who Jakorian Bennett is. If you are a Raiders fan, you've probably been quite impressed with the dramatic turnaround he's had in the early 2024 season.
A 2023 fourth-round pick out of Maryland, Bennett began his rookie campaign as a starter. However, his play was too often inconsistent, and he ceded playing time as the season progressed.
Bennett allowed an opposing passer rating of 102.5 in his first year. However, the 24-year-old has performed like an entirely different defender in Year 2. It hasn't gone unnoticed by head coach Antonio Pierce.
"I love where J.B. has gotten to," Pierce said, per Carter Owen of the team's official website. "He was kind of a grabby player last year getting some penalties uncalled for, and now he's just trusting his technique. Obviously, he can run with everybody."
Bennett has appeared in all four games with two starts and has recorded seven tackles and five passes defended. In coverage, he's allowed an opposing passer rating of only 71.5. The Raiders probably won't be inclined to pull him off the field often the rest of the way.
Los Angeles Chargers: Edge Bud Dupree
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Fans might remember pass-rusher Bud Dupree as a player who flopped with the Titans. The 2015 first-round pick had an 11.5-sack season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal with Tennessee in 2021 and pretty much disappeared after that.
Dupree recorded just seven sacks in two seasons with the Titans before being released. He recorded 6.5 sacks with the Falcons last season and is off to a strong start under Jim Harbaugh with the Los Angeles Chargers.
While Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa remain the stars of L.A.'s pass rush when healthy—Bosa missed Week 4 with a hip injury—Dupree has flashed as a rotational sack artist. He recorded a pair of quarterback takedowns in Week 4, has logged three quarterback pressures and has made two tackles for loss.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Dupree get more opportunities moving forward after playing just 56 percent of the defensive snaps over the first month.
Los Angeles Rams: C Beaux Limmer
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The Los Angeles Rams have already sustained numerous injuries, with those of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp garnering the most attention. Just as impactful, however, have been the injuries of offensive linemen Jonah Jackson and Steve Avila.
With Avila sidelined with an MCL tear, the Rams have relied on rookie sixth-round pick Beaux Limmer at center. The Arkansas product has handled himself well and has started to earn the trust of veterans like quarterback Matthew Stafford.
"He's played with some veteran guards on each side the last couple weeks so that helps, but I think he's doing a really good job," Stafford said, per Brock Vierra of Rams Wire.
Limmer has started three of four games this season and has not been responsible for a penalty or a sack across 212 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. If he continues to play well, the Rams will be in no hurry to rush Avila back onto the field.
At worst, the rookie is proving to be a very valuable depth piece.
Miami Dolphins: CB Kader Kohou
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Due largely to Tua Tagovailoa's latest injury absence, the Miami Dolphins have struggled in many areas this season. One area that has remained a team strength is Miami's fifth-ranked pass defense.
That shouldn't come as a significant surprise, since Miami's secondary is led by standouts Jalen Ramsey and Javon Holland. Equally important to the unit, however, has been third-year nickel back Kader Kohou.
If you're unfamiliar with Kohou, you're probably not alone. The Texas A&M-Commerce product entered the NFL as a 2022 undrafted free agent. While he quickly obtained a starting role, he remained largely overshadowed by Miami's other stars. With the defense taking a starring role for the Dolphins, that could soon change.
It doesn't hurt that Kohou appears to be in the early stages of a career year. After allowing an opposing passer rating of 131.0 in 2023, the 25-year-old has allowed a passer rating of just 68.5 through the first month of this season. He recorded the second interception of his career in Week 3.
Even if Kohou doesn't earn a ton of attention during the season, he's likely to get plenty in the spring, when he'll be a restricted free agent.
Minnesota Vikings: WR Jalen Nailor
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Quarterback Sam Darnold has been one of the biggest surprises of the entire 2024 season thus far, and he's certainly been a gem for the Minnesota Vikings—though, of course, quarterbacks who play are never hidden.
Darnold has certainly benefited from having all-everything receiver Justin Jefferson and 2023 first-round pick Jordan Addison as his top targets. Third receiver Jalen Nailor deserves a little credit too.
While fans are undoubtedly more familiar with Jefferson and Addison than the 2022 sixth-round pick, Nailor has become a very important piece of the passing puzzle this season. The Michigan State product caught just 12 passes for 208 yards over his first two seasons. He's started twice in place of Addison this year and has already caught eight passes for 137 yards and three touchdowns.
New England Patriots: DT Daniel Ekuale
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It's been a long and winding road for New England Patriots defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale to get to this point. The 30-year-old joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Cleveland in 2018 and didn't see his first start until he was elevated from the Jaguars' practice squad in 2020.
Signed to New England's practice squad the following year, Ekuale has spent the past few seasons as a role-player and missed most of 2023 with a torn biceps. However, Ekuale was thrust into a starting role when star defensive tackle Christian Barmore was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list following a blood-clot diagnosis.
Ekuale has started all four games this season and performed extremely well. He's recorded 11 tackles and a half-sack while playing 74 percent of the defensive snaps.
While those certainly aren't jaw-dropping numbers, Ekuale's ability to step in for Barmore and allow the defense to operate as called has been impressive. Ekuale should continue to start until Barmore is able to return, and he'll probably hold a vital role in the rotation even after that.
New Orleans Saints: DB Will Harris
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Defensive back Will Harris joined the NFL as a third-round pick of the Lions in 2019, and he filled multiple roles in Detroit during his first five seasons—he played both safety roles, started at nickel and provided cornerback depth. However, he largely fell out of the game plan last year, playing just 18 percent of the defensive snaps.
The 28-year-old has reemerged as a full-time starter in New Orleans this season, playing strong safety for defensive coordinator Joe Woods.
Harris signed with the Saints on a modest one-year, $1.3 million deal, and his strong start to the season might have surprised those who weren't tracking New Orleans' training camp.
"I think he's another one that, the more he gets accustomed to what we're doing defensively and the way we're asking our guys to operate back there, I think he'll get even more and more comfortable at the position," head coach Dennis Allen said of Harris in July, per Matthew Paras of Nola.com.
Harris has indeed looked comfortable. He's started all four games and has allowed an opposing passer rating of just 52.4 in coverage. He's already shaping up to be one of the biggest bargains of 2024 free agency and should remain a key cog moving forward.
New York Giants: S Jason Pinnock
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The New York Giants lost a difference-maker when safety Xavier McKinney bolted for the Packers in free agency. However, New York's new safety duo is shaping up to be quite good.
Rookie second-round pick Tyler Nubin may be familiar to fans. He's played well, and if not for Malik Nabers' hot start (35 catches, 386 yards, 3 TDs), he'd be the headliner of New York's rookie class.
Playing right alongside Nubin is 2021 fifth-round pick Jason Pinnock, who has garnered far less attention. The 25-year-old stepped into a starting role last season and has shown no signs of relinquishing it.
Through four games this year, Pinnock has already registered 21 tackles, three tackles for loss and three sacks. In coverage, he's allowed an opposing passer rating of just 81.2.
It remains to be seen if the Giants will fare well enough to generate any national attention for Pinnock. However, the Pittsburgh product, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, is well on his way to earning a hefty payday in 2025.
New York Jets: CB D.J. Reed
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Cornerback Sauce Gardner is a star and might just be the face of the New York Jets if not for Aaron Rodgers. Fans might be a little (or a lot) less familiar with fellow corner D.J. Reed.
Reed entered the NFL as a 2018 fifth-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers. He spent two years in San Francisco and another two with the Seattle Seahawks before reuniting with former 49ers defensive coordinator and Jets head coach Robert Saleh in 2022.
Not only has Reed established himself as a full-time starter in New York, but he's shown that he can be a very good one. He's off to a tremendous start in 2024, despite missing Week 2 with an ankle injury.
In his three starts this season, Reed has logged 14 tackles, a tackle for loss and three passes defended. In coverage, he's allowed an opposing passer rating of just 42.4. While Gardner is the headliner of New York's secondary, the 27-year-old Reed—who is scheduled to be a free agent in 2025—is proving to be an equally valuable centerpiece.
Philadelphia Eagles: LB Zack Baun
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The Philadelphia Eagles made some bold moves in free agency to improve their defense. They haven't all paid off.
Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (145.0 opposing passer rating) has been a coverage liability. Pass-rusher Bryce Huff has just one quarterback pressure and is still searching for a sack. However, linebacker Zack Baun, who signed a modest one-year, $1.6 million deal, has been terrific.
After being taken by New Orleans in the third round of the 2020 draft, Baun largely disappeared into the Saints defense. He's finally finding a defined role with Vic Fangio's unit, though, and has been one of the brightest spots on the Eagles' defense thus far.
"He's been relentless to the football," head coach Nick Sirianni said, per The Athletic's Brooks Kubena.
In the first month of the season, Baun amassed 43 total tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss and three quarterback pressures. In coverage, he's allowed an opposing passer rating of just 84.7.
The 27-year-old should remain an every-down defender (97 percent of the defensive snaps) for the rest of this season. If he continues playing as he has through Week 4, his stay in Philadelphia could be a lengthy one.
Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Nick Herbig
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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig, a 2023 fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin, showed some flashes as a rookie. Though he played just 17 percent of the defensive snaps last season, he tallied 27 tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks.
Herbig has continued to be a valuable depth player in 2024, and he earned a starting opportunity in Week 4 in place of the injured Alex Highsmith.
When Highsmith suffered a groin injury in Week 3, Herbig stepped in and recorded a pair of sacks against the Chargers.
So far this season, the 22-year-old has made six tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and three quarterback pressures.
Herbig isn't going to keep Highsmith out of the starting lineup once the veteran is healthy. However, the second-year defender has shown enough when given the opportunity to deserve a more regular role in Pittsburgh's pass-rushing rotation.
San Francisco 49ers: DL Kevin Givens
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The San Francisco 49ers have endured several key injuries over the first month—they still don't know when Christian McCaffrey will return—many of them on offense. However, the biceps tear suffered by defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in Week 3 created a big void on the other side of the ball.
While sixth-year defender Kevin Givens might not outright replace Hargrave, he has certainly done his part. The 2019 undrafted free agent played a season-high 55 percent of the defensive snaps in Week 4 and finished with three tackles, a tackle for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Givens started 11 games for San Francisco in 2022 but has spent most of his 49ers career as a backup or rotational player. He made only two other starts over his first five seasons, though a return to the starting lineup may now be warranted.
Though he's played just 39 percent of the defensive snaps this season, the 27-year-old has already notched 3.5 sacks, five quarterback hits and five quarterback pressures.
Seattle Seahawks: WR Jake Bobo
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The Seahawks have gotten off to a 3-1 start, thanks in no small part to their fifth-ranked offense. Led by Geno Smith, Kenneth Walker III, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett leading the way, Seattle has a myriad of ways to attack a defense.
Overlooked among Seattle's star-studded lineup is second-year receiver Jake Bobo. A 2023 undrafted free agent out of UCLA, Bobo is a role player—and that will likely remain the case with Metcalf, Lockett and 2023 first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba at receiver.
However, when Bobo has been called upon, he's been reliable. He had 196 yards and two touchdowns last season and has caught all five of his targets in 2024. Three of those catches have gone for first downs, and Bobo has provided a 104.2 passer rating when targeted.
Bobo is in the process of establishing himself as Seattle's fourth receiver, even with the more experienced Laviska Shenault Jr. on the depth chart. He's played 69 percent of the offensive snaps after playing only 30 percent in 2023, and he should remain an important piece of the game plan throughout the rest of the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB Bucky Irving
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a prolific passing attack in 2023, but they also suffered from having a one-dimensional offense. Starting back Rachaad White was a terrific dual threat, but he struggled to spark the ground game on a consistent basis.
The Buccaneers finished the 2023 season ranked 32nd in yards per carry and 32nd in total rushing yards. White averaged a mere 3.6 yards per carry.
While White continues to be inconsistent as a runner, Tampa has at least found some semblance of offensive balance. That's due, in large part, to the hard running of rookie fourth-round pick Bucky Irving.
Irving has given the ground game a jolt. The Oregon product averaged an impressive 5.8 yards per carry over the first month of the season and led the team in rushing yards (203) despite seeing fewer carries than White.
While Tampa will continue to lean on Baker Mayfield and the passing game, Irving gives the offense options. Don't be surprised if he forces White into a passing-down-only role by midseason.
Tennessee Titans: WR Jha'Quan Jackson
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The Titans haven't had a lot to hand their hat on in 2024. Tennessee's defense has played well, and the Titans did finally record a win in Week 4—thanks, in large part, to backup quarterback Mason Rudolph.
For the most part, though, the entire Titans team has been hidden from the national spotlight this season. That's why fans probably aren't very familiar with rookie sixth-round pick Jha'Quan Jackson.
Jackson, a former Tulane receiver, hasn't had a prominent role in Tennessee's offense. In fact, he's played just a single offensive snap. However, he's been a difference-maker on special teams, leading the NFL with 131 punt-return yards through the first four weeks. Jackson's 9.4 yards-per-return average also ranks third among players with at least 10 returns on the season.
With a 26.8 yards-per-return average on kickoffs, Jackson ranks third in that category too.
Jackson has aided the Titans offense by consistently bettering its starting position. Head coach Brian Callahan should soon want to see what the rookie can do with the ball in his hands on offense.
Washington Commanders: Edge Dorance Armstrong Jr.
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Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has undoubtedly been the headliner of the Washington Commander's surprising 3-1 start. However, new head coach Dan Quinn is getting enough from a defense that ranked dead-last in yards and points allowed last season to win in 2024.
One of the biggest surprises on the defensive side of the ball has been edge-rusher Dorance Armstrong Jr. Previously a rotational player for Quinn's Cowboys defense, Armstrong has emerged as a full-time impact contributor in Washington.
The 27-year-old has started all four games and has already racked up two sacks and an impressive 10 quarterback pressures. For context, that's three more pressures than Steelers superstar T.J. Watt has notched through four games—though we're certainly not suggesting that Armstrong is on Watt's level.
After the Commanders traded both Chase Young and Montez Sweat in 2023, it was fair to wonder who would emerge as the team's new difference-maker on the edge. The answer is Armstrong.
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.
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