Analysis of Year for Rookies on the New York Jets

The 2024 NFL season marked a pivotal year for the New York Jets’ rookie class—a group of 11 first-year players tasked with contributing to the team’s playoff push while laying the groundwork for future success. Selected in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed as undrafted free agents, these rookies spanned every position group, from offensive line to defensive backfield, and their performance varied from breakout stars to players still finding their footing. For a Jets franchise in the middle of a rebuild, the rookie class wasn’t just a collection of new talent—it was a test of the team’s scouting, player development, and ability to integrate young players into a winning culture. Some rookies exceeded expectations, others faced typical rookie struggles, but all played a role in shaping the Jets’ 9-8 season. Analysis of Year for Rookies on the New York Jets breaks down the standout performers, the growth of emerging talent, and how this class fits into the Jets’ long-term vision.

Analysis of Year for Rookies on the New York Jets begins with the most impactful rookie: fourth-round offensive tackle Carter Warren, who stepped into a starting role in Week 6 after veteran left tackle Mekhi Becton suffered a high ankle sprain. Warren, selected out of Pittsburgh, entered training camp as a backup but quickly impressed coaches with his size (6-foot-6, 320 pounds) and technical precision. When Becton went down, Warren was elevated to starting right tackle, and though he had growing pains early—allowing three sacks in his first two starts—he improved dramatically as the season progressed. By Week 14, his Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade had jumped from 58.2 to 76.9, and he didn’t allow a sack in his final five starts. What stood out most about Warren’s rookie year was his adaptability: when the Jets shifted veteran George Fant to left tackle mid-game in Week 10, Warren seamlessly adjusted his blocking assignments to cover Fant’s former right tackle spot. “Carter’s growth this season was nothing short of remarkable,” said offensive line coach John Benton. “He didn’t flinch when we threw him into the fire, and he worked tirelessly to fix his mistakes. By the end of the season, he was playing like a veteran.” Warren’s performance not only solidified the Jets’ offensive line depth but also gave the team a potential long-term starter at right tackle.

A key surprise among the Jets’ rookies was undrafted free agent linebacker Zaire Barnes, who earned significant playing time after starting linebacker C.J. Mosley missed four games with a hamstring injury. Barnes, who played college football at Western Michigan, wasn’t expected to make the 53-man roster—let alone contribute on defense—but his work ethic in training camp (he led all rookies in practice reps) caught the attention of head coach Robert Saleh. When Mosley went down in Week 8, Barnes was named the starting strongside linebacker, and while he had ups and downs, he showed flashes of potential: he recorded 28 tackles, one forced fumble, and a pass deflection in his four starts, including a standout performance in Week 11 where he held Chargers tight end Gerald Everett to 22 yards on two catches. Barnes’ biggest challenge as a rookie was consistency—he struggled with run fits in Week 9, allowing Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson to gain 45 yards on three carries up the middle—but his willingness to learn made him a fan favorite. “Zaire is the definition of a Jet,” said Saleh. “He came in with nothing to lose, worked harder than anyone, and made the most of his opportunity. He’s not a finished product yet, but he has all the tools to be a solid NFL linebacker.” Barnes’ rookie year also highlighted the Jets’ success in finding undrafted talent—a crucial part of roster building for a team with limited salary cap space.

A critical aspect of Analysis of Year for Rookies on the New York Jets is the performance of third-round defensive back Justin Hardee Jr., who became a key contributor on both defense and special teams—and what it means for the current New York Jets team. Hardee, selected out of Illinois, was initially drafted to provide depth in the secondary, but he quickly carved out a role as the Jets’ primary nickel cornerback after starter Michael Carter II was sidelined with a knee injury in Week 5. On defense, Hardee held opposing slot receivers to a 52tch rate and recorded 18 tackles and three pass deflections. On special teams, he was even more impactful: he led all rookies in special teams tackles (12) and blocked a punt in Week 13 that led to a Jets touchdown. What made Hardee’s rookie year stand out was his versatility—he played 42% of the Jets’ defensive snaps and 78% of their special teams snaps, making him one of the most used rookies on the roster. “Justin is a Swiss Army knife,” said defensive coordinator Tony Oden. “He can play nickel, outside corner, and even safety in a pinch, and he’s a difference-maker on special teams. For a rookie to contribute in so many ways is rare, and it speaks to his football IQ.” For the New York Jets, Hardee’s performance addressed two needs: it strengthened the secondary depth and improved a special teams unit that had struggled in 2023. His ability to play multiple positions also gives the Jets flexibility to adjust their defense based on opponents’ personnel—a key advantage in the competitive AFC East.

Another important angle of Analysis of Year for Rookies on the New York Jets is the growing pains of seventh-round wide receiver Tyler Scott, who showed potential but struggled with consistency in his first NFL season—and how the New York Jets are helping him develop. Scott, selected out of Cincinnati, was drafted to add speed to the Jets’ receiving corps (he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the combine), and he had moments of brilliance: he caught a 45-yard touchdown pass in Week 7 against the Dolphins, and he recorded three catches for 52 yards in Week 14 against the Browns. However, Scott also faced typical rookie challenges: he dropped three passes (including a potential touchdown in Week 10), and he struggled to get open against physical cornerbacks like the Bills’ Tre’Davious White. The Jets responded by limiting Scott’s snaps in the second half of the season—he played just 15% of the offensive snaps in Weeks 12-17—and pairing him with veteran wide receiver Garrett Wilson for extra film study sessions. “Tyler has all the physical tools to be a great receiver, but he’s still learning the nuances of the NFL,” said wide receivers coach Miles Austin. “We’re not rushing him—we want him to take his time, fix his mistakes, and be ready to contribute more next season.” For the New York Jets, Scott’s rookie year was a reminder that even talented rookies need time to develop, and the team’s patience with him reflects its long-term approach to roster building. By the end of the season, Scott had caught 12 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown, and he was named the Jets’ “Rookie of the Future” by the team’s coaching staff.

Wrapping up Analysis of Year for Rookies on the New York Jets is the overall impact of the 2024 rookie class on the Jets’ playoff push and future trajectory. This year’s rookies played a combined 2,842 snaps (the most by any Jets rookie class since 2019), and their contributions were critical to the team’s 9-8 record—they accounted for 12% of the Jets’ total yards, 15% of their tackles, and 20% of their special teams tackles. Standouts like Warren and Hardee not only filled immediate needs but also gave the Jets young, cost-controlled talent that will help them stay competitive in future seasons. Even rookies who had quieter years, like Scott and fifth-round running back Jashaun Corbin, gained valuable experience that will benefit them in 2025. “This rookie class was a cornerstone of our season,” said general manager Joe Douglas. “They didn’t just play—they competed, they learned, and they helped us take a step forward as a franchise. We’re proud of how they handled the pressure of playing in New York, and we’re excited to see how they grow next season.” For the New York Jets, the 2024 rookie class isn’t just a group of first-year players—it’s a sign that the team’s rebuild is working. By drafting and developing young talent, the Jets are building a sustainable foundation for success, one rookie at a time. Analysis of Year for Rookies on the New York Jets isn’t just a review of a single season; it’s a preview of the Jets’ future—a future that looks brighter because of the contributions of this year’s rookie class.