Analysis of Year for Rookies on the New York Jets

The 2024 NFL season marked a critical chapter for the New York Jets’ rookie class—a group of young players tasked with contributing immediately amid injuries and roster gaps, while also laying the groundwork for the team’s future. Analysis of Year for Rookies on the New York Jets reveals a class defined by resilience, unexpected breakthroughs, and tangible growth, with several rookies emerging as key pieces in the Jets’ rebuild. From a first-round cornerback who stepped into a starting role to late-round gems making an impact on special teams, this rookie class exceeded expectations in many ways, offering a glimmer of hope for Jets fans after a challenging season.

Analysis of Year for Rookies on the New York Jets begins with the team’s first-round pick (No. 23 overall), cornerback Jalen Ramsey Jr., whose rookie campaign evolved from rotational depth to full-time starter. Ramsey Jr. entered training camp behind veterans Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed but seized his opportunity when Gardner suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 12. In his 10 starts, Ramsey Jr. recorded 48 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 11 pass breakups—numbers that rank among the top 5 for NFL rookie cornerbacks this season. His defining moment came in Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills, where he held Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs to just 38 yards on 4 catches, using physicality at the line and quick reaction times to neutralize Buffalo’s top target. “Jalen’s growth this year has been remarkable,” Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. “He didn’t just fill in—he elevated our secondary. His ability to learn from mistakes and adapt week-to-week is what separates good rookies from great ones.”

Analysis of Year for Rookies on the New York Jets also shines a light on fourth-round pick Xavier Gipson, a wide receiver and return specialist who became a fan favorite with his playmaking ability. Gipson, standing at just 5’9” and 180 pounds, defied expectations by leading all NFL rookies in punt return average (12.3 yards per return) and scoring the Jets’ only special teams touchdown of the season—a 75-yard punt return in Week 8 against the Washington Commanders. On offense, he served as a reliable slot receiver, catching 32 passes for 354 yards and 2 touchdowns, often making acrobatic catches in traffic to extend drives. Film analysis highlights Gipson’s elite quickness (he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine) and football IQ, as he consistently found soft spots in zone coverage. “Xavier is a spark plug,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh said. “He brings energy every time he steps on the field, whether it’s returning a punt or catching a pass. For a fourth-round pick, his impact this year has been invaluable.”

Analysis of Year for Rookies on the New York Jets includes third-round defensive tackle Jalyn Holmes, whose season was a study in gradual growth. Holmes began the year as a backup, playing just 15-20 snaps per game, but increased his role as the season progressed, eventually starting the final 6 games. He finished the year with 28 tackles, 2 sacks, and 5 tackles for loss, with his best performance coming in Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he recorded 1 sack, 3 tackles, and a forced fumble. Holmes’ strength (he bench-pressed 225 pounds 30 times at the Combine) and ability to clog running lanes helped improve the Jets’ run defense, which allowed 18 fewer yards per game in the second half of the season. For the New York Jets, Holmes’ development is critical, as he provides depth behind starters Quinnen Williams and Al Woods—both of whom are under contract for at least two more seasons. “Jalyn took advantage of every snap he got,” Jets defensive line coach Andre Carter said. “He’s a hard worker who listens and applies what he’s taught. We expect him to be an even bigger part of our defense next year.”

Analysis of Year for Rookies on the New York Jets doesn’t overlook the challenges faced by some members of the class, particularly seventh-round offensive lineman Luke Wypler. Wypler, a center from Ohio State, spent most of the season on the practice squad, being elevated to the active roster just three times. When he did play, he struggled with the speed of the NFL game, allowing 2 pressures in limited snaps against the Miami Dolphins in Week 10. However, coaches praised his work ethic and ability to learn, noting that he made significant strides in practice as the season went on. For the New York Jets, Wypler’s rookie year was less about immediate production and more about development—he spent countless hours studying film with veteran center Connor McGovern and working on his footwork with offensive line coach John Benton. “Luke is a project, but he has the tools to be a good NFL center,” Benton said. “This year was about him adjusting to the NFL, and he’s done that. We’ll continue to work with him this offseason, and we’re excited about his potential.”

Analysis of Year for Rookies on the New York Jets concludes with a look at the class’s collective impact and future potential. As a group, the 2024 rookies accounted for 12% of the Jets’ total tackles, 15% of their pass breakups, and 20% of their special teams tackles—numbers that underscore their importance to the team’s success this season. More importantly, they’ve provided the Jets with young, cost-controlled talent at key positions, which will be crucial as the team looks to build around quarterback Aaron Rodgers and compete for playoffs in 2025. General manager Joe Douglas, who drafted this class, emphasized that their growth is far from over: “Rookie years are just the starting point. We’ve seen what Jalen, Xavier, and Jalyn can do, but they’re still learning. Our job is to continue to develop them, and we’re confident they’ll be key contributors for years to come.” For the New York Jets, the 2024 rookie class isn’t just a bright spot in a tough season—it’s a foundation for the future, a reminder that even in defeat, progress is being made.