The number 40 overall pick in 1988, Thomas came off the board as the seventh running back selected in the draft. It didn’t take long for those other six squads to rethink their selections. Beginning in year 2, the bills back, led the league in yards from scrimmage in four consecutive campaigns in route to the Hall of Fame.

Quarterbacks don’t have to start from week one to be in contention for offensive rookie of the year. Brock Purdy proved that in 2022 by taking over a week 14 and finishing third on the ballot. The following season, Levis Entered the race by tossing four touchdown passes versus Atlanta and his first start ( week 8 )

Clint Kubiak, the Saints new offensive coordinator in 2024, raved about Carr As soon as he started working with the veteran QB “ From the way, he studies, to the type of professional he is,” Kubiak said.” He’s very coachable, he’s hard on himself, he’s hard on his teammates, he’s got the demeanor you want.”

Esiason called it quits after stellar 14 year career when he returned to the bangles in 1997. Appearing in seven games and starting five contests, the southpaw impressed And his final run by posting career base and touchdown percentages (7.0) and the interception percentage (1.1) while leading Cincy To a 4—1 mark.

It turns out Purdy isn’t invincible after all. It still takes something special to Get get the better of him. The upstart quarterback proved to be unbeatable as a 2022 rookie, when he went 5–0. Good for a 12–4 Mark the ensuing season, he kept the 49ers on the right path and pointed them to Super Bowl LVIII.