2023 NFL Draft Class Sweeps 3 PFF Metrics as 2024 Sophomores Miss 1,000-Yard Mark
Updated
Updated · Pro Football Focus · May 18
2023 NFL Draft Class Sweeps 3 PFF Metrics as 2024 Sophomores Miss 1,000-Yard Mark
2 articles · Updated · Pro Football Focus · May 18
Puka Nacua and Will Anderson Jr. powered the 2023 draft class to the top PFF grades in receiving, pass rushing and rushing, giving that group a clean sweep of the key offensive and defensive production categories for 2025.
The contrast was sharp for the 2024 class: it became the first sophomore group in PFF history without a single 1,000-yard rusher or receiver, despite strong quarterback volume from Drake Maye, Caleb Williams and Bo Nix.
At linebacker, the 2012 class still led the league in collective grading in its 14th season, with Bobby Wagner, Lavonte David and Demario Davis posting a 90.7 run-defense grade.
Usage still skewed younger overall, with the 2024 class logging an NFL-high 59,716 snaps from scrimmage and the 2022 class close behind at 58,366.
The broader 2025 class-by-class review also showed unusual staying power: the 2020 class logged more snaps than the 2025 rookie class, while the 2009 class posted the top passing grade at 91.7.
With veterans outperforming rookies in playing time, is the NFL’s long-standing youth movement finally over?
After a historic sophomore slump, can the 2024 draft class redeem itself, or was its failure a sign of things to come?