The 2024 NFL Draft saw a record-tying six quarterbacks selected in the first round, including two Heisman Trophy winners.
Additionally, five more quarterbacks were selected in the later rounds, bringing the total to 11 quarterbacks.
Of the nearly a dozen QBs, only three made their debut in the opening weekend of the 2024 NFL Season. And, frankly, they weren’t that great.
However, that shouldn’t be held against them.
More often than not, a rookie quarterback’s first game isn’t great. Take, for example, John Elway, Terry Bradshaw, and Matthew Stafford, all players who finished their initial games with a passer rating below 30.
Still, it’s interesting to compare what the base is for each of these young players going forward. So let’s take a look at Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Bo Nix, and see who had the best first game.
3. Caleb Williams – Chicago Bears
It might seem strange to see Caleb Williams at the bottom of the ranking, especially since he was the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft and is expected to save the Bears’ franchise.
On top of this, the Bears actually won their game! Clearly, he should be higher on this list.
While that is all true, Chicago didn’t win because of Williams. In fact, they won in spite of him.
Williams finished last in the league in passing, throwing for only 93 yards with a 48.3 completion percentage. Additionally, he only rushed for 15 yards and was sacked twice, once for almost 20 yards.
Williams finished the game with a measly 22.2 QBR and a 55.7 passer rating.
In the end, Williams was a non-factor in Chicago’s victory over the Tennessee Titans. Hopefully, he’ll make improvements soon.
2. Bo Nix – Denver Broncos
While Bo Nix had a better game than Williams, that still doesn’t mean it was a good game.
Nix finished the 26-20 loss against the Seattle Seahawks with a 30.1 quarterback rating and 47.5 passer rating. He threw for 138 yards with a 61.9 completion percentage and rushed for 35 yards and a touchdown. Not bad!
What is bad is that Nix threw two interceptions, one so bad that commentator Adam Archuleta audibly said, “Oh no,” before the pass even landed.
That being said, this seems like more of an issue with coaching than playing.
The Broncos staff put a ton of pressure on Nix, making him throw almost as much as Williams and Daniels combined all while leading Denver in rushing. With a bit more experience and support, he could easily become a solid franchise quarterback.
1. Jayden Daniels – Washington Commanders
When it came for the best rookie quarterback debut this season, there really wasn’t a question.
Jayden Daniels came on the field and played the game he’s known to play. The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner threw for 184 yards with a 70.8 completion percentage, including one for 32 yards.
What’s even more impressive is that he rushed for 88 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.
Not only is this great for fantasy football players, but it makes Daniels a dual threat that defenses will have to be ready for from now on.
Daniels finished the game with a 41.9 quarterback rating and a 93.1 passer rating, just shy of the Top 10.
At this moment, it really looks like Daniels is currently the top rookie quarterback in the NFL.
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