The 2024 rookie quarterback class wasn’t exactly the second coming of the 1983 draft class, but it sure gave us plenty to chew on. 

There’s no denying that Jayden Daniels stood out as the star of the show, but beyond him, things get murky. A handful of rookies showed promise, others left us scratching our heads, and some barely got off the bench. It was the kind of season that reminds you just how hard it is to transition to the NFL, even for players who dominated in college.

This group might not be turning the NFL upside down just yet, but the potential is there for a few of them to take big steps forward. 

The rest? Well, only time will tell if they can carve out meaningful careers in the league.

What’s interesting isn’t just their performances but the contrast between expectations and reality. Jayden Daniels might already be redefining what’s possible for a first-year quarterback, while others, like Caleb Williams, are proof that even generational talent needs support to shine. 

It’s a class full of growing pains, surprises, and a few glimmers of something special — the kind of unpredictable drama that keeps us coming back for more.

Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels’ rookie season wasn’t just good—it was historic. Selected second overall, Daniels entered the NFL with big expectations and somehow managed to exceed them. 

As a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, he brought life to a Washington Commanders team that desperately needed a spark. While some might compare his year to CJ Stroud’s impressive rookie campaign last season, Daniels’ performance has been even better.

In the Divisional Round, Daniels delivered a game for the ages against the top-seeded Detroit Lions. Completing 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns, he dismantled the Lions' defense. This wasn’t just a solid performance for a rookie; it was a masterclass. Daniels looked every bit the leader, controlling the game’s tempo and making big plays when it mattered most. 

With help from a defense that forced five turnovers, he led Washington to their first NFC Championship appearance since 1991. It was the kind of game that transforms perception — not just of a player but of a franchise.

Daniels’ regular season was just as remarkable. He completed 69% of his passes for 3,568 yards, throwing 25 touchdowns against just 9 interceptions. On the ground, he added 891 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns, shattering the rookie QB rushing record. 

What sets Daniels apart is his poise under pressure, exceptional mobility, and accuracy in the biggest moments. 

Daniels' rookie season is already one of the greatest ever. But if he manages to lead Washington to a Super Bowl, it would cement his campaign as the single-best rookie season in NFL history.

It’s worth noting that rookies are 0–5 all-time in conference championships, adding some historical weight to the challenge ahead.

Grade: A

Daniels’ season has been nothing short of spectacular, and it’s hard not to consider an A+ grade already. If he takes the Commanders to the Super Bowl, there will be no debate; he'll have earned an A+. 

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick, stepped into Denver and immediately looked like he belonged. With his vast college experience and a steady hand, he quickly became the kind of quarterback Sean Payton could trust to execute the offense. 

Nix’s season wasn’t flashy, but it was solid — defined by quick decision-making, a calm presence, and just enough athleticism to keep defenses honest. He threw for 3,919 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while completing a respectable 66% of his passes. 

One thing you have to admire about Nix is his toughness. In Week 12 against the Raiders, Nix suffered a transverse process fracture and never even missed a game. He still managed to guide Denver into the postseason, grinding through the pain without making excuses. What’s even more impressive? No one outside the organization even knew about the injury until the season was over. That’s the kind of quiet resilience that earns respect in a locker room. 

One of his standout moments came in Week 11 against the Falcons, where he was nearly perfect, completing 80% of his passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns. It was the kind of performance that showcased what he can do when everything clicks. 

However, Nix’s game wasn’t without its flaws. At times, he leaned too heavily on his arm strength, trying to force throws that weren’t there and flirting with turnovers. While you have to admire his steadiness, it's also worth questioning how much room he has to grow beyond what we’ve already seen.

Still, for a Broncos team desperately in need of stability at quarterback, Nix delivered exactly that. He might not have the sky-high potential of some other rookies, but his reliability and leadership gave Denver a foundation to build on.

Grade: B

Nix is a steady and dependable presence who fought through adversity but still has some lingering questions about how close he is to his ceiling. Still, the grade is for this season, and a rookie taking his team to the postseason is a rarity.

Drake Maye, New England Patriots

Drake Maye’s rookie year with the Patriots was a bit of a rollercoaster. As the third overall pick, he walked into a team in full rebuild mode, and to be fair, expectations weren’t sky-high. Maye didn’t even start the season as QB1 but eventually took over in Week 6 and ended up playing most of the games. 

There were moments when he looked every bit the franchise quarterback New England hoped for, but there were also stretches where his inexperience showed. The truth is, while he had some big-time flashes, his inconsistency meant that the wins didn’t follow.

Maye finished the season with 2,276 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, completing 66.6% of his throws. On the ground, he added 421 rushing yards and 2 scores, proving that he’s not just a pocket passer — he’s got dual-threat potential with his big frame. 

His first start against the Texans was a perfect snapshot of his rookie campaign: three touchdown passes that showed off his arm talent and creativity, but also two interceptions that reminded everyone he’s still figuring things out.

His strengths are clear. Maye has a cannon for an arm and enough mobility to keep defenses guessing. When a play breaks down, he’s capable of making something happen. But his weaknesses are equally apparent. His accuracy wavers, especially under pressure, and he’s still learning how to make the best decisions in tight situations.

Grade: C

Ultimately, Maye’s rookie season gets a solid “C” grade. He’s got the tools to be special, but the Patriots desperately need an offensive coordinator who can bring out his full potential. Development is going to be key for him to take that next step. 

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams entered his rookie season carrying the weight of sky-high expectations as the first overall pick, but his year turned out to be more about survival than stardom. The Bears roster has undeniable talent, but a porous offensive line and questionable leadership from the coaching staff proved to be obstacles no rookie quarterback could fully overcome. Williams often looked like a player fighting uphill battles, both figuratively and literally, as he faced relentless pressure on almost every snap.

Despite the chaos around him, Williams showed flashes of why he was the consensus top pick. He threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. His ability to protect the ball was impressive, but at times, it felt like he was playing too cautiously, passing up big opportunities in favor of avoiding turnovers. On the ground, he added 489 rushing yards, though much of that came from scrambling for his life rather than designed runs. His Week 3 performance against the Colts was a particular highlight—he set a Bears rookie record with 363 passing yards in that game, showcasing the arm strength and vision that make him special.

The challenges were evident, too. Williams was sacked a staggering 68 times, which speaks volumes about the protection—or lack thereof—from his offensive line. After a promising 4–2 start, the team spiraled into a 10-game losing streak, with a heartbreaking Hail Mary loss to Washington marking the start of the collapse. That moment seemed to deflate the team, and Williams never had the support needed to right the ship.

Still, his resilience and ability to extend plays stood out as his biggest strengths. He has the arm talent and athleticism to be a game-changer, but his hesitance to take risks in critical moments left questions about whether he can consistently carry a team in high-pressure situations.

Grade: C+

For Caleb Williams, the rookie year was a test of patience and grit. He’s clearly talented, but his environment limited how much of that we got to see. With a new head coach and a retooled offensive line, there’s every reason to believe that his first-overall magic can still be unlocked. Whether he can take the next step depends on the team putting him in a better position to succeed. 

Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons

Falcons fans have been on a roller coaster this season when it comes to their quarterback situation. From the hot start with Kirk Cousins to the stretch of turnovers that was too much to overcome and finally, to Michael Penix Jr.’s late-season emergence, it’s been a wild ride. But as the year came to a close, it felt like this roller coaster was still climbing upward, leaving fans with a renewed sense of hope under center. 

Thrust into the starting role late in the season, Penix made the most of his limited opportunities, showing flashes of brilliance that hinted at a bright future. Sure, there’s room for growth, but it’s hard not to feel optimistic about what’s ahead.

In just three starts, Penix threw for 775 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. His Week 17 game against the Commanders felt like a real sign that the Falcons have their quarterback of the future. With the game on the line, Penix came through with a clutch touchdown pass to Kyle Pitts, tying the score with 1:30 left in the fourth quarter. Getting the ball back with just 40 seconds left, Penix worked the ball down the field and gave their kicker a chance at a walk-off field goal. They would miss that field goal and Penix never got a chance to touch it in overtime, but the poise he showed under pressure in only his second start was a glimpse of the calm, confident leader he could become.

Penix’s strengths are already clear. He’s got a cannon for an arm and isn’t afraid to test tight windows. His deep-ball accuracy was outstanding, earning him a 106 passer rating on throws beyond 20 yards.

There’s something exciting about a quarterback who can hit the home run ball while also showing the willingness to take whatever the defense is giving him.

That said, there’s still work to do. With such a small sample size, it’s hard to draw definitive conclusions, and he’s had moments where misreads and inexperience showed up. 

But the good news? These are issues that coaching and reps can address. The foundation is solid — he’s got the tools and the mentality; now it’s about refining them.

Grade: B-

Penix’s rookie campaign was short, but it was sweet enough to leave Falcons fans excited for more. If he builds on what he’s shown, Atlanta might finally have their quarterback of the future.

Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints

Spencer Rattler’s rookie season with the Saints was, at best, a mixed bag. Taken in the fifth round, expectations weren’t exactly high, and his limited action certainly didn’t rewrite the narrative. 

Sure, there were glimpses of the athleticism that made him an intriguing prospect in college, but there were also plenty of reminders of why he was drafted so late.

In six starts, Rattler threw for 1,317 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Those numbers are far from stellar, but the real concern was his deep-ball accuracy—or lack thereof. He connected on just 19% of his attempts beyond 20 yards, which severely limited the Saints’ ability to stretch the field. Without that threat, defenses didn’t have to respect the deep game, making life even harder for him and the offense as a whole.

That said, Rattler’s athleticism was a bright spot. He could extend plays with his legs and occasionally turned broken situations into something salvageable. Unfortunately for Saints fans, he struggled to capitalize on those extended plays with smart decisions. Too often, he forced the ball into tight windows or misread coverages entirely.

In fairness, handling yourself well when things aren’t going right matters, and Rattler deserves credit for his composure in tough moments. But the NFL is a results-driven league, and composure can only take you so far if it doesn’t translate into consistent performance. For now, Rattler’s rookie campaign leaves much to be desired.

Grade: D

There wasn’t much to get excited about with Rattler this year. The decision-making and lack of accuracy downfield leave serious questions about whether he can develop into anything more than a backup.

The "Unknowns"

Joe Milton, New England Patriots

Joe Milton didn’t have much of a rookie season to write home about, and his lone start in Week 18 brought a mixed bag of emotions for Patriots fans. 

Stepping in for an injured Drake Maye, Milton threw for 241 yards and a touchdown, completing a stunning 76% of his passes. He finished the day with a sparkling 111 passer rating and led New England to a surprising upset victory. 

Unfortunately, that win also bumped the Patriots out of the top draft spot for next year.

Milton’s arm strength, which was heavily advertised coming out of college, lived up to the hype. The real surprise was his decision-making and accuracy on short throws, areas where scouts had questions. 

It was a one-game sample, but it left enough intrigue to wonder if Milton could have a future on another roster.

Grade: Incomplete (A-level performance in his one outing).

J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy’s rookie season was over before it started — literally. 

A preseason injury sidelined him for the entire year, leaving the Vikings with no opportunity to evaluate their young quarterback in meaningful game situations. Minnesota now faces an offseason dilemma: do they stick with Sam Darnold, who filled in admirably but faltered in the biggest moments, or hand the reins to McCarthy despite his lack of experience? 

It’s a tough spot, and McCarthy’s absence really complicates an already uncertain quarterback picture.

Grade: Incomplete

Hendon Hooker, Detroit Lions

Hendon Hooker’s rookie year with the Detroit Lions was barely a footnote. He saw the field in garbage-time snaps and made the easy plays when called upon, but struggled the few times he faced defensive pressure. 

The Lions didn’t need much from him with Jared Goff playing at a high level, but Hooker’s extremely limited action left little to evaluate.

Grade: Incomplete

All stats courtesy of NFL Pro