Rookie QB grades: First-rounders face steep learning curve in NFL debuts

Three members of the 2024 rookie quarterback class made their NFL debuts on Sunday and shortly realized they are not in faculty anymore. Here is how the first-rounders fared of their first NFL sport, together with a grade based mostly on every participant’s efficiency. 

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears 

With a 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans (0-1) on Sunday, Williams grew to become the primary quarterback who was chosen No. 1 total to win his first profession begin since David Carr with the Houston Texans in 2002. Williams has his protection and particular groups unit to thank for serving to him accomplish this feat, although, because the extremely touted prospect underwhelmed in his NFL debut.

Williams, who notably stated he does not “get nervous” for video games throughout a current “Hard Knocks” episode, clearly had some nerves in opposition to a revamped Titans protection. The USC product struggled to discover a rhythm along with his receiving corps, ending the sport 14-of-29 passing for simply 93 yards and no touchdowns, fumbling as soon as whereas being sacked twice. Moreover, Williams was 0-of-6 when throwing underneath strain and 4-of-13 for 40 yards on throws of greater than 5 air yards, based on ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.

It is value mentioning that the Bears dropped a couple of passes within the contest — together with one within the second quarter by six-time Professional Bowler Keenan Allen — which might’ve been Williams’ first profession passing landing. Nonetheless, Williams misfired on a number of comparatively easy passes and infrequently held the ball too lengthy in an try and make a giant play. Williams might want to enhance shortly in these areas if Chicago hopes to have any likelihood of successful its Week 2 matchup in opposition to the Houston Texans (1-0). 

Grade: D+ 

Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

Though Daniels, the second total choose in April’s draft, regarded like essentially the most comfy rookie quarterback enjoying on Sunday, it is secure to say it is going to be a long season within the nation’s capital. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was the lone vivid spot in an in any other case forgettable season opener for the Commanders, who fell 37-20 by the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0).

Daniels did not make a lot of an impression by way of the air, finishing 17 of his 24 passes for 184 yards and no touchdowns. Nonetheless, it is exhausting to carry the lackluster passing output from Daniels in opposition to him, seeing as if Washington boasts one of many worst receiving corps within the NFL.

Even so, Daniels shined on the bottom, displaying the NFL world why he is the one participant in FBS history with 12,000 passing yards and three,000 dashing yards in a profession. The 23-year-old rushed for a team-leading 88 yards and a pair of touchdowns within the second half on 16 makes an attempt (5.5 yards per carry). As identified by Pro Football Network, Daniels had essentially the most dashing yards by a rookie quarterback in a Week 1 debut since 2000.