Grading the notable first- and second-year NFL QBs

The NFL has seen a number of young quarterbacks make their debuts as starters over the past two seasons, and while some look the part of franchise QBs, others have proved already they don't fit the bill. Here are the grades for the NFL's most notable first- and second-year quarterbacks, from worst to best:

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers | GRADE: D

Although the Panthers have placed Young in a terrible position, the former Heisman Trophy winner hasn't lived up to the hype as the No. 1 overall pick. Young averages a mere 187 passing yards per game and has thrown for nine touchdowns and eight interceptions (three pick-sixes) and posted a 29.9 QBR, the lowest among qualified QBs. 

Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons | GRADE: D

Ridder entered this season as the starting quarterback on a playoff-caliber roster, but he threw for only 1,701 yards and six touchdowns (and six interceptions) in Atlanta's first eight games before being benched for journeyman Taylor Heinicke. However, Ridder is back in the starting role and will keep it for the remainder of the season, and because the NFC South remains wide open, there's still time for him to redeem himself. Even so, he's nothing more than a stopgap until Atlanta finds a long-term answer at the position. 

Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers | GRADE: D

The Steelers have a winning record under Pickett (13-9), but their success has more to do with their stellar defense than the former first-round pick's play. In 23 games, Pickett has thrown for 13 touchdowns and as many interceptions and has just one multi-touchdown outing as a starter. He's the Steelers' best option for now, but his days in Pittsburgh are numbered.

Aidan O’Connell, Las Vegas Raiders | GRADE: D+

The rookie fourth-rounder has shown flashes that he could develop into a capable backup for whoever the next Raiders starter is, but Sunday's dismal three-interception performance against Miami suggests otherwise. O'Connell, who has thrown for 946 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions, has been picked off in four of his five games played.

Will Levis, Tennessee Titans | GRADE: C

The strong-armed Levis has cooled off in recent weeks after tossing four touchdowns in his impressive debut against the Atlanta Falcons. Over the past three games, Levis has thrown for 619 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions as the Titans have gone 0-3. Nevertheless, it's a transition period for Tennessee as GM Ran Carthon re-builds, and Levis has made enough of an impression to be the quarterback to build around — at least in the short term.

Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts | GRADE: B

Despite suffering a season-ending shoulder injury four games into his rookie year, the polarizing draft prospect was performing well enough to justify his selection as the No. 4 pick. The 21-year-old threw for 577 yards, three touchdowns and one interception and added 136 yards and four TDs rushing. With a talented offensive mind in HC Shane Steichen to guide him, Richardson is well-positioned to build on his early success upon his return. 

Sam Howell, Washington Commanders | GRADE: B 

Howell's stock took a hit after he threw three interceptions in Washington’s 31-19 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday. However, based on his overall performance, the 2022 fifth-rounder has displayed a great deal of potential in his first full season as a starter and leads the league in passing yards (3,038). Washington is set to undergo big changes under its new ownership, but Howell has earned the starting job for the foreseeable future.

C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans | GRADE: A

In retrospect, losing the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft with its Week 18 win turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to Houston. Stroud's selection is shaping up as franchise-changing, as the Texans (6-4) have already doubled their win total from last season and are in the mix for a playoff berth. The budding star leads all quarterbacks in passing yards per game (296.2) and could be the first rookie since Dak Prescott in 2016 to garner MVP votes.

Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers | GRADE: A

"Mr. Irrelevant," the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is off to a fabulous career start, one of the best for a QB in league history. Purdy, the NFL leader in QBR (77.1), is 14-4 as a starter (including playoffs) and has passed for 4,605 yards, 34 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 22 games. He came up short of leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl as a rookie, but it wouldn't be surprising if Purdy is more successful during his second postseason run.