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 quickly learned they're not in college anymore. Here's how the first-rounders fared in their first NFL game, along with a grade based on each player's performance. 

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears 

With a 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans (0-1) on Sunday, Williams became the first quarterback who was selected No. 1 overall to win his first career start since David Carr with the Houston Texans in 2002. Williams has his defense and special teams unit to thank for helping him accomplish this feat, though, as the highly touted prospect underwhelmed in his NFL debut.

Williams, who notably said he doesn't "get nervous" for games during a recent "Hard Knocks" episode, clearly had some nerves against a revamped Titans defense. The USC product struggled to find a rhythm with his receiving corps, finishing the game 14-of-29 passing for just 93 yards and no touchdowns, fumbling once while being sacked twice. Additionally, Williams was 0-of-6 when throwing under pressure and 4-of-13 for 40 yards on throws of more than five air yards, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin.

It's worth mentioning that the Bears dropped a few passes in the contest — including one in the second quarter by six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen — which would've been Williams' first career passing touchdown. Still, Williams misfired on several relatively simple passes and often held the ball too long in an attempt to make a big play. Williams will need to improve quickly in these areas if Chicago hopes to have any chance of winning its Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans (1-0). 

Grade: D+ 

Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

Although Daniels, the second overall pick in April's draft, looked like the most comfortable rookie quarterback playing on Sunday, it's safe to say it's going to be a long season in the nation's capital. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was the lone bright spot in an otherwise forgettable season opener for the Commanders, who fell 37-20 at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0).

Daniels didn't make much of an impact through the air, completing 17 of his 24 passes for 184 yards and no touchdowns. Nonetheless, it's hard to hold the lackluster passing output from Daniels against him, seeing as though Washington boasts one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL.

Even so, Daniels shined on the ground, showing the NFL world why he's the only player in FBS history with 12,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in a career. The 23-year-old rushed for a team-leading 88 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the second half on 16 attempts (5.5 yards per carry). As pointed out by Pro Football Network, Daniels had the most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback in a Week 1 debut since 2000.