Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Are 2024 rookie QBs bad, or was 2023's class that good?

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Sep 16, 2024 4:48 PM ET

Rookie quarterbacks have had a rough first two weeks in the NFL.

Of the six passers selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, none have thrown their first career NFL touchdown yet. They've also combined for six interceptions.

It's not like it's been all bad for the rookies, either. Washington's Jayden Daniels and Denver's Bo Nix have combined for three rushing touchdowns over the first two weeks.

And to be fair, three of the first-round selections haven't started a game yet (Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr.)

But compared to the 2023 quarterback class, it feels like it's been an underwhelming start. Legendary head coach Bill Belichick actually chalked it up to early-season rust being experienced by most teams on "The Pat McAfee Show" after Week 1.

"I'm sure those Rookie Quarterbacks learned a lot yesterday..

The big takeaway for me was the lack of overall production in the passing game..

Almost half the league threw for less than 175 yards" ~ Bill Belichick #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/VVEgXnYr6R
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 9, 2024

Are the 2024 rookies bad or were the 2024 rookies that good?

It should be noted, 10 rookie quarterbacks made at least one start in 2023, an NFL record. So, for the sake of this analysis, let's just focus on the first-round selections.

Carolina's Bryce Young, selected first overall but now benched just a season later, had two touchdown passes but two interceptions after his first two starts. He ended the year with 11 scores and 13 picks.

Houston's C.J. Stroud (selected second overall) only recorded his first two passing touchdowns in Week 2, while Indianapolis' Anthony Richardson (selected fourth overall) threw one touchdown and interception a piece over his first couple of starts.

Stroud finished 2023 with 23 scores and only five picks while Richardson (who missed most of the year due to injury) only had three total scores and one pick.

So, the 2023 class combined for five touchdown passes and three interceptions after Week 2. It's a marginal yet significant difference from the 2024 rookies.

Chances are, the 2024 class will improve its play over the course of the season just as the 2023 rookies did. But if the disheartening trend continues, it may not bode well for quarterbacks in the 2025 class if general managers become a little more reserved in their selection habits come April.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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