The 2024 NFL Draft has ushered in a new era of promising quarterbacks, with eleven rookies stepping into the big leagues. As the regular season draws near, all eyes are on these fresh talents, each striving to carve out a niche in their respective teams. Some have already made a noted impact, while others are still finding their footing.
Early Struggles and Triumphs
Williams, one of the newly drafted quarterbacks, faced a challenging outing against the Cincinnati Bengals, completing less than 50% of his passes. Despite the rough start, Williams showcased moments of brilliance. He connected with fellow rookie Rome Odunze for a significant gain after a long scramble and illustrated his playmaking abilities with an agile backyard-style run into the end zone.
In contrast, Daniels displayed commendable efficiency as a pocket passer for the Washington Commanders. His performance against the Miami Dolphins was marked by quick reads and precise throws, leading two field-goal drives. Even after taking a hit on one of his rushing attempts, Daniels’ composure remained intact.
Fierce Competitions
The quarterback competition remains intense in New England, where Jerod Mayo made it clear that the battle "isn't over" following Maye's display against the Philadelphia Eagles. Maye's resilience and mobility have kept the contest for the starting position alive, providing a dynamic option for the Patriots’ offense.
Key Developments in Minnesota
In Minnesota, Penix did not play against the Baltimore Ravens, leaving the quarterback duties to Taylor Heinicke and John Paddock. Penix, however, remains firmly established as the backup to veteran Kirk Cousins. Meanwhile, McCarthy’s absence due to a torn meniscus opened the door for Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall to take the majority of reps, with Sam Darnold taking a backseat to recover.
Nix Takes Center Stage
The New Orleans Saints are betting big on Nix, who is set to start against the Green Bay Packers. Nix has been slated to open the 2024 season under center for the Saints and has already made an impact by scoring the team’s only touchdown in Week 1 of the preseason. His upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers will likely provide ample opportunity to solidify his role.
Injuries and Untested Talent
The New York Jets are still awaiting the preseason debut of their sixth-round pick, who is recovering from a significant leg injury from his college days. Despite the setback, he remains a strong candidate to compete for a top backup position behind Aaron Rodgers.
The Philadelphia Eagles are evaluating a hefty Tennessee product, who had a quieter evening sharing time with Bailey Zappe behind Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye. Known for his robust running ability, the Tennessee product stands as a viable contender to make the final roster.
Underdog Stories
Leary found himself positioned as the third choice for the Baltimore Ravens against the Falcons. In a game where Josh Johnson delivered a flawless 11-for-11 passing performance, Emory Jones impressed with a 56-yard touchdown throw, showcasing his potential for big plays. Meanwhile, the seventh-round Tulane product is in a battle with former Penn State starter Sean Clifford for the No. 2 job behind Jordan Love on the Green Bay Packers. Significant playing time against the Denver Broncos might tip the scales in his favor.
As the preseason heats up, these rookie quarterbacks are set to shape their destinies with each passing snap, scramble, and sideline throw. Coaches, fans, and analysts will be watching closely, dissecting every move as these players strive to prove their mettle in the highly competitive world of the NFL.