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Now that the 2024 NFL Draft has concluded, we can look forward to the new season kicking off in September.
Many of the quarterbacks drafted this year will be expected to start in Week 1 this year, with coaches and GMs hedging their futures on the success of their new signal-callers.
Not every rookie QB has success in the pros, however, with the likes of JaMarcus Russell and Ryan Leaf being examples of how great prospects can't always put it together in the NFL.
On the flip side, though, there have been many quarterbacks over the years who've had immediate success during their rookie campaigns despite their lack of experience.
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Best rookie QBs in NFL history
#5 - Ben Roethlisberger, 2004
The Pittsburgh Steelers took Ben Roethlisberger with the 7th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. And after an early-season injury to starter Tommy Maddox, Roethlisberger was thrust into a starting spot by Week 3.
He went on to win his first 13 career starts, ending 2004 at 13-0 after being rested in Week 17. The Steelers made it to the AFC Championship that year before falling to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
'Big Ben' had 2,621 passing yards, 17 TDs and 11 INTs. Despite the lackluster stat line, Roethlisberger's ability to win games proved invaluable throughout his next 18 years in Pittsburgh.
#4 - C.J. Stroud, 2023
The last rookie sensation in the NFL was C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans in 2023.
After being selected 2nd overall in the draft behind Bryce Young, Stroud immediately looked like a star in Houston whilst Young struggled with the Carolina Panthers.
Stroud passed for 3,631 yards and 20 touchdowns, leading the Texans to their first AFC South title since 2019. They beat the Browns in the Wild Card before falling to the Ravens in the AFC Divisional playoff.
Stroud also instilled a change in fortunes for the team, who went from one of the most dismal franchises in the NFL to a genuine Super Bowl contender in the space of one season. This offseason, their acquisitions of Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon to go alongside the likes of Nico Collins and Tank Dell make many fans look at the Texans to win it all in 2024.
#3 - Justin Herbert, 2020
Los Angeles Chargers rookie QB Justin Herbert was a sensation since he was drafted 6th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Herbert initially sat behind veteran Tyrod Taylor to begin the year, but after Taylor punctured his lung in an accidental painkiller administration, Herbert took over in Week 2.
Despite the Chargers losing many one-score games and finishing 7-9 in 2020, it was not down to their rookie QB. Herbert passed for 4,336 yards and 31 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. His 31 TDs are still the most by any rookie quarterback in NFL history.
Despite missing the playoffs, Herbert's rookie campaign will go down in history as one of the best we've ever seen.
#2 - Dak Prescott, 2016
Dak Prescott's rookie campaign would have been impressive had he been the 1st overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, but it was outstanding for a fourth-round rookie. He entered 2016 as a third-string QB, but after injuries to Kellen Moore and Tony Romo, he was thrust straight into the limelight.
Prescott threw for 23 touchdowns and just four interceptions on his way to a 13-3 record, as well as taking home NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Despite going down in the NFC Divisional to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, Prescott still threw for 302 yards and three touchdowns in the 34-31 loss.
#1 - Cam Newton, 2011
Arguably the best rookie QB season in NFL history came from Carolina Panthers star Cam Newton. There was a ton of hype when Carolina selected Newton out of Auburn with the 1st overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and he didn't disappoint.
In his first career game against the Arizona Cardinals, he passed for 422 yards as well as throwing two touchdowns and rushing for another score. The 422 yards is still the record for most passing yards by a QB on his NFL debut.
His 2011 rookie campaign numbers read like video game stats: 4,051 passing yards and 21 TDs, as well as adding 706 yards and 14 TDs rushing.
Newton instantly became one of the most exciting players in the NFL, peaking by winning NFL MVP in 2015 as he led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50.
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