Ranking the top 3 rookie quarterbacks heading into Week 8 of 2021 NFL season

Six rookie quarterbacks have started games in the 2021 NFL season. Entering Week 8 there are two rookie quarterbacks that have stood out above the rest. The third rookie quarterback to make the top three may be a bit of a surprise. The rookie quarterbacks are ranked according to how they have played so far this season, not their potential for the future.

Top 3 rookie quarterbacks this season

#3 - Davis Mills, Houston Texans

It may come as a surprise, but Davis Mills has outplayed three other rookie quarterbacks this season. He is the only one who was not selected in the first round of the NFL Draft and has started a game this season. He was selected to be more of a back-up and possible project to play in the future, but circumstances have forced him into starting. He's outperformed most rookie quarterbacks.

Trey Lance has only started one game and has not done enough to make the top three rookie quarterbacks. Davis Mills has a better completion percentage, passer rating and QBR than both Zach Wilson and Justin Fields. He has also thrown more touchdowns than both and fewer interceptions than Wilson.

Top 3 rookie quarterbacks this season

#2 - Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence has the most future potential of all rookie quarterbacks, but he ranks second in the 2021 NFL season so far. He had a rough start to the season but has already shown great improvement recently. In his last three games, he has thrown just one interception while accounting for four touchdowns, including two each of passing and rushing.

His development is going to be exciting to watch as he continues to adjust to NFL games. He has all of the tools to be a really special player. He is athletically gifted and a fierce competitor who understands the quarterback position. He won the first game of his career in London against the Miami Dolphins. He is the most well rounded of all the rookie quarterbacks.

#1 - Mac Jones, New England Patriots

Mac Jones has played the best of all rookie quarterbacks so far. His two most impressive attributes are his throwing accuracy and high intelligence. He graduated college with a perfect 4.0 GPA. This contributes to his ability to analyze a defense and understand the philosophy of the offense.

Mac Jones is not just the most accurate of rookie quarterbacks but has one of the best completion percentages in the entire NFL. His 70.4 mark is currently ranked fourth among all qualifying quarterbacks. It's very early, but it looks like the Patriots may have picked a winner in Mac Jones.