'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Teams across the league played their first preseason games this past weekend, with various quarterbacks making their debuts for their respective teams.
All the quarterbacks who were drafted in the first round of this year's draft played in Week 1 of the preseason. Players like, Joe Milton and Spencer Rattler, who had to wait a lot to hear their names get called during the draft, also got the opportunity to showcase their talent.
The star rookies didn't play much, but based on what we saw in the first slate of games in the preseason, here is how I rank the debuts for all the rookie quarterbacks:
Trending
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
2024 NFL Preseason: Every rookie QB's debut ranked
#1. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos drafted Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. There were some doubts about the quarterback, and many believed the Broncos could have gotten him much later in the draft.
Nix is not listed as the starter for the Broncos yet, but he did have the best performance out of all the rookies in their debuts. Sean Payton gave the Oregon product enough time to show his value, and he didn't disappoint.
Nix completed 15/21 throws for 125 yards and a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. He also had three carries for 17 yards.
#2. J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
J.J. McCarthy is not expected to start the season for the Vikings, but he was able to leave a good impression in his debut for the team. The 11th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft threw an intercept on his first drive but later bounced back and had a good game.
He threw for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception while completing 11/17 throws against the Las Vegas Raiders. Unlike many other quarterbacks, McCarthy was given a good amount of time to play, and he made the most of it.
#3. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. was the most surprising pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Falcons drafted the quarterback with the eighth overall pick after signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal in the offseason.
Penix, like Nix and McCarthy, was given ample amount of time to showcase his abilities, and he also didn't disappoint. He completed 9/16 of his throws for 104 yards against the Miami Dolphins. The plan of Penix learning under Cousins for two to three years before getting to play looks promising for the team.
#4. Joe Milton, New England Patriots
The New England Patriots drafted Joe Milton in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He got more playing time than Drake Maye in the first preseason game of the season, and he played quite well.
He completed 4/6 throws for 56 yards and a touchdown. Milton also had five carries for 22 yards and was able to showcase his explosiveness. He might be the QB3 for the Patriots this upcoming season, but based on his season debut, I had to put Milton ahead of others who didn't get enough playing time.
#5. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders drafted Jayden Daniels with the third overall pick this year. The Heisman-winning quarterback is expected to start straight away for the franchise, and as a result, he didn't play much in the first preseason game of the season.
Daniels completed 2/3 of his throws for 45 yards against the New York Jets. The main thing is he looked quite confident, and that is a promising sign for Washington.
#6. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams has a bright future ahead, and I know ranking him based on his debut in the preseason is not fair. Compared to other rookies, Williams got very little playing time, which is why he is down the list.
Despite limited playing time, the Bears quarterback was able to throw a great pass while rolling to his right to Cole Kmet, and that left fans in awe. Williams finished the game with 95 passing yards while completing 4/7 of his throws. Hopefully, we'll get to see more of him before the regular season starts.
#7. Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints
Spencer Rattler did get enough time to play, and he did make some good plays. He finished his debut while completing 9/17 throws for 74 yards and also rushed for a touchdown.
Rattler was a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he is expected to play in the remaining preseason games. There is an expectation among the Saints' fanbase that the South Carolina product could take over Derek Carr at some point during the season, which makes it crucial for him to continue playing well in the preseason.
#8. Drake Maye, New England Patriots
Drake Maye played only one series in his debut for the Patriots. It's hard to judge him based on that, but since he played the least among the rookie quarterbacks, he, unfortunately, was placed last on this list.
Like many other rookies, Maye is also unlikely to start for the Patriots. It will give him adequate time for his development under Jacoby Brissett, and hopefully, he'll be ready to take over next year.
Vikings Nation! Check out the latest Minnesota Vikings Schedule and dive into the Vikings Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.
