Our annual series returns as we attempt to grade NFL rookies based on their debut in Week 1 of the preseason. Last year, we graded the 2023 rookie quarterback class with 14 total quarterbacks. This year, we will grade the 2024 rookie quarterback class with 10 total quarterbacks.
The debuts will be graded from worst to best.
Jordan Travis, New York Jets: D
Travis was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round with pick No. 171. It was announced ahead of the Jets’ first preseason game against the Washington Commanders that the former Florida State quarterback would be one of the 28 Jets who were not expected to play, according to the official New York Jets website. I cannot give Travis a high grade because he did not play at all against the Commanders.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots, D+
Maye was drafted third overall in the first round. Head coach Jerod Mayo only had Maye play one series against the Carolina Panthers. During that series, Maye completed two of three passes for 19 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Considering the small sample size, drawing conclusions about his upcoming season is difficult. In my opinion, Mayo should have given Drake Maye more playing time to help him get acclimated to the NFL.
#Patriots HC Jerod Mayo on Drake Maye’s offseason so far:
“If I was to say one word it’s steady. He’s always in the building, always studying. He’s out here trying to get better each and every day.
He’ll get more reps this week… He’ll get more reps this week, believe it.” pic.twitter.com/2L95D9qaza
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) August 13, 2024
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders, C-
Daniels was the second quarterback selected in the draft, going to the Washington Commanders. In his debut, the former LSU quarterback completed two of three passes for 45 yards. It was a small sample size for the second overall pick, so it’s difficult to predict how he will perform in the upcoming season.
Michael Pratt, Green Bay Packers, C-
Pratt was selected in the seventh round with pick No. 245. Matt LaFleur had the former Tulane quarterback play a part in the Packers’ first preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. Pratt went 5-for-7 with 46 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. Pratt may have potential, but it’s hard to judge based on those stats.
Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints, C
Rattler was selected in the fifth round with the 150th pick. The former Gamecock went 9-for-17, totaling 70 yards with zero touchdowns or interceptions. It was a mediocre performance in Rattler’s debut with the Saints. During the regular season, he will likely serve as the backup to Derek Carr, barring any injuries or other circumstances.
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons, C+
Penix was drafted eighth overall by the Atlanta Falcons. He went 9-for-16, tallying 104 yards and a passer rating of 76.0 in a loss to the Miami Dolphins. It was a satisfactory performance from the former Washington quarterback, but it doesn’t necessarily justify their curious selection of Penix early in the first round when they already had Kirk Cousins on their roster.
Falcons GM Terry Fontenot talking to owner Arthur Blank after choosing Michael Penix Jr.
He does not look happy 😡
pic.twitter.com/sC79Ob7rcE— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) April 26, 2024
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears, B
Williams was the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. He was selected by the Chicago Bears, who had just moved on from Justin Fields. Williams had a decent debut with the team against the Buffalo Bills. However, it’s important to note that beating the Bills in the preseason does not guarantee success in the regular season (looking at you, Bears fans).
The former USC quarterback completed four of seven passes for 95 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. This performance showed that Chicago might have a promising player in Williams, which is an encouraging sign for the preseason. With a couple more preseason games, we should see even more growth.
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos, B+
Nix was drafted 12th overall by the Denver Broncos. Many people in Denver are starting to become Bo-lievers. The former Oregon Duck went 15-for-27 with 125 yards, one touchdown, and a 102.3 passer rating. Broncos fans should have more confidence in Nix in the upcoming 2024 NFL season.
JJ McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings, A
McCarthy was selected 10th overall by the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings needed a quarterback after Cousins left for Atlanta, which is why they drafted McCarthy. He had an impressive preseason debut, completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and achieving a 116.8 passer rating (second-best behind Joe Milton III). He also threw for two touchdowns. His performance in Week 1 of preseason was one of the best among the 2024 rookie class. Based on his play against the Las Vegas Raiders, he could be one of the top first-year quarterbacks this upcoming season.
Joe Milton III, New England Patriots, A+
Milton was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round (193rd overall). He had a standout performance in his first preseason game against the Panthers, outshining Drake Maye. Milton completed four of six passes for 54 yards and one touchdown, giving him a passer rating of 134.7, the highest among all quarterbacks in the first preseason game. This promising start should give Patriots fans hope, especially after experiencing mediocre quarterback play in the post-Tom Brady era.
Joe Milton!!
Patriots might have done it again in the 6th roundpic.twitter.com/JND66yfjS8
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 9, 2024
The overall performance of the 2024 quarterback class was good, especially when compared to the last couple of classes. This is not something you see regularly. Fans of franchises with rookie quarterbacks found new hope for their teams at the start of the 2024 season, which kicks off on Sept. 5 at 8:20 p.m. when the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Baltimore Ravens.
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