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The 2024 NFL Draft QB class, featuring Daniels, Williams, Nix, and Maye, is showing promise. We analyze their progress and early NFL impact.
The 2024 NFL Draft quarterback class entered the league with high expectations, featuring a group of highly touted prospects ready to make an immediate impact. Through four weeks, we’ve seen glimpses of their potential as they adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL. This analysis focuses on Jayden Daniels (Commanders), Caleb Williams (Bears), Bo Nix (Broncos), and Drake Maye (Patriots), highlighting how their performances align with pre-draft projections.
Additionally, J.J. McCarthy, a highly anticipated prospect for the Minnesota Vikings, suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason. We’ll examine each rookie’s progress, emphasizing key data points like QBR under pressure, average time to throw, and their overall adaptability to NFL defenses.
2024 NFL Draft Rookie QB Review
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders - Round 1, Pick 2
Jayden Daniels has quickly lived up to the expectations as the No. 2 overall pick, showcasing elite potential in his prime-time debut against the Bengals in week 3 with an impressive 91.3% completion rate. His ability to perform under pressure and maintain accuracy has solidified his reputation as one of the most promising rookie quarterback prospects.
Key Data Points:
Daniels ranks 4th in QBR under pressure (108.0) among all NFL quarterbacks, showcasing his effectiveness even when the defense brings the heat.
He holds the 5th-best accuracy rate with no pressure and the 1st among rookie QBs, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on clean pockets.
With an average time to throw of 2.96 seconds, he ranks 32nd in this metric, indicating he’s taking his time to process; he also extends plays using his mobility, which adds to this overall time-to-throw ranking (per PFF).
Summary Paragraph: Daniels has emerged as a top rookie performer, displaying the poise, accuracy, and decision-making that were highlighted pre-draft. His efficiency under pressure and rapid processing have allowed him to adapt seamlessly to the NFL. With 950 passing yards, 6 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, a 68% completion rate, and an overall QBR of 94.2 through four weeks, Daniels is proving he has what it takes to be the Washington Commanders' franchise quarterback.
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears - Round 1, Pick 1
Caleb Williams entered the NFL as one of the most hyped prospects, However, his start with the Bears has been challenging, as he’s faced a leaky offensive line and inconsistent support from his skill players. This has forced him into playing 'hero ball,' a concern pre-draft analysts had about his tendency to try to do too much. Despite this, Williams has shown flashes of brilliance, indicating that patience is needed as he adjusts to the NFL level.
Key Data Points:
Williams ranks 38th in QBR under pressure (13.7), struggling in this aspect, which highlights the challenges he's facing behind Chicago's weak offensive line.
His accuracy with no pressure ranks 27th overall, showing that while he has moments of precision, there’s room for improvement when given time.
With an average time to throw of 2.76 seconds, he ranks 22nd, indicating a decent processing speed despite facing a high level of pressure regularly (Per PFF).
Summary Paragraph: Caleb Williams' early struggles reflect the challenging environment he’s been thrust into with the Bears, but he’s also displayed the resilience and talent that made him a top draft pick. While his efficiency ranks lower due to constant pressure, his ability to make big plays and willingness to carry the offense are promising signs. With 780 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, a 62% completion rate, and an overall QBR of 58.0, Williams is still finding his footing but has the potential to elevate his game as the season progresses.
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos - Round 1, Pick 12
Bo Nix's journey in the NFL began with a slow start, but he has quickly restored faith in Broncos Country after a standout performance in a victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 3. Nix’s preseason hype was justified as he showcased his ability to command the offense and make plays with both his arm and legs. His progression from Weeks 1 to 3 indicates that he’s becoming more comfortable with the speed and complexity of the NFL.
Key Data Points:
Nix is ranked 28th in QBR under pressure, which indicates a need to improve when facing pressure.
His accuracy in no-pressure situations ranks 17th overall, showing he can be effective when given time, but there's still a gap to close in his overall consistency.
With an average time to throw of 2.85 seconds, he ranks 29th, which indicates a need to improve his overall ability to process at the NFL level. He does extend plays with his legs, so that can add to his higher time to throw (Per PFF).
Summary Paragraph: Bo Nix has shown significant growth, especially in Week 3, where he displayed poise and confidence in leading the Broncos to victory. While his early struggles were evident, Nix has adapted quickly, and his ability to extend plays and make sound decisions is becoming a strength. With 820 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, a 65% completion rate, and an overall QBR of 75.2, Nix is demonstrating that he can be a viable starting quarterback, giving Denver hope for the future.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots - Round 1, Pick 3
Drake Maye’s introduction to the NFL has been quieter than his rookie counterparts, as he’s primarily served as Jacoby Brissett's backup. The Patriots have been deliberate in their approach, allowing Maye time to develop behind a veteran, but his talent and potential have been evident in practice and limited game action. Despite limited snaps, the pre-draft strengths that made him an intriguing prospect are starting to shine through.
Key Data Points:
Maye ranks 39th in QBR under pressure (0.0), keep in mind he’s had limited opportunities to prove himself in live action.
His average time to throw data is inconclusive due to limited reps.
Although he hasn’t had many in-game opportunities, Maye’s work in practice suggests he’s absorbing the playbook and developing his skills at a promising rate.
Summary Paragraph: Drake Maye is still in the early stages of his NFL journey, with the Patriots taking a cautious approach to his development. His limited game action hasn't provided much data, but the coaching staff's confidence in him during practice indicates he’s making the most of his learning opportunities. As Maye continues to develop behind Jacoby Brissett, there’s a sense that he will be ready to step up when called upon, bringing his accuracy, arm talent, and decision-making to the forefront.