Ranking Rookie QB Performances from Week 1 of Preseason

This year’s preseason has already kicked off, and we’re excited to see the performances of the rookie quarterbacks. With 15 rookies playing their first (unofficial) NFL game, we’re here to rank them based on their stats and play.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of the top 15 rookie quarterbacks, their draft status, stats, and what they showed us during their first game.

15. Kyron Drones, Packers

Kyron Drones, an undrafted player from Virginia Tech, got cut shortly after the game. His stat line speaks for itself: 0-for-1, 3 sacks. The Packers might be looking for someone else to fill this spot.

14. Miller Moss, Bears

Miller Moss, the Bears’ No. 4 quarterback, showed some promise but had a tough start. He completed his final three passes after missing his first five. His 22-yard strike to Ray-Ray McCloud was a highlight of his performance.

13. Behren Morton, Patriots

Behren Morton, a seventh-round pick, showed some nice throws but also had some short misses. He delivered a few nice completions, including a tight-window throw to Kobe Prentice.

12. Jack Strand, Falcons

Jack Strand, the Falcons’ rookie quarterback, got Atlanta on the board with a 1-yard quarterback sneak. He also had 6-for-12, 50 yards, and 1 sack. Although he didn’t have the best performance, he showed some resilience at the end of a brutal game.

11. Luke Altmyer, Lions

Luke Altmyer, the undrafted rookie, played almost the entire game for the Lions. He was mostly fine, especially considering he faced several Bengals starters at first and then second-stringers. His first interception wasn’t his fault, and his second pick was just barely out of the reach of Dominic Lovett.

10. Garrett Nussmeier, Chiefs

Garrett Nussmeier, a seventh-round pick, nearly slid out of the draft completely before the Chiefs nabbed him. He showed some impressive moments, including a nice scramble-drill improvisation for Nikko Remigio and a dart to Jared Wiley.

9. Cole Payton, Eagles

Cole Payton, the fifth-round pick, showed immense physical capabilities but was extremely raw. He had a 45-yard rushing performance, including a 17-yard scramble after the protection evaporated. He also did a great job buying time and finding Erik Ezukanma for a late touchdown.

8. Joey Aguilar, Jaguars

Joey Aguilar, the Jaguars’ QB4, got one dropback and made the most out of it. He caught a long pass and showed some potential, but he’s still an uphill battle ahead with Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens, and Carter Bradley in front of him.

7. Athan Kaliakmanis, Commanders

Athan Kaliakmanis, the Rutgers product, showed some strong throws during a solid showing. His numbers would have been even better if another potential 20+ yard gain hadn’t been dropped.

6. Jalon Daniels, Buccaneers

Jalon Daniels, the former dual-threat quarterback, had a great performance with 10-for-15, 111 yards, and 3 carries for 9 yards and 1 TD. He showed some impressive plays, including a 1-yard quarterback sneak.

5. Sam Hartman, Commanders

Sam Hartman, the Commanders’ quarterback, showed some promise in his first game. He had 5-for-9, 45 yards, and 2 carries for 5 yards. Although he didn’t have the best performance, he showed some resilience and potential.

4. C.J. Stroud, Texans

C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ quarterback, had a great performance with 8-for-12, 80 yards, and 2 carries for 10 yards. He showed some impressive plays, including a 20-yard pass to Jacob Harris.

3. Hendon Hooker, Titans

Hendon Hooker, the Titans’ quarterback, showed some promise in his first game. He had 7-for-10, 60 yards, and 2 carries for 5 yards. Although he didn’t have the best performance, he showed some resilience and potential.

2. J.J. McCarthy, Bears

J.J. McCarthy, the Bears’ quarterback, had a great performance with 9-for-12, 75 yards, and 2 carries for 5 yards. He showed some impressive plays, including a 20-yard pass to Velus Jones Jr.

1. Bryce Young, Panthers

Bryce Young, the Panthers’ quarterback, had a phenomenal performance with 10-for-12, 90 yards, and 2 carries for 10 yards. He showed some impressive plays, including a 20-yard pass to Shi Smith.

Unfortunately, neither Carson Beck nor Haynes King could make any sort of second impression this week, as both were dealing with injuries. Still, there were 15 rookies playing their first (unofficial) NFL game, and we’re excited to see how they perform in the upcoming weeks.