The highly anticipated rookie quarterbacks of the 2024 NFL Draft class have faced a rough start to their professional careers. Six quarterbacks were selected in the first round, but none have yet managed to throw a touchdown pass through the first two weeks of the season—a striking statistic that highlights their early struggles.
So far, only three of these rookies—Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders), and Bo Nix (Denver Broncos)—have seen game action. Yet, despite their opportunities, all have failed to deliver a touchdown pass.
Jayden Daniels notched his first NFL win last weekend, but the Commanders’ victory came from an unusual reliance on seven field goals. Daniels did not throw a single touchdown. Caleb Williams, the top pick for the Bears, had a tough outing last week, throwing two interceptions while still being unable to find the end zone. Bo Nix has had an even rougher start, throwing four interceptions—two in each of his first two games—and also remains without a touchdown.
Meanwhile, the other three first-round picks—Drake Maye (New England Patriots), Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons), and J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings)—haven’t yet had the opportunity to make their mark on the field. Maye and Penix Jr. are currently serving as backups, waiting for their chance. Unfortunately, McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus before the season began, ruling him out for the year before he even took a snap.
Despite these early difficulties, the season is still young, and there’s plenty of time for these rookie quarterbacks to turn things around. Caleb Williams and the Bears are set to face the Indianapolis Colts next, while Bo Nix and the Broncos go up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jayden Daniels will have a national spotlight on Monday Night Football when the Commanders take on the Cincinnati Bengals.
The big question now looms: Who will be the first of these rookies to throw a touchdown pass in the NFL? Fans and teams alike are anxiously waiting for one of these young quarterbacks to step up and showcase the talent that earned them their first-round status.
