NFL
Bo Nix named starting QB for the Broncos: What other rookie QBs will start this season?
This year’s NFL draft saw a significant shift in the league’s approach to developing young talent, with six rookie quarterbacks selected in the first round.
Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick by the Denver Broncos, has been officially named the team’s starting quarterback by head coach Sean Payton. This decision comes after Nix delivered an impressive preseason performance, leading six of seven scoring drives across two games.
In his 27th NFL season, coach Payton has never had a rookie quarterback win a game or throw a touchdown pass, but that could change with Nix under center.
Nix’s Week One start will make him the first Broncos rookie quarterback to do so since John Elway, a name synonymous with Denver’s storied football history. Nix’s preseason success has generated optimism. However, the jump from preseason to regular season play will undoubtedly test the rookie’s mettle as he adjusts to faster defenses and more intricate pass rushes.
The situation is similarly high-stakes for the other two rookies, who are almost 100% sure they will start in Week 1. Caleb Williams, selected first overall by the Chicago Bears, enters a robust setup with an array of offensive weapons, while Jaden Daniels will lead his team with similar expectations. These quarterbacks won’t have the luxury of growing pains, as fans and franchises expect an immediate impact.
Caleb Williams
The Chicago Bears wasted no time declaring Caleb Williams as their starter after drafting him first overall.
Williams has the best group of receivers any No. 1 overall rookie quarterback has had in NFL history. The new offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron, is a concern, given his previous performance with Seattle. It remains to be seen if Waldron will utilize Williams and the talented receivers effectively in 2024.
Jaden Daniels
In the upcoming season, Daniels, who clinched the 2023 Heisman Trophy, is poised to surpass his predecessor’s performance. Notably, Sam Howell struggled with the most interceptions, turnovers, and sacks in the NFL last year, ranking 27th among quarterbacks in EPA per play.
Furthermore, Daniels is set to benefit from working with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Notably, Kingsbury guided Kyler Murray to Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, and Daniels shares a similar skill set with Murray.
Impressively, both Murray and Daniels stand as the only quarterbacks in FBS history to have achieved 40 touchdown passes, 10 rushing touchdowns, and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season.