Top NFL rookie QB roundup: Preseason Week 1

Week 1 of the NFL preseason is officially in the books. And we saw many rookie quarterbacks of the 2023 NFL Draft class on display.  Among the class are multiple standouts.  How did the best of this year's QB class stack up in comparison to each other? 5 Notable Rookie QB Performances:  Bryce Young Vs […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Aug 12, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) on the sidelines in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium.

Week 1 of the NFL preseason is officially in the books. And we saw many rookie quarterbacks of the 2023 NFL Draft class on display. 

Among the class are multiple standouts. 

How did the best of this year's QB class stack up in comparison to each other?

5 Notable Rookie QB Performances: 

Bryce Young

Aug 12, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) passes during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium.
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Vs New York Jets

  • 4/6 (67%), 21 yards

The number 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft has already been named the Carolina Panthers starter. That type of faith showed during his preseason opener, as they didn't need to see much from their QB. Young's stat line may not pop off the sheets, but the level of trust they have in their rookie QB sure does. His teammates are all-in on him, too.

In the full scheme of things, it seems that the Panthers don't feel like they need to see much in preseason out of Young. So I think the first week is likely a sign of things to come from their approach with their QB during the preseason. 

C.J. Stroud

Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks to pass against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium.
Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Vs New England Patriots

  • 2/4 (50%), 13 yards, 1 interception

Unfortunately for the 2nd overall pick C.J. Stroud, the biggest highlight of his day was an interception during his 1st drive. 

Stroud's debut ended earlier than expected, and some speculated it was due to his poor play. In my opinion, the awful performance of the Texans' offensive line. I'd make the argument that any Quarterback facing that level of pressure would be near impossible to make an accurate assessment of that player. 

Anthony Richardson

Aug 12, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Highmark Stadium.

Vs Buffalo Bills

  • 7/12 (58%), 67 yards, 1 interception

The 4th pick of the NFL Draft's day began similarly to Stroud's as his 1st drive ended with an interception. 

Richardson's head coach Shane Steichen and teammate WR Isaiah McKenzie took the blame for the play, but it is certainly a decision Richardson would like back. 

Unlike Stroud though, Richardson would be able to play the entire first quarter and was able to improve each drive out. His best throw of the day would be one that ended as an incompletion. As Alec Pierce would be credited with a drop from a beauty of a deep ball from Richarson. 

Will Levis

Aug 12, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) passes against the Chicago Bears in the first half at Soldier Field.
Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Vs Chicago Bears

  • 9/14 (64%), 85 yards, 1 interception

Will Levis was drafted in the 2nd round of the NFL Draft. Levis currently sits as the 3rd string QB on the Tennesee Titans depth chart but had a better statistical day than any of the QBs taken before him.

Throughout the day, Levis would spend time with the starters, 2nd team, and 3rd team. He sometimes struggled in the pocket, taking a few sacks by holding on to the ball too long, for example. And his day would end with a throw that got away from him that would end up as an interception. 

Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Aug 11, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) throws the ball against the Washington Commanders during the third quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Vs Washington Commanders

  • 9/10 (90%), 102 yards, 1 touchdown

The Clevland Browns drafted Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the 5th round of the 2023 NFL Draft. And he has quite possibly been the MVP of the 2023 preseason

The Browns are one of two teams to have played two preseason games to date. As they played the New York Jets in this year's Hall of Fame game. Thompson-Robinson shined during that game as well as he ended the day with the following stat line: 

  • 8/11 (73%), 82 passing yards, 1 touchdown
  • 6 rushes, 36 rushing yards

Featured Image By: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports