NFL Rookie Report: QB Outlook
Early buzz on the Class of 2024 NFL rookie quarterback class, plus the latest news and happenings from around AAF. All Access. All Football. All The Time. Since 2002.
Volume XXIV Edition XIX | QB Rookie Report
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QB Rookie Watch: Training Camp Report
With the start of NFL training camps underway, here’s a snapshot of expectations and updates on the QB Class of 2024:
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears, No.1 Overall
The Bears could be a team that no one wants to play by the end of the year. It’s a roster that is constructed to win now. All it was missing was a competent quarterback. The polarizing Williams is the heavy odds-on favorite to win NFL Rookie of the Year and will throw to one of the most potent wide receiver groups in the league.
Early reports have indicated that Williams is living up to the hype, making several nice tight window throws during 7-on-7 drills. Chicago is willing to endure the bumps and bruises of a rookie starter, in hopes of maximizing what seems like an unlimited ceiling for Williams.
“He is the starter when we drafted him and that’s where we put him in, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus stated in camp. “[We] put him in the position to do that and we’re going to do a great job of supporting him to get him ready for the first game."
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders, No.2 Overall
Any good commando needs to earn his stripes, so Daniels is currently splitting reps with expected backup Marcus Mariota, as new head coach Dan Quinn believes in competition at every position. However, it’s a matter of when, not if, Daniels will be named starter.
Both players and coaches alike have praised Daniels for his leadership, maturity and ability to learn quickly. Mariota, the No.2 overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft, enters his tenth season in the NFL but holds a below .500 record as starter at 34-40 overall.
“It’s not a secret, but it is a journey and a process,” Quinn said of Daniels. “As we’re going, when he’s ready, we will know. And when he’s ready, he’ll also know.”
Drake Maye, New England Patriots, No.3 Overall
While veteran Jacoby Brissett has ran with the first team, Maye has been given equal reps thus far and has been told that he will have the opportunity to wrestle the starting job away, per reports.
Maye faces an uphill climb but has made a good first impression with the highlight play of day one, as he connected with wideout Jalen Reagor on an impressive deep ball throw. Brissett owns a career starting record of 18-30, appearing on mostly subpar teams but did have an impressive 7-8 stretch with the Colts in 2019, keeping them in the playoff hunt.
“It’s clear Jacoby (Brissett) is the most pro ready,” Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said, per NFL Network. (photo: Patriots)
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons, No.8 Overall
The Falcons started training camp a few days later than most, so there is not much to report on in terms of rep count or performance. One noteworthy tidbit is that assumed starter Kirk Cousins has been medically cleared to participate after suffering a torn ACL just nine months ago. An incredible comeback story that has not been talked about enough. It could also leave him susceptible to a setback.
Enter Penix, who is the quarterback in waiting. That was the plan general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris had all along. A strong camp could lead to Atlanta dealing off veteran Taylor Heinicke, who owns a 13-15-1 career record as a starter in the NFL.
"We came up with a decision, this is what we plan to do," Morris said during his draft presser. "And Kirk does not have to look over his shoulder every time he throws a bad pass. Like, that is not the case.
JJ McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings, No.10 Overall
Minnesota is expected to take more of a grooming approach with McCarthy. Former first round flameout Sam Darnold enters as the lead man but he has struggled mightily with a 21-35 career record as a starter in the NFL.
Losing is something that the Vikings have become accustomed to, having made the playoffs just twice in the past six seasons with Cousins at the helm. There is still an outside chance that McCarthy can steal the gig but he’ll likely need to be lights out throughout camp and into the preseason games.
"I have no preconceived, preset depth chart in my mind beyond, I believe I said at the end of spring, Sam was the number one quarterback," Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell stated. "Sam had a great spring. J.J. came in here after being drafted and had a really productive spring as well. So, my message to those guys is I want a really competitive situation. Sam will be taking the majority of his reps with that first group, but I think you'll see J.J. maybe get some as well. But also, it's about the quality as much as the volume of those reps throughout camp."
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos, No.12 Overall
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has created the most wide-open quarterback competition around the league, stating it will be a three-man rotation heading into the start of training camp.
Another former first round quarterback with a change of address will get the opportunity to make a second impression, as Zach Wilson brings his Jets resume over from New York, which includes a career 12-21 record as an NFL starter. He’ll battle it out with journeyman Jarrett Stidham and Nix, who has some ‘real momentum,’ after making a strong rookie camp impression, according to reports.
“We’ll mix it up again. Obviously, it won’t stay that way for the long term,” Payton said. “Eventually we’ll settle into the routine we want.” With 61 collegiate starts under his belt (the most ever in NCAA history), Nix has a legitimate shot to win the job.
NFL Season Preview Series: All 32 Organizations
Starting Friday! All Access Football 2024 NFL Team Previews. You won’t want to miss the AAF team-by-team previews, an unconditional look at each organization through the lens of Ric Serritella. We will break down the top 10 franchise players for every team, in addition to highlighting the top 10 players under the age of 25 for each roster, plus NFLPA report cards, as voted on by the players and deep dive analysis that you won’t find anywhere else! Be sure to keep it locked for our training camp tour in August.
NEC Social Media Day With All Access Football
The 2024 Northeast Conference Social Media Day was held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Wednesday. The 2024 Preseason All-NEC Team was announced on ESPN. Be sure to click here for our one-on-one interviews with every player in attendance!
(All Access Football Founder Ric Serritella With Producer Kevin Burns)
2025 NFL Draft Preview Series: Positional Big Board
In case you missed it: The All Access Football Preseason Big Board was unveiled over the past few weeks, featuring top prospects at each position, latest draft trends and the evolution of how NFL teams evaluate players for the next level. Be sure to catch up with the direct quick links below.
2025 NFL Draft Preview Series: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DT | ER | LB | CB | S
On Location: GRID Football Camp
The Grid Football Camp in Philadelphia drew about two dozen pro free agents with experience at every level. The workout was conducted by Memphis Showboats head coach John DeFilippo and former Eagles Super Bowl winning assistant offensive line coach Eugene Chung, amongst others. Follow @GRIDCamps for the latest player signings and log-on to www.GridCamps.com for future events.
(Elks Scout Ric Serritella & Showboats Head Coach John DeFilippo at GRID Camp)
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AAF Fantasy Football Cheatsheet [Unique Rankings]
Our exclusive rankings go against the grain and provide you with the most efficient way to take home your FF championship. Don’t get bogged down by mainstream media groupthink! Get serious with AAF, as we guide you on who to draft and why.
Cheatsheets: Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends & Kickers
AAF Zoom Room Network: Friday, August 30th - 9p ET
The All Access Football Zoom Room Network is our way of giving back to the AAF community. On the last Friday night of every month at 9:00pm eastern time, AAF founder Ric Serritella will host a Zoom seminar for premium subscribers that is part educational and part networking. Attendees will gain valuable insight into the football industry, featuring various guests. It’s our way to add value to our paid subscription members and your way to learn more about what transpires behind the scenes.
Due to a scheduling conflict, our first first Zoom Room Network hangout has been moved to Friday, August 30th at 9:00pm. Special guests TBA. Key speakers include:
Ric Serritella, AAF Founder: Currently a member of the Edmonton Elks front office, Serritella will lend insight into the most valuable scouting lesson learned since becoming a scout for the CFL. Each Zoom session will also feature an ‘Ask Me Anything’ portion of the hangout, where you can ask questions about any area of the football industry, including scouting, media, operations, or whatever is on your mind.
Craig Domann, NFL Agent: A veteran agent with over 30 years of experience, Domann will discuss his new book: ‘Unlock Your Pro Mindset.’ The mindset is what sets elite performers apart from the rest. During our discussion, you will learn more about the transformative framework that can help you be your best self in your biggest moments.
LINDY’S 2024 PREVIEW MAGAZINES NOW ON SALE
Now Available: AAF founder Ric Serritella was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Lindy’s Annual Football Preview Magazines once again. Get your copies of the longest running football guides still published. Available on newsstands across America, or order here.