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The 2024 NFL Draft was full of surprises. A record number of six quarterbacks were drafted within the first 12 picks, and teams are excited for the future with their rookie quarterbacks.
Everyone was left perplexed when the Atlanta Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick. While Penix Jr. will not play in at least his rookie season, several rookie quarterbacks will get the opportunity to see the field in 2024.
In this article, I'll explore the first start dates for all the quarterbacks who were drafted this year, as it will help fantasy football players prepare their draft strategy.
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First Start Dates For 2024 Rookie QBs
Caleb Williams - Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams was the consensus first overall pick heading into the draft, and the Chicago Bears traded away Justin Fields before drafting the USC product. Williams will be the Bears' starting quarterback from Week 1, and the franchise has done everything possible to surround him with great players.
Based on how well he played in college and the type of players that he now has around him on the Bears, it wouldn't be a surprise if Williams goes on to have one of the best rookie seasons in the history of the NFL.
The Bears start their season against the Tennessee Titans, and the 22-year-old quarterback will be ready to put on a show in front of Bears fans.
Some Moore OTA content for ya 💫 pic.twitter.com/vIrdcruE1y
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 22, 2024
Jayden Daniels - Washington Commanders
After months of speculation, the Washington Commanders opted to draft Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner enters the NFL with high expectations, and he is expected to start right away for the NFC East franchise.
The Commanders traded away Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks earlier this offseason, and it opened the way for Daniels to start in his rookie season. Marcus Mariota will be the backup quarterback for the Commanders this year, and the LSU product will get the opportunity to showcase his talent on the biggest stage starting in Week 1.
who wants to see @JayD__5 throw to @JahanDotson? ☝️ pic.twitter.com/b0iHguMcGh
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 22, 2024
Drake Maye - New England Patriots
The New England Patriots traded away Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars and drafted Drake Maye with the third overall pick. First-year head coach Jerod Mayo has his franchise quarterback as a new era begins in New England.
Maye is unlikely to start the season for the Patriots, as they don't want to rush him on the field. There were some doubts about Maye heading into the draft, and the Patriots will let the young quarterback develop behind the scenes.
Jacoby Brissett is expected to be the Week 1 quarterback for the Patriots this year. However, if things don't work out, we might see Maye on the field around Week 15 after their bye week. If Brissett continues to play well, then it wouldn't be a surprise if Maye doesn't play at all in his rookie season. The Patriots could take the same approach the Chiefs took for Patrick Mahomes and let their rookie quarterback develop while a veteran continues to lead the team.
Mayo & Maye on the mic 🎤@DrakeMaye2 | #NEPats pic.twitter.com/HVs5EhaABR
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 20, 2024
Michael Penix Jr. - Atlanta Falcons
As mentioned earlier, the Falcons shocked the world by drafting Michael Penix Jr. in the first round. They recently signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, and not even the veteran quarterback was aware of the franchise's plans to draft Penix Jr.
Nevertheless, Cousins has the full backing of the franchise, and he will start this year. Penix Jr. is seen as the future of the franchise, as the Falcons believe that they will not be able to get a good draft pick with Cousins as their quarterback for the next few years.
Penix Jr. is unlikely to see the field this year unless Cousins gets injured. The Falcons could sit the Washington product for two to three years, similar to what the Packers did with Jordan Love and Aaron Rodgers.
J.J. McCarthy - Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy with the eighth overall pick in this year's draft. The national championship-winning quarterback from Michigan will now get to play alongside a talented group of players like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.
The Vikings also signed Sam Darnold this offseason, and it's likely that he will start in Week 1 ahead of McCarthy. The Vikings might give some time to the Michigan product to develop before he is thrown into the fire, and that will be a good decision for them. Darnold can play well around a group of players, but if he struggles, McCarthy could be given his opportunity after the team's Week 6 bye.
Bo Nix - Denver Broncos
Sean Payton has his quarterback as the Denver Broncos drafted Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick. Heading into the draft, Nix gained some comparisons with Drew Brees, and many expect Payton to get the best out of the Oregon product.
Nix is expected to start in Week 1 for the Broncos, and although the quarterback might struggle initially, the franchise believes that it is in a much better situation than it was with Russell Wilson. The Broncos took a cap hit of $85 million due to releasing Wilson, but since they will not be a contender in the near future, it will give enough time for Nix to develop into a good quarterback.
During his last year at Oregon, Nix threw for 4,598 yards, 45 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. He also rushed for 234 yards and six touchdowns on 54 carries.
Spencer Rattler - New Orleans Saints
After six quarterbacks were drafted in the first round, the next quarterback to be taken was Spencer Rattler in the fifth round. The New Orleans Saints drafted Rattler with the 150th overall pick, and the South Carolina product will be Derek Carr's backup in 2024.
With how things are currently conducted, Rattler is unlikely to play in 2024. However, if Carr struggles massively or gets hurt, then the rookie quarterback might get an opportunity to play. Many believe that Rattler will prove to be a good selection for the Saints, as the 23-year-old quarterback has the potential to become a regular starter in the league.
During his last year in college, Rattler threw for 3,186 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, but he played with minimal help. With a better supporting cast in the NFL, the former Oklahoma star could be the Saints quarterback for years to come -- though it's likely a longshot based on his draft capital.
Derek Carr talks his relationship with new QB Spencer Rattler
Full Interview: https://t.co/Z5DWxwLLtD pic.twitter.com/4kx4emm7zM
— NOF (@nofnetwork) May 21, 2024
Jordan Travis - New York Jets
Jordan Travis was having a spectacular session for Florida State before he suffered a gruesome leg injury. His injury caused him to slip in the draft, but the New York Jets took the opportunity and drafted him with the 171st overall pick.
Travis will work behind Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor in the Jets quarterback room. He will be healthy at the start of the training camp but is unlikely to see any action on the field this year. There is a small possibility that Travis could be the Jets' starting quarterback in the future, but as of now, he will be the team's QB3.
Devin Leary - Baltimore Ravens and Michael Pratt - Green Bay Packers
The Ravens drafted Devin Leary with the 218th overall pick, and the Green Bay Packers drafted Michael Pratt with the 245th overall pick. Both of these quarterbacks will start as the QB3 for their respective teams, but if they impress in training camp, then they could become the backups for Lamar Jackson and Jordan Love, respectively.
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