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  • 3 Rookie Signal Callers

3 Rookie Signal Callers

And how they're leading the charge.

Written by NFL QB Consultant Jordan Palmer & The QB Summit Team

There are a handful of rookie quarterbacks playing across the NFL right now, but only three of them are truly excelling at a high level:

  • Jayden Daniels

  • Bo Nix

  • Caleb Williams

First, it’s important to recognize how much the expectations for rookie quarterbacks have evolved over the years.

Back in 2003, when my brother Carson Palmer was the number one overall pick, things were much different.

Despite being fully prepared—mentally, physically, and emotionally—he didn’t play a single snap his rookie season. He spent the entire year watching and learning behind Jon Kitna, who ended up winning NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

Fast forward to when Cam Newton was drafted number one overall. Cam was expected to start from day one, and instead of letting him sit and learn, Carolina hired his college offensive coordinator as a consultant to install the offense that Cam ran at Auburn.

The NFL realized that adapting to a quarterback's strengths rather than forcing them to adjust to an NFL system was the way to go.

And now, it’s even more common for rookie quarterbacks to be thrown into the starting role almost immediately.

Hog Haven

Jayden Daniels

Today, teams are drafting high and expecting immediate results. Jayden Daniels is the perfect example of this.

He’s playing some of the best rookie football I’ve seen, continuing the trend of high-performing young quarterbacks that C.J. Stroud set last season.

The difference is, Jayden hit the ground running from week one.

What’s The Secret?

For starters, Jayden’s skill set is tailor-made for today’s NFL: quick release, decisive decision-making, incredible athleticism, and the speed to hit full throttle fast.

His arm talent is unquestionable, but it’s his ability to diagnose defenses and make plays outside the structure of the offense that’s been truly impressive.

The other critical factor is his situation.

He’s got Kliff Kingsbury, one of the brightest offensive minds in the game, as his coordinator. Kingsbury has built his career developing elite quarterbacks, from his work in college to his stint as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, where he helped Kyler Murray win Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Last year, Kingsbury stepped back from coaching to analyze the college game, watching Caleb Williams up close at USC, and that break seems to have given him new insight on how to handle a young talent like Jayden.

What Kingsbury has done masterfully is keep the game simple for Jayden.

Speed & Spacing

Instead of bogging him down with complicated shifts, motions, and terminology, Kingsbury has focused on maximizing speed and spacing—two areas where Jayden thrives.

By taking concepts Jayden excelled with at LSU and blending them with NFL schemes, the offense isn’t overwhelming him with too many new elements.

This allows Jayden to play fast and confidently, without overthinking.

That, right there, is the secret sauce to Jayden Daniels’ early success.

It’s a perfect marriage of his individual talents and the coaching approach that lets him play at full speed without hesitation.

The results speak for themselves, and it’s fun to watch.

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PFF

Bo Nix

Bo Nix is the second guy I want to talk about, and what he’s been doing this season is impressive.

He started off a little slow, but once he got rolling, you could see him really take command of the offense.

What stands out the most is that Bo is executing a much more sophisticated offense at a high level.

Back at Auburn, he ran a simpler system under Gus Malzahn—nothing wrong with that, but it was more straightforward.

Then at Oregon, he was exposed to a more complex approach, which helped him grow as a decision-maker.

A Guy Who Knows Where To Go Every Snap

Now in the NFL, what I’m seeing out of Bo is a guy who clearly knows where to go with the football on every snap.

He understands his reads, he knows where his eyes are supposed to be, and he’s getting through his progressions quickly.

That’s critical because it shows that he’s not just reacting to the defense—he’s anticipating it.

He’s fundamentally sound, which means he’s always in a good position to make the throw.

I’ve said this before, but Bo is probably the most athletic quarterback Sean Payton has ever coached.

His ability to create plays when things break down is a big part of why he’s having success.

You can have all the X’s and O’s drawn up perfectly, but the NFL is chaotic, and you need a quarterback who can improvise. Bo’s athleticism allows him to do that.

Not Everything Is Perfect

There are still moments where Bo is trying to fit the ball into tight windows or forcing throws that aren’t quite there.

That’s part of the learning curve for a quarterback in a new system. But the fact that he’s making these decisions early in the season and learning from them is a good sign.

That’s how quarterbacks grow—they push the limits to figure out what they can get away with, and Bo is doing that right now.

The second half of the season is going to be crucial for Bo Nix. I think we’re going to see him really hit his stride.

And it’s worth noting, Bo doesn’t have the same caliber of playmakers around him that guys like Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels do.

But that makes what he’s doing even more impressive.

Bo’s figuring it out, and when it all clicks, he’s going to be a force in this league.

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Bleacher Nation

Caleb Williams

The third rookie quarterback I want to highlight is Caleb Williams, the number one overall pick, and someone who’s finally settling in after a bit of a rocky start.

And if you've been following me, you know I predicted this.

Caleb's talent is undeniable, but with all the pressure and the noise around him—social media, media pundits, the fan base—it’s not surprising that it took him a little time to find his rhythm.

I always believed it would take Caleb a few weeks to get his feet under him.

When you come in with the kind of expectations he had, everyone’s expecting fireworks from day one.

But the NFL is different from college. You can't play hero ball on every snap. And that’s been the key to his turnaround.

Caleb’s starting to take what the defense gives him, rather than trying to make the big play every time he drops back.

We Know He’s Got All The Tools

Caleb is as athletically gifted as any quarterback in the league.

He can extend plays, buy time with his legs, and make something out of nothing.

But what I’m seeing now, and what’s really exciting, is that he’s learning to flip the switch. Instead of always looking to make the highlight-reel play, he’s focusing on getting the ball out quickly, making smart decisions, and just putting the ball in play.

That shift in mindset is why Caleb is starting to thrive.

He’s got an incredible supporting cast around him—Rome Odunze, the talented rookie receiver; veterans like Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore; and Cole Kmet, who had two touchdowns this past weekend.

Caleb's learning to spread the ball around and take advantage of all the weapons he has at his disposal.

The Timing Couldn’t Be Better

We’re heading into the back half of the season, and the Bears have some huge divisional games coming up.

If Caleb continues to play at this level—taking what the defense gives him, managing the game, and using his athleticism when he needs to—Chicago is going to be in the mix for every one of those games.

Three first-round rookies, three young quarterbacks playing at a high level right now.

And as the season goes on, I’m hoping to be able to add Drake Maye to that list soon too.

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