Fox Sports ranks 10 best rookie QB seasons in NFL history

Fox Sports took a look at the history of rookie NFL QBs and determined which 10 had the best seasons in league history. The rankings were made as Jayden Daniels continued his magical rookie season, leading the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship game.

It’s safe to say Daniels is on the list based on what he has done in the regular season and playoffs. But is the former LSU star No. 1, or is it CJ Stroud who earned a lot of praise for what he did with the Houston Texans in 2023?

The interesting thing about this list is that five quarterbacks are still playing. Here’s a look at Fox Sports’ 10 best rookie QB seasons in NFL history.

1. Jayden Daniels (2024)

Yes, Jayden Daniels’ rookie season has not ended, but that’s probably why he’s No. 1 on the list. The No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft finished the regular season with 30 total touchdowns, 3,568 passing yards, a 100.1 passer rating and a rookie NFL record 891 rushing yards.

Daniels has also led the Commanders to road playoff wins against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. It’s the first team in franchise history the Commanders have won two road games in a single postseason.

2. Justin Herbert (2020)

While Justin Herbert has yet to win a playoff game, he established himself as a franchise QB during his rookie season in 2020. He set a rookie record with 31 passing touchdowns while throwing for 4,336 yards.

Herbert’s production in 2020 led to him being named Offensive Rookie of the Year. The interesting thing is Herbert didn’t begin the season as the starter as Tyrod Taylor was QB 1 before suffering an injury in Week 2.

3. Dan Marino (1983)

NFL fans knew Dan Marino was going to be special after what they saw from him in 1983. After becoming the full-time starter for the Miami Dolphins in Week 6, Marino won seven of his nine starts.

The 1983 first-round pick tallied 20 touchdowns and six interceptions, which led to him being named to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro Second Team.

4. Cam Newton (2011)

Cam Newton exploded in his Carolina Panthers debut and never looked back. After throwing for 400 yards in the first game, Newton followed that up with 432 passing yards in Week 2.

Newton finished the season with over 4,051 passing yards while rushing for 706 yards. He became the first rookie quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards in a season.

5. CJ Stroud (2023)

The Houston Texans seemed to hit a home run when they drafted CJ Stroud in 2023. In his rookie season, the former Ohio State star threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

Stroud easily won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and finished eighth in MVP voting. He also led the Texans to the Divisional round of the playoffs.

6. Robert Griffin III (2012)

Robert Griffin III was like Daniels in terms of being a dangerous runner and passer. In 2012, the former Baylor star threw for 3,200 yards with 20 touchdowns and five picks. He also ran for a then-rookie record 815 yards with seven TDs.

RGIII’s production helped Washington win the NFC East title. Unfortunately, Griffin tore his ACL in the Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks.

7. Andrew Luck (2012)

Andrew Luck was a decorated prospect out of Stanford and did not disappoint. He threw for a rookie-record 4,374 passing yards on another rookie-record 627 attempts with the Indianapolis Colts in 2012.

Luck missed out on winning Offensive Rookie of the Year because he threw 18 interceptions. His season ended with a playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

8. Russell Wilson (2012)

Russell Wilson was a big surprise since he was a third-round pick by the Seahawks in the 2012 draft. During his rookie season, Wilson threw 26 touchdown passes and rushed for 489 yards with four TDs.

Wilson is one of just five rookie QBs since 1970 to throw for 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. He led Seattle to the Divisional round of the playoffs.

9. Dak Prescott (2016)

The Dallas Cowboys drafted Dak Prescott in the fourth round in 2016, and he took over for an injured Tony Romo. Prescott led the Cowboys to 13 wins and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

After throwing 23 touchdowns and four interceptions, Prescott was named Offensive Rookie of the Year. He’s the only rookie since 1970 to throw for 2,000 yards and fewer than five interceptions.

10. Ben Roethlisberger (2004)

After the Steelers selected Ben Roethlisberger in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft, he took over for Tommy Maddox early in the season. Roethlisberger won all 13 of his regular-season starts and led the Steelers to the AFC Championship game.

The former Steelers QB is one of just nine rookie signal-callers to throw for 2,5000 yards, 15 touchdowns and win 10 games. Roethlisberger went on to win two Super Bowls in Pittsburgh.