Since the beginning of the year I have been grading the performances of the five rookie quarterbacks from week to week, as they experience the highs and lows of their first year in the National Football League.
As we reach the halfway point of the season, what better time to evaluate how well they have performed so far and what this year means for the five players moving forward.
Let’s start with the mid-season grades. (these grades are the average of all grades assigned to the rookies so far this season)
Robert Griffin III, Washington: B-
Andrew Luck, Indianapolis: C+
Brandon Weeden, Cleveland: C-
Ryan Tannehill, Miami: D+
Russell Wilson, Seattle: D+
Without doubt, RG3 has been the standout rookie QB this year, and is well on the way to picking up the offensive rookie of the year award. Andrew Luck has been solid, especially at home and is definitely the right man for the Colts to build their franchise around.
Brandon Weeden has had an up and down year, but at times has shown he is capable of playing good football and should be the main man in Cleveland. Bringing up the rear are Tannehill and Wilson, who I feel are too close to separate. If I had to pick one QB to start on my team, I would choose Wilson. The Seahawks rookie has shown great poise at times, and can make plays with both his feet and his arm. Of the five passers, Ryan Tannehill needs the most work, but it’s not beyond him. He hasn’t been awful, and has a nice looking 59.1 completion percentage on the year.
Let’s take a look at some of the rookie QB statistical leaders through eight weeks of the season:
Most Pass Attempts: Weeden (299)
Best Completion Percentage: Griffin (66.8%)
Most Passing Yards: Luck (1971)
Most Passing TD: Wilson (10)
Most Interceptions: Weeden (10)
Most Rushing Yards: Griffin (476)
Most Rushing TD: Griffin (6)
Sacked: Luck (18)
So, which of the rookie quarterbacks has had the best season so far? And will your choice be the same come the end of the year?
