The 2024 NFL draft saw 11 different rookie quarterbacks, including six in the first 12 picks, and people are expecting them to have a significant start to their careers. With a handful of these rookie quarterbacks expected to be named the starting quarterback for their respective teams, there are questions surrounding which would have the most success.
With different parameters for success, we decided to break it down to the most simplistic form: passing yards. Let’s take a look at the betting odds provided by DraftKings at which rookie quarterback will throw for the most yards in 2024.
Rookie Quarterback #1: Caleb Williams (+100)
Caleb Williams is currently listed at even money to lead the rookie class in passing yards and it makes sense. The Chicago Bears drafted him first overall and there are many things to like about the team’s offense. The team already had wide receiver DJ Moore but was able to select Rome Odunze with the ninth pick in the 2024 NFL draft and acquire Keenan Allen.
That is not to mention having tight ends Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett to give the ball to. Running back D’Andre Swift is also going to see some targets throughout the season as well. With the Bears wanting to throw the football, it makes a lot of sense for Caleb Williams to be the top selection.
Rookie quarterback #2: Jayden Daniels (+250)
Jayden Daniels was the second pick in the draft by the Washington Commanders and the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is expected to be a start right away. The team did not really add too much offensively but with new head coach Dan Quinn, this could be a great start for Daniels. One thing Washington has is a solid backup in Marcus Mariota, a former first-round pick himself.
This team also has some weapons as they were able to draft wide receiver Luke McCaffrey and tight end Ben Sinnott to infuse some life into the offense. In addition, this team still has Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. It also helps to have a significant pass-catching running back in Austin Ekeler to help with check-downs. This definitely should be a flyer at the very least with the odds being where they are.
Rookie Quarterback #3: J.J. McCarthy (+500)
J.J. McCarthy is probably the biggest wild card for this bet for the fact of his weapons with the Minnesota Vikings. There is going to be a quarterback battle between McCarthy and Sam Darnold as well for coach Kevin O’Connell’s starter. If McCarthy wins the battle, this team has wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jorda Addison as well as tight end T.J. Hockenson to really air the ball out.
This is one of the more intriguing bet but as the offseason goes on, expect the number to creep down a bit to the point we can get some more value.
Rookie Quarterback #4: Bo Nix (+500)
This is one I would avoid at all costs as the Denver Broncos are going to have some trouble this season. Bo Nix is likely immediately the starting quarterback here but with Jerry Jeudy traded away to the Cleveland Browns in the offseason, this team feels bare offensively. Their current projected starters see Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds and Marvin Mims Jr. with rookie Troy Franklin and Tim Patrick as backups.
This team seems like they are going to struggle offensively so at this point, avoid the Denver Broncos’ offense. The only way this could be a good bet is if they fall behind, the team is going to continue throwing the football and not run.
Rookie Quarterback #5: Drake Maye (+1600)
Drake Maye is the dark horse that you should consider but there are some worries with this pick. The New England Patriots do not have good skill position players right now and the AFC East has some of the better secondaries in the sport. With a battle between Maye and Jacoby Brissett to start, this could be a bit of an issue for Maye’s ability.
Would first-year coach Jerod Mayo want to give Drake Maye time to learn the speed of the NFL and let a veteran start the season? It’s certainly on the table and that makes it tough to believe in this bet cashing.
Vincent Pensabene graduated from Saint Leo University in 2019 with a B.A. in Sport Business and has focused on the media side of sports. He writes for multiple publications and is interested in the reasoning of why things happen. Feel free to follow him on social media @TalkVinTalk and discuss all things sports.
