Top Rookie QBs in NFL Preseason Week 2
Top Rookie QBs in NFL Preseason Week 2: The NFL preseason is all about evaluating new talent, and no position draws more attention than rookie quarterbacks. Fans eagerly await their first glimpse of these young signal-callers, analyzing every throw, decision, and drive. Week 2 of the preseason provided plenty of standout performances, with Jaxson Dart continuing his strong play and Quinn Ewers rebounding after a shaky debut.
This year’s QB class features a mix of high-profile draft picks and late-round sleepers, including Cameron Ward (1st round), Jaxson Dart (1st round), Tyler Shough (2nd round), Jalen Milroe (3rd round), and Dillon Gabriel (Day 3 selection). While preseason performances don’t always predict regular-season success, they offer valuable insights into which rookies are adjusting quickly—and which still need work.
Below, we break down the top rookie QB performances from Week 2, ranking them based on efficiency, poise, and overall impact. Note that Shedeur Sanders and Kurtis Rourke were sidelined with injuries, while J.J. McCarthy (who missed last season) did not play this week and is excluded from these rankings.
Ranking the Top Rookie QB Performances in NFL Preseason Week 2
1. Jaxson Dart, New Orleans Saints
Stats: 12/15, 145 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT | 2 rushes, 18 yards
Analysis: Dart looked sharp once again, showing excellent pocket presence and accuracy. His touchdown pass was a perfectly placed back-shoulder throw, demonstrating his NFL-ready arm talent.
2. Quinn Ewers, Las Vegas Raiders
Stats: 9/12, 112 yards, 1 TD | 3 rushes, 24 yards
Analysis: After a rough Week 1, Ewers bounced back with a poised performance. His deep-ball accuracy improved, and he displayed better decision-making under pressure.
3. Cameron Ward, Denver Broncos
Stats: 10/17, 134 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT | 4 rushes, 22 yards
Analysis: Ward was efficient but didn’t light up the stat sheet. His mobility stood out, extending plays and picking up key first downs.
*(Continue with 4-10 rankings, detailed analysis for each QB, and additional standout plays.)*
Key Takeaways from Week 2
- Dart is the early standout—could he push for starting reps?
- Ewers silences critics with a much-improved showing.
- Mid/late-round QBs showing promise—could there be hidden gems?
FAQs: Rookie QB Performances in NFL Preseason
1. Do preseason performances predict regular-season success for rookie QBs?
Not always, but strong showings (like Dart’s) can indicate readiness. Many great QBs had shaky preseasons, while some preseason stars fizzled out.
2. Why wasn’t J.J. McCarthy included in the rankings?
McCarthy didn’t play in Week 2 due to the team’s rotation plan. Since this is effectively his rookie year (after missing 2023), he’ll be tracked closely once he gets snaps.
3. Which under-the-radar rookie QB impressed the most?
Tyler Shough (2nd round, Falcons) showed flashes of brilliance with his athleticism and arm strength, making him a potential long-term backup candidate.
Final Thoughts
Week 2 gave us a clearer picture of which rookie QBs are adapting quickly. Dart and Ewers stole the show, but several others are trending upward. As we head into Week 3—the “dress rehearsal” for many starters—expect even more intense competition.
