Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix are both on track for Pro Bowl selections as they lead their teams to impressive 8-5 records in their rookie seasons. If the 2024 NFL season concluded today, they would secure the final wild card spots in their respective conferences.
Both quarterbacks have thrown for 21 total touchdowns this season, showcasing their ability to protect the football with no lost fumbles. Their passing statistics are remarkably close, with only a 23-yard difference in total yardage. Their simultaneous rise in performance puts them ahead of other rookie quarterbacks, including Chicago’s Caleb Williams.
Daniels is currently the frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year, especially after his three-touchdown performance against the Titans, which snapped a three-game losing streak for Washington. Meanwhile, Nix is also making waves with his leadership, having thrown seven touchdown passes against just two interceptions during the Broncos’ ongoing three-game winning streak.
While Daniels has dazzled fans with highlight-reel plays, including Hail Mary touchdowns, Nix matched him on Sunday with a jaw-dropping 93-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Mims. This remarkable throw marks the longest touchdown pass by a rookie quarterback in 26 years, a record last set by Charlie Batch in 1998.
The possibility of both Nix and Daniels making the Pro Bowl as rookies is intriguing. Daniels currently ranks fourth among quarterbacks in early Pro Bowl voting, leading in the NFC, while Nix holds the ninth spot in the AFC. For Nix to secure a place, some AFC quarterbacks would likely need to decline their invitations. Historically, only twice have multiple rookie quarterbacks made the Pro Bowl in the same season: in 2011 and 2012.
Drake Maye showcasing his running skills
Patriots rookie Drake Maye may not have the same accolades as his peers, but he has highlighted his unique running ability. In a recent game against the Colts, he rushed for 59 yards on five carries, bringing his season total to 345 yards. His average of 9.1 yards per carry leads the NFL among players with at least 30 attempts, a feat last achieved by Michael Vick in 2001.
Despite limited receiving options, Maye has maintained a commendable passing performance, completing 24 of 30 attempts for 238 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. This year’s rookie quarterbacks have exhibited remarkable accuracy, with four of the seven recorded games in NFL history featuring rookies completing over 80% of their passes occurring this season.
Additional Pro Bowl rookie candidates
Pro Bowl selections rely on votes from fans, players, and coaches, revealing some surprising favorites early in the voting process. Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is a strong candidate, given his impressive statistics, while other rookies are also making a name for themselves. Lions long snapper Hogan Hatten, an undrafted rookie from Idaho, ranks high in voting, as does Saints punter Matthew Hayball, despite his average performance.
Cooper DeJean’s viral moment
Rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean has become a key player for the Eagles during their eight-game win streak. After overcoming a hamstring injury that limited his early playtime, he has emerged as a starter. His standout moment came with a textbook tackle against Ravens running back Derrick Henry, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Bowers and Nabers challenging rookie target records
Bowers and Giants receiver Malik Nabers are leading their teams in targets as rookies, both aiming to break the rookie record for targets. Nabers, who missed a game due to injury, has 116 targets, while Bowers has 113. They are both on pace to challenge Terry Glenn’s record of 167 targets set in 1996.
Bowers is expected to have a busy game against the Buccaneers, who are struggling with injuries in their secondary. Similarly, Nabers will face off against two of the NFL’s weakest pass defenses in the upcoming weeks.
Chargers’ continued success
Greg Auman serves as an NFL reporter for FOX Sports, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous decade covering the Buccaneers for the Tampa Bay Times and The Athletic. Follow him on Twitter at @gregauman for more insights and updates.
