As part of the Tuesday episode of The athleteOn NFL’s “Scoop City” podcast, former quarterback Chase Daniel looked at the six first-round rookie quarterbacks in their preseason debut.
Degree: A
Statistics: 4-7, 95 yards (1 run, 13 yards)
He looked like he had been in the NFL for five to seven years. That was really impressive. He was so calm, cool and composed. The moment wasn’t too big for him. He played 20 games, I understand that. But the way he felt and the way I saw him on film was extremely impressive.
Degree: A minus
Statistics: 11-17, 188 yards, 2 TD, INT (2 runs, 18 yards)
Editor’s note: The Vikings have since announced that McCarthy will undergo surgery on a torn meniscus in his right knee.
He threw the interception early and late over the middle. I’m actually glad that happened to him because I think it calmed his nerves. What struck me about him was how much he did at the line of scrimmage. We knew he was really smart, but he was changing plays at the line of scrimmage, going from a run to a pass, warning. He was getting guys in the right formation. That’s the kind of thing that makes me say, man, that was impressive.
Degree: B-plus
Statistics: 15-21, 125 yards, TD (3 runs, 17 yards)
He could really take the ball out of his hands. The Denver Broncos’ biggest problem last year was they held on to the ball way too long. That’s not what Sean Payton wants out of that offense. I was a part of that offense with Payton for five years. I know that offense inside and out. The biggest thing Payton wants out of a quarterback in the first preseason game is he wants you in and out, in and out, up and down. That’s what he says: in and out of the huddle, up and down the field and on and off the field. The speed is something that really stood out with Nix. He didn’t hold the football, he didn’t take sacks, he used his legs and his athleticism, which I think was an overlooked trait with him coming out of Oregon.
Degree: B
Statistics: 9-16, 104 meters
I thought he was excellent. He may not have seemed as relaxed as Caleb Williams, but I’ll just say one thing: the go balls he threw in the game – and that’s what he’s known for, his accuracy on long balls – were excellent. I was really impressed with what he could do.
Degree: Incomplete
Statistics: 2-3, 45 yards (1 run, 3 yards, TD)
He played only nine snaps. The big highlight was the throw along the right sideline, which dime in the bread basket. When a receiver was running down the sideline, we’d say, “Just throw presents from Santa down the chimney,” and that’s exactly what he did. Just a little present down the chimney. But if I were the Commanders, I wouldn’t let Jayden Daniels get on the field this preseason. He just looks smaller than what he weighed at the Combine. When he gets hit, he doesn’t know how to slide, he doesn’t know how to protect himself.
Degree: Incomplete
Statistics: 2-3, 19 meters
He looked inexperienced. He struggled a little bit as a center, but it was only six snaps, so it’s too early to tell. Frankly, he was outplayed by Joe Milton because Milton could play more.
(Top photo: Rich Barnes / Getty Images)
