The 2023 NFL Draft featured three quarterbacks off the board in the first four selections, and that trio started their respective NFL careers simultaneously Sunday. None of them emerged victorious, and it was very tough sledding for two of the rookie passers. 

Even though we only had one quarterback in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, that class now has four starters — Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, Sam Howell, and, of course, Brock Purdy. 

A grand total of seven quarterbacks selected in the past two NFL draft classes saw considerable playing time during a thrilling but mostly low-scoring Week 1.

Let’s dive deep into the individual efforts of each quarterback and assign a grade on a per-snap basis, taking every individual aspect of their performance into account. At least 10 attempts were needed to qualify for this debut piece, which will come out weekly on Tuesdays.

High-Caliber Throws/Plays: 

Low-Caliber Throws/Plays: 

Summary: Woof! Pickett and the Steelers were manhandled in every way imaginable against the 49ers, and the second-year quarterback just seemed “off,” especially when the game was seemingly within reach early. Low throws, late throws — they were all there. The vast majority of his completions were easy throws into the flat or checkdowns, which San Francisco’s defense was inviting, and he took a few sacks late.

Grade: F
Season Grade: F

High-Caliber Throws/Plays:

Low-Caliber Throws/Plays: 

Summary: This was a difficult watch. While Ridder wasn’t making mistake after mistake and throwing the football inaccurately, he demonstrated minimal pocket navigation skills or assertiveness as a passer. And there was seemingly even less trust from Ridder’s coaches. Everything — beyond the final throw — was a swing pass, a check down, a screen that got the ball out quickly. When he did have opportunities to scan the field, he quickly resorted to an super-conservative, underneath throw. 

Grade: C-
Season Grade: C-

High-Caliber Throws/Plays: 

Low-Caliber Throws/Plays: 

Summary: As expected, based on how he played at North Carolina, it was a performance with high volatility from Howell to begin his second professional season. Some awesome displays of his arm talent and creativity, some woeful displays of pocket presence and decision-making. Mostly, though, Howell held his own against the Cardinals. 

Grade: C+
Season Grade: C+

High-Caliber Throws/Plays: 

Low-Caliber Throws/Plays:

Summary: While Purdy himself wasn’t quite as sharp as his statistics would indicate — it was a fine outing to begin the season, particularly on the road against the Steelers defense. As he did all rookie season, Purdy took what the defense gave him, snapped through his reads and demonstrated a firm grasp of Kyle Shanahan’s offense while sprinkling in a few high-caliber throws and impressive displays of his escapability. 

Grade: A-
Season Grade: A-

High-Caliber Throws/Plays: 

Low-Caliber Throws/Plays: 

Summary: This was about as bad as it gets for an NFL debut. Late throws, very timid passing philosophy, sacks — you name it, it happened to Young in this game. Now, take this at face value. It’s not to guarantee these performances will continue for Young, but there were some concerning signs against Atlanta. 

Grade: F
Season Grade: F

High-Caliber Throws/Plays: 

Low-Caliber Throws/Plays:

Summary: It was a mostly dreadful day for Stroud and the Texans offense in Baltimore. The offensive line struggled, and Stroud was late — or simply missed — on a variety of throws. He had many welcome to the NFL moments when he attempted to escape pressure only to discover how explosive and athletic professional defensive linemen are. Was nice to see some strikes late. 

Grade: D+
Season Grade: D+

High-Caliber Throws/Plays: 

Low-Caliber Throws/Plays:

Summary: Richardson hardly looked like an ultra-raw quarterback who attempted fewer than 400 passes during college in his NFL debut. No, he wasn’t tremendous by any means, and he did not attempt a pass over 20 yards all contest. There were some misfires. He was not a deer in headlights. Surprisingly, Richardson wasn’t able to do much damage with his legs. 

Grade: C-
Season Grade: C-