Commanders' Jayden Daniels vs. Texans' C.J. Stroud: Who had the better rookie season?

Jayden Daniels or C.J. Stroud as a rookie? 

It's a question that must come to mind amid Daniels’ historic rookie season. The front-runner to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, Daniels guided the Commanders on a game-winning field goal drive to beat the Buccaneers in the NFC wild card last week, securing Washington’s first divisional-round appearance in 19 years. The No. 2 overall pick also became the first rookie starting quarterback to win a road playoff game since 2012. 

Daniels’ playoff success (so far), coupled with an outstanding regular season that earned him a Pro Bowl nod, has led some national pundits to go as far and say he has had the best rookie quarterback season ever — a year after many said the same about Stroud. 

Last year’s No. 2 overall pick, Stroud also led his team to the divisional round as a rookie (the Texans eventually lost to the Ravens in the second round). He became the youngest quarterback ever to win a playoff game in Houston’s wild-card win over Cleveland. Much of the praise heaped on Stroud — about his poise and how he played beyond his years — has been recycled and given to Daniels.

That’s not to say Daniels hasn’t earned it; he was one of the league’s best quarterbacks in 2024 as a rookie. But it warrants a closer look at the season he's had, and the one Stroud had last year. 

Here’s a breakdown of the childhood friends’ rookie seasons by category, who gets the edge in each and what it all means: 

THE BETTER PASSER?

It depends on how you’re looking at it. 

In terms of efficiency, Daniels gets the edge. He completed a higher rate of his passes during the regular season (Daniels at 69%, Stroud at 63.9%), registered more passing touchdowns (25, 23) and had fewer turnover-worthy plays (1.7%,