Rookie QB debuts: Updates on Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels - ESPN

Five months after hearing their names called on draft night — six within the first 12 picks — the league's rookie quarterbacks are on to the NFL gridiron.

Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels were named starters early, and Bo Nix also got the starting nod. Drake Maye is sitting behind veteran Jacoby Brissett, and the same goes for Michael Penix Jr. behind Kirk Cousins. J.J. McCarthy is out for the season because of a torn meniscus in his right knee.

As these six quarterbacks have progressed through camp ahead of their first NFL season, they have found themselves at varying stages of their young careers.

After Week 1's games, we examine what they did — or didn't — do and where they stand headed into the rest of the season.

Week 1 vs. Titans: 14-of-29, 92 passing yards, 0 TD passes, 0 INT

What's the overall impression so far?

Williams has been QB1 since the day he arrived in Chicago and showed throughout the preseason how an upgrade at quarterback can elevate the Bears' offense.

His first start, a 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans, was less than stellar (14-of-29 for 93 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT) but proved that Chicago can ride the wave of early-season ups and downs that are expected with a rookie quarterback by leaning on its special teams and defense.

«We always want to be the spark of the team,» cornerback Tyrique Stevenson said after his pick-six sealed the Week 1 win for Chicago. «We know Caleb coming in was going to have his ups and downs. This might not have been the game he wanted, but we're just his kickstand. We got him and he got us.»

What's the coaching staff saying?

Head coach Matt Eberflus wants Williams to «play point guard» on early downs and early in games, which means leaning on the players around him.

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