The quarterback position in professional football, especially in the NFL, is often referred to as the most crucial on the field. The quarterback’s ability to lead, make decisions, read defenses, and execute plays effectively can make or break a team’s season. Therefore, the spotlight shines brightest on young quarterbacks—those who are just starting their careers and beginning to make their mark in the league. For fans, analysts, and coaches alike, the early performance of a quarterback can provide a glimpse into what may lie ahead for their career.
This season, we have witnessed positive early returns on a group of quarterbacks who have made strong impressions right out of the gate. Some are rookies, while others are second-year players who have had time to adjust to the NFL, but each one has shown enough promise to excite fans and provide hope for the future of their respective franchises.
This article will take a deep dive into the early returns from several quarterbacks who have stood out in the 2025 NFL season. From rookies with raw talent to second-year players with a year’s worth of experience under their belt, we’ll look at their performances, how they’ve evolved so far, and what their early successes mean for their teams moving forward.
The Importance of Early Quarterback Development
Before we dive into the specific quarterbacks who have been successful early on, it’s important to understand why these early performances are so vital. The quarterback position is unique in that there is a steep learning curve at the professional level, even for the most highly touted prospects. The physical demands are one thing—the size, speed, and skill of defenders in the NFL are far superior to anything a quarterback faces in college—but the mental aspect is equally challenging. NFL quarterbacks need to quickly learn new offensive systems, develop chemistry with teammates, and, perhaps most importantly, handle the intense pressure that comes with being the face of the franchise.
Many teams invest a lot in their quarterbacks, using high draft picks or offering large contracts to bring in the next potential star. As such, the early returns on these quarterbacks are scrutinized carefully. A promising start can ease concerns about the investment and provide hope that a franchise has found its future. On the other hand, a rocky beginning can cause doubts and lead to questions about whether the player is truly capable of living up to the hype.
The quarterback’s first few games or seasons often serve as a barometer for their long-term success, and early performances can also shape their confidence and approach to the game. Positive returns early on can give young quarterbacks the mental fortitude to continue improving, while also gaining the trust and confidence of their teammates and coaches. Additionally, positive early performances can help a team avoid the dreaded rebuilding phase, as the franchise quarterback can be relied upon to provide stability and leadership.
Top Quarterbacks Making Waves Early in the 2025 NFL Season
Let’s explore some of the quarterbacks who have garnered attention for their impressive early performances in the 2025 season. From rookies making their debuts to second-year quarterbacks showing signs of growth, these players are setting the stage for what could be bright futures.
1. Riley Greene – Quarterback, New Orleans Saints (2025 Draft Pick)
One of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch in 2025 is Riley Greene, the highly-touted prospect from a top SEC school. Greene was selected by the New Orleans Saints as the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and has made an immediate impact. His debut performances have raised eyebrows around the league, as the young quarterback has shown that he has the poise and skill to thrive at the professional level.
At 6-foot-5 and possessing a cannon arm, Greene is physically gifted, but it’s his mental approach to the game that has impressed the most. In his first few starts, Greene has displayed excellent decision-making, navigating complex defenses with ease. His accuracy, particularly on deep throws, has been one of his strongest suits, as he has been able to stretch the field and connect with his receiving corps on big plays.
While there have been a few typical rookie mistakes—misreads on certain defensive alignments and an occasional overthrow—Greene’s overall performance has been impressive. His ability to remain calm under pressure and keep the offense moving down the field has given the Saints’ offense a new dynamic, one that the team hasn’t had in years. Given the success of his early performances, there’s every reason to believe that Greene could be the quarterback who leads the Saints back to playoff contention.
2. Davis Finley – Quarterback, Houston Texans (2024 Draft Pick)
Davis Finley, who was drafted by the Houston Texans in the 2024 NFL Draft, has taken a significant leap forward in his second season. After a promising but inconsistent rookie year, Finley has made noticeable strides in 2025, with his performances early in the season being one of the more pleasant surprises for the Texans. The 6-foot-4 quarterback from a mid-major school came into the league with some skepticism, but his development has been rapid, and his poise in the pocket has been a breath of fresh air for a team that has long been searching for stability at the quarterback position.
Finley’s strong arm and athleticism have always been well-documented, but what has stood out this season is his ability to process the game at a much faster pace. His reads have been sharper, and he has shown better touch on the ball in key moments, especially in critical third-down situations. Finley’s early connection with his top wide receivers has been a key highlight, as the chemistry between him and his targets has allowed the Texans to sustain offensive drives and put points on the board efficiently.
Most impressively, Finley has shown excellent growth in his decision-making, cutting down on interceptions and forcing fewer errant passes. This progression, combined with his natural talent, makes Finley a quarterback to watch in the coming seasons, and Houston may finally have its long-awaited solution under center.
3. Tyler King – Quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars (2025 Draft Pick)
Another quarterback whose early returns have been overwhelmingly positive is Tyler King, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. A highly sought-after quarterback prospect coming out of a prestigious college program, King had the weight of the franchise’s future on his shoulders. Jacksonville has been rebuilding, and the team was hoping that King would be the player to bring them back to prominence.
Thus far, King has lived up to the hype. His first few games have been spectacular, with his ability to throw with both velocity and accuracy standing out. At 6-foot-6, King’s size and arm strength make him a prototypical NFL quarterback, but it’s his mobility that has surprised many. He has shown the ability to extend plays with his legs, avoiding the rush and keeping his eyes downfield, looking for big plays. This added element to his game has made him even more dangerous and unpredictable.
King’s leadership has also been a key takeaway early in the season. He has taken command of the Jaguars’ offense, showing maturity well beyond his years. His poise in the pocket and his ability to move the chains with both his arm and legs have made the Jaguars’ offense more dynamic, and his performances have rejuvenated the team and its fanbase. If King continues on this trajectory, the Jaguars may have a franchise quarterback who can lead them to the postseason in the near future.
4. Michael Davis – Quarterback, Denver Broncos (2024 Draft Pick)
A player whose positive early returns have been especially notable is Michael Davis, the 2024 first-round draft pick for the Denver Broncos. After a highly promising rookie campaign, Davis entered the 2025 season with something to prove. He has certainly delivered, with a string of excellent performances in his second season. Davis has displayed the confidence of a veteran, with his quick release, tight spirals, and ability to read defenses being critical components of his success.
In particular, Davis has shown exceptional chemistry with his receiving corps, especially with star wideout Jerry Jeudy. The timing between Davis and Jeudy has been flawless, and the Broncos’ offense has been much more explosive as a result. Davis has also been surprisingly efficient in the red zone, displaying a knack for making clutch throws when the game is on the line.
Davis’s early development has been a key reason for the Broncos’ resurgence this season. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and continue to grow as a leader has given fans a lot of optimism about the future. If Davis continues to build on his early successes, Denver may have found its long-term answer at quarterback.
The Importance of Early Quarterback Success for Teams
Early success from quarterbacks can have profound implications for their teams. For franchises that have been searching for stability under center, positive early performances can immediately shift the trajectory of their season. With the right quarterback, teams can improve exponentially, and this often leads to success in the standings, increased ticket sales, and growing fan support.
More importantly, a quarterback who shows promise early in their career can inspire confidence throughout the roster. When a young quarterback is performing at a high level, it boosts the morale of the entire team, including the defense, offensive line, and skill position players. A strong, steady quarterback can act as the foundation upon which the rest of the team builds its success.
For the quarterbacks themselves, starting strong can help them avoid the pitfalls that many young quarterbacks face. Confidence early in a career can snowball, leading to continued improvement and the development of crucial skills needed to thrive in the NFL. It also allows the coaching staff to build around the quarterback’s strengths, tailoring the offensive playbook to their capabilities, which accelerates their growth.