2022 NFL preseason rookie QB roundup: Desmond Ridder, Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell

Week 1 of the preseason always brings excitement with football returning, especially as teams get their first look at the rookies on their roster. This year’s rookie quarterback class wasn’t as strong as in recent years, yet many of the young signal-callers got their first taste of NFL action this weekend. 

Kenny Pickett, the lone quarterback taken in the first round this year, is battling for the starting quarterback job with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Desmond Ridder may be the starter down the line for the Atlanta Falcons, while Matt Corral and Sam Howell wait patiently with the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders, respectively.

Although he’s not a rookie, Trey Lance enters the season as the No. 1 quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Given how little Lance has played over the past two seasons (one in college and one in the NFL), let’s group Lance with the rookie signal-callers for this experiment. 

Below is a roundup of how all the rookie quarterbacks fared — with a special exception given to Lance — this weekend. 

Trey Lance (San Francisco 49ers, second year)

Playing just 11 snaps was enough for 49ers fans to get a glimpse of what Lance brings to the offense, as he completed 4 of 5 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. Lance threw a perfect deep pass to Danny Gray for a 76-yard score to cap off his night, giving the 49ers a 10-7 lead when he left the field.

Lance finished with a perfect passer rating of 158.3 in his debut as the No. 1 quarterback, with the 49ers scoring on both of his possessions. The 49ers don’t have plans to play Lance next week, so this may be it for him this preseason.

Not a bad cameo appearance. 

Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers)

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