It’s been an up-and-down season for Aidan O’Connell to say the least. The fourth-round pick from Purdue became the full-time starter in Week 9 and the Raiders have a 4-5 record with him under center.
While there are still some questions about his long-term upside and his future with the Raiders, O’Connell has performed above expectations as a Day 3 pick. In fact, he’s out-played just about every rookie quarterback this season, according to Pro Football Focus:
Of all rookie quarterbacks to play this year, only C.J. Stroud has a better PFF grade than Aidan O’Connell‘s 65.6.
There is no question that he’s played better than Bryce Young, Will Levis, Jaren Hall, Clayton Tune, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. While that might not be a huge bar to clear, Young and Levis were both highly thought-of prospects entering the 2023 NFL Draft.
The only quarterback who has been inarguably better than O’Connell is Stroud, who is likely to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Stroud is putting together a fantastic rookie season and could have the Texans in the playoffs in Year 1. He deserves all the credit in the world for his performance in 2023.
O’Connell has done enough as a rookie to warrant a further look. Whether that be as the 2024 starter or part of a QB competition, he’s put together a pretty nice season for a rookie. But can he continue his development and get better next year? Or is he already maxed out? That’s what the Raiders will try to decide this offseason.
