I was curious about this because I felt like this has been a problem for longer than that, and after a bit of searching I found this random forum post that compiled some stats around week 1 rookie starters. It's from 2021, so a bit out of date, and the formatting is a bit confusing, but it's still interesting to look at.

Filling out the list after 2020 from memory and some quick Googling, 2021 would add Trevor Lawrence, Mac Jones, and Zach Wilson, 2022 had no week 1 rookie starters (Kenny Pickett wouldn't start until week 4) for the first time since 2007, and 2023 had CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, and Anthony Richardson.

As for trends, there was a meaningful bump after 2000, as 10 rookies started week 1 between 2000 and 2010 compared to just 3 across the 90s. The insane 2012 class really kicked it into high gear though.

I think the league's increased passing focus caused it to happen more often, but usually out of desperation or with players considered to be generational prospects, but then 2012 seemed to give everyone the impression that it could happen regularly.

I always figured that was the plan for JJ to begin with. Now with his injury he'll probably have some extra time, maybe even a whole other extra year. With apparently one of the toughest schedules in the league and running Darnold out there this year is likely to be a wash and was always going to be, but it's short-term frustration for future long-term success. The only annoying part is that the rest of our division decided to all greatly improve at the same time, so it's going to be the old Black and Blue division bloodbath the next few years and we'll just have to see who comes out on top. We're also paying the proverbial price right now for the absolute cap hell Spielman left behind for Kwesi (as well as Kwesi's disaster of a first draft). We could end up on top in a few years or become the next Lions languishing in the division cellar for a long time. Who knows with the division right now.