No quarterback in NFL history has thrown for more yards in a single game than C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans. In a phenomenal Week 9 victory over the Buccaneers, Stroud amassed a staggering 470 yards and five touchdowns, leading his team to an epic comeback win. With such a remarkable performance, it begs the question: where does Stroud's rookie season rank among the best rookie quarterback campaigns in recent years?

To provide a fair comparison, we will focus on the stylistic similarities to the modern quarterback position and analyze the top eight full rookie quarterback seasons since 2010. These campaigns stand out among the rest, deserving of a special ranking.

At number eight, we have Kyler Murray's rookie season in 2019. While Murray won the Rookie of the Year award, his overall performance falls slightly behind other quarterbacks on this list. Though he displayed a respectable big-time throw rate of 4.0% and a turnover-worthy play rate of 2.7%, his yards per attempt average of 6.9 leaves something to be desired. Furthermore, Murray's involvement in the running game, with 544 yards at a 5.8 yards-per-carry clip, certainly adds to his appeal.

Moving on to number seven, we find Dak Prescott's rookie season in 2016. Prescott was undoubtedly aided by the exceptional environment he landed in, with an elite offensive line and strong offensive weapons at his disposal. He calmly orchestrated the Cowboys' offense throughout his rookie campaign, showcasing his talent and intelligence. With 11 of his 16 games featuring a quarterback rating over 100, Prescott's impact was undeniable.

C.J. Stroud's current rookie season, on pace to be one for the books, lands at number six on our list. What Stroud lacks in the run-game element, he makes up for with his balanced approach and ability to take aggressive shots without being careless with the football. Although his overall accuracy figures might not be on par with other quarterbacks, Stroud's consistent performance has undoubtedly elevated the play of his fellow rookies and weapons, such as Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Dalton Schultz. As he continues to ascend in these rankings, Stroud has the potential to surpass even higher-ranked quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield.

Speaking of Mayfield, his stellar rookie season in 2018 places him at number five. Mayfield's performance in Cleveland, throwing to the likes of Jarvis Landry and David Njoku, demonstrated his ability to lead an offense and make big-time throws. With a sizable 9.6 yards per attempt average and a robust 7.7% big-time throw rate, Mayfield's impact was hard to ignore. Although his Oklahoma success translated seamlessly to the NFL, he narrowly misses the top tier of this ranking.

At number four, we have Robert Griffin III's electrifying rookie season in 2012. Despite not having an array of All-Pro receivers, Griffin III thrived in a ball-control offense, showcasing his efficiency and explosive playmaking abilities. With his 3.7% big-time throw rate and 2.3% turnover-worthy play rate, Griffin III effectively led the Washington offense while also contributing with his legs, amassing 843 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.

Now, onto the top three. Cam Newton, in his 2011 rookie season, displayed an unprecedented level of aggression and athleticism. Bursting onto the scene with a 422-yard performance in his NFL debut, Newton maintained his aggressive style throughout the season. With a hefty 10.0 average depth of target and an 8.2% big-time throw rate, Newton's impact was undeniable. His ability to run the ball, accumulating 706 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, further solidified his status as a standout rookie.

In second place, we find Justin Herbert's dazzling rookie season in 2020. Setting the rookie passing touchdown record and throwing an impressive 596 passes, Herbert showcased his arm strength and ability to perform under pressure. Despite facing a high rate of pressure, Herbert's 99.4 rating under pressure was nothing short of remarkable. His penchant for big-time throws, with a 4.9% big-time throw rate and a low 2.3% turnover-worthy play rate, solidified his place among the top rookie quarterbacks in recent years.

Finally, at number one, we have Russell Wilson's rookie season in 2012. Though often overlooked due to the strength of Seattle's defense, Wilson's individual performance remains the gold standard for recent rookie quarterbacks. With a remarkable average depth of target of 10.3 yards and a 7.1% big-time throw rate, Wilson displayed his ability to make explosive plays. His impressive overall efficiency, with a low 1.7% turnover-worthy play rate, combined with his rushing prowess, totaling almost 500 rushing yards, made Wilson's rookie season truly special.

As C.J. Stroud continues to impress with his standout rookie season, it is clear that he is on the path to joining the ranks of the best rookie quarterback campaigns in recent years. With his explosive arm and ability to spark his team's offense, Stroud has the potential to rise even higher in these rankings if he maintains his impressive pace. Whether he can surpass the likes of Mayfield, Griffin III, Newton, Herbert, and Wilson remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that Stroud's rookie season is one to watch.