The 2017 NFL Draft is in the books, and the 2018 season is fast approaching. For each NFL team, the draft represents the opportunity to change their team’s fortunes by adding a potential star to their roster. It’s no different for teams who are looking to return to playoff contention this season.
The starting quarterback for every NFL team is typically the team’s best player, and the quarterback tends to take the brunt of the blame if the team struggles. But that doesn’t mean a team’s success will depend on its first-round quarterback. For example, while the Seahawks had the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, they opted to pick a cornerback, and the Seahawks are no better today than they were when they picked their quarterback.
The NFL is a league of parity. Every year, a handful of new rookies are handed the keys to offenses that desperately need a spark. But that doesn’t mean all of them will succeed. Let’s say a player was drafted in the first round of the draft. If that player’s team is in the AFC, he’s in a terrible position. He’ll have to compete for playing time with a handful of NFL veterans. On the other hand, if his team is in the NFC, he’s in a much better position to succeed.. Read more about nfl rookie qb 2021 and let us know what you think.
Which NFL rookie quarterback has the greatest chance of succeeding in his first year? Will Justin Fields be the one? Do you know who Mac Jones is? Do you know who Trevor Lawrence is? Trey Lance, are you there? Or how about Zach Wilson? Because the surrounding pieces may influence how they function, this may be a difficult issue to answer.
Of course, victories will be the most important factor in determining how these quarterbacks perform. Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers performed well as a rookie quarterback, although he failed to make the playoffs. Despite his club being one victory away from the playoffs, Tua Tagovailoa’s first season with the Miami Dolphins was much less remarkable.
Winning is important, but so is being surrounded by the proper players, as those two quarterbacks discovered last season.
Chicago Bears’ Justin Fields
Only Justin Fields’ club reached the playoffs last season as a rookie quarterback. So, among the five possibilities, he may be the one who has the best chance of succeeding this season.
The only issue is that the Chicago Bears underperformed offensively last season, despite reaching the playoffs. Witnessing their 21-9 playoff loss to the New Orleans Saints in the Wild-Card Round was all it took to realize how severely they needed assistance.
Fields will provide the Bears with a mobile quarterback who can also throw the ball down the field. He may be disappointed that he didn’t get the first overall pick in the draft, but he’s in the greatest position of any rookie quarterback to reach the playoffs this season.
New England Patriots’ Mac Jones
Jones, who was selected 15th overall by the New England Patriots, is likewise in a strong position to succeed. He has a seasoned head coach in Bill Belichick, who, like Jones’ head coach at Alabama, Nick Saban, has a track record of winning titles.
He also has the opportunity to learn from Cam Newton, the former NFL MVP, who can impart his expertise of the position.
So there’s no need for Jones to start right away, particularly if Newton can get out to a better start this season than he did last year.
Jones is also surrounded by greater talent than the majority of the other rookies, including former Alabama teammates Damien Harris at running back and All-Pro linebacker Dont’a Hightower. Last season, the Patriots barely missed the playoffs, and they seem to be back to full strength. Jones can either learn from his mistakes or take command of the club and lead them to the playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers’ Trey Lance
The San Francisco 49ers’ Trey Lance works out during an OTA rookie minicamp | Getty Images/Thearon W. Henderson
Lance is in a strong position to have a successful season as well. The San Francisco 49ers were Super Bowl champions a few years ago, but they were plagued by injuries last season, including starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Some of Garoppolo’s teammates have already come out in support of the 29-year-old quarterback but recognize that Lance’s time maybe sooner than later.
Kyle Juszczyk of the San Francisco 49ers stated on the Ross Tucker Football Podcast, “I’m a practical person, and I know the statistics.” “Correct me if I’m mistaken. I believe no rookie quarterback has ever won a Super Bowl, so I’m aware of that. As long as Jimmy is healthy, I believe he will be our guy.”
Lance will be one of the league’s most gifted quarterbacks. But, like Jones, he can take his time and study under the tutelage of a seasoned quarterback.
Jacksonville Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence
Jacksonville Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence takes part in exercises during mandatory minicamp | Getty Images/Sam Greenwood
Lawrence has the potential to lead a team to victory, but does he have the skill to accomplish so?
He’s on a Jacksonville Jaguars club that is essentially starting over with him and new head coach Urban Meyer, unlike Fields, Jones, and Lance.
This team has enjoyed success in the past, but a 1-15 record last season may not bode well for the future in 2021. Meyer and the front office may need a season or two to put together enough components for the 2020 Heisman runner-up to be successful.
The offensive line and defense, which were formerly a strong suit for this squad, both need improvement. Lawrence’s future success may be decided by how the other top overall picks perform in the coming years.
New York Jets’ Zach Wilson
After being chosen second overall by the New York Jets, Zach Wilson raises a jersey onstage.| Gregory Shamus/Getty Images )
Wilson is the quarterback with the least chance of having a successful season.
That isn’t due to a lack of ability. He’s simply a member of a New York Jets club that hasn’t had much success at quarterback in recent years.
When you consider the names of Tim Tebow, Sam Darnold, Josh McCown, Geno Smith, and Ryan Fitzpatrick, who have all started for the Jets in the last seven years, you know Wilson may have a long road ahead of him. Without good management that understands how to surround him with better components like a solid running back and better wide receivers, talent alone will not be enough to rescue him.
Wilson may not have to wait long if the Jets’ defense improves, and if their offense catches up, he may not have to wait long to find success.
RELATED: Former New England Patriots linebacker Says Cam Newton’s Comeback Isn’t in the Cards
With the NFL season on the horizon, it’s easy to get excited about the new crop of quarterbacks. The most hyped of the bunch is Deshaun Watson, who the Texans selected in the first round of the 2017 draft. Watson is one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory, and in addition to his tremendous natural ability, he’s also been given a ton of help by the coaching staff: a line that features two former first round picks and a Pro Bowler.. Read more about nfl rookie 2021 and let us know what you think.
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