NFL Draft: Which Teams Could Take Their Next QB Tonight?
Draft Day is finally here.
As my girl Liz pointed out earlier this week, this year’s draft class of QBs is stacked. If you look at mock drafts (or just paid attention to college football last year), there are some legit options on the board. There’s a good chance five — arguably give or take one — go in the first round. They all have different styles of play and each have their strengths and weaknesses.
There are also guys available in later rounds that could turn out to be great options. It wouldn’t be the first time.
Shameless plug: Our Comeback SZN podcast with Johnny Manziel, his agent and yours truly came out this morning. One of the topics was about how it’s not just about the QB talent, it’s about how many teams need QBs. Johnny describes his own experiences with it and how it affects your mentality in the green room, so make sure you download it. (End shameless plug).
Breaking news: a franchise QB is the most important part of any NFL team and every team is always looking for that guy if they don’t have him.
So let’s look at 2018. Which teams may be looking for that guy?
Desperate:
- New York Jets: They have a handful of sub-par options. At least with Josh McCown, you know that you have a guy that has experience and can help a rookie come along. There’s still some hype around Teddy Bridgewater, but we have no idea if he can stay healthy.
- Buffalo Bills: We saw how the Nathan Peterman experiment worked out and AJ McCarron signed a very reasonable contract. But he doesn’t scream franchise QB and the Bills have a ton of trade pieces to use if they want to use them. (Shout out, Katherine Webb though.)
- Cleveland Browns: Let’s just keep them permanently in this category. Tyrod Taylor is the most accomplished QB they’ve had in a while and I think he could be successful. But he’s not signed to a long term contract. And it’s Cleveland.
“We’re good for now, but may need an heir in place”:
- New England Patriots: Don’t know if you guys have heard, but Tom Brady will turn 41 this year. They took golden boy Jimmy G in ’14 for this exact reason and TB12 spoiled that plan by continuing to be the GOAT. But Brian Hoyer almost having to actually play last year says they need somebody legit even if Brady plays until he’s 45.
- New York Giants: Ben McAdoo benched Eli Manning (after 210 consecutive starts!!!!!) for Geno Smith. It didn’t work out for Ben and his shitty hair, but regardless, last year was ugly. Eli is 37. They should’ve seen what Davis Webb could do instead of starting Geno if they are in fact looking for their next guy. TBD.
- New Orleans Saints: They probably have another run in Drew Brees who continues to be a lethal passer. But he’s 39 and I see no reason they wouldn’t want to set themselves up for the future.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Big Ben has basically threatened to retire for the last decade…
- Los Angeles Chargers: Philip Rivers looked pretty good in ’17, but ehh. Plus, he’s 36.
- Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco was awful last year and his contract is massive. But the front office have to know it’s not long before the Flacco Era has to end and they’ll need somebody in place.
The Unknown:
- Denver Broncos: Will Case Keenum look like he did last year? Or like the sub-par guy we’ve seen most of his career?
- Arizona Cardinals: Can Sam Bradford stay healthy or will we have to once again see exactly how overpaid Mike Glennon was?
- Miami Dolphins: Will Ryan Tannehill be able to finally live up to his potential? He’s 37-40 as a starter and Brock freaking Osweiler is his backup. Woof. (PSA: Mrs. Tannehill is a smoke show Aggie and yes, she wears her ring.)
– Cincinnati Bengals: Will Andy Dalton be able to overcome playing in Marvin Lewis’ system or is he just the definition of mediocre.
– Jacksonville Jags: Can Blake Bortles prove that he’s not completely incompetent again next year?
– Indianapolis Colts: Will Andrew Luck ever be able to play football again?
– Washington Redskins: At almost 34, is Alex Smith going to be one of the most overpaid guys ever?
I know I didn’t mention every single team in the league, but you get it. There are A LOT of teams that may be in the market to bring in one of the new kids.
It’s Draft Day, y’all.
(Don’t forget to download the Comeback SZN NFL Draft Day Special)
