The draft is in the rearview mirror and slowly but surely, we are making our way towards the 2019 NFL season. Let’s check out what could happen to the Top Five rookie quarterbacks.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Murray was drafted No. 1 overall by the Cardinals. While this was expected, it led to an additional move that sent sophomore quarterback (and former first-rounder) Josh Rosen to the Dolphins in a trade. It seems like Murray is capable of staying healthy so the big question will be whether or not he can play at the level of competition that comes with being the starting QB in the NFL.
Projection: Murray will be the Week 1 starter and will be healthy and active for all 16 games.
Passing: 58% completion, 3,876 yards, 29 touchdowns, 17 interceptions
Rushing: 108 carries, 619 yards, eight touchdowns, one fumble
Drew Lock, Denver Broncos
Lock was drafted by the Broncos in the second round, a significant fall considering some early mock drafts had him going to Denver 32 picks earlier. Unfortunately for Lock, the Broncos acquired Joe Flacco from the Ravens, and it is likely the team will turn to the veteran before using their rookie.
Projection: A lot depends on how Flacco performs, but Lock will likely be taking snaps in games by Weeks 6 or 7, and could start as soon as Week 11 or 12.
Passing: 54% completion, 1,872 yards, 12 touchdowns, nine interceptions
Rushing: 28 carries, 106 yards, four touchdowns, one fumble
Dwayne Haskins, Washington Redskins
Haskins was expected to go early in the first round but he ended up making a drastic slide to the middle of the round, falling right onto the Redskins’ lap. It remains to be seen whether it will be Haskins or Case Keenum by the time the season kicks off, but Haskins is sure to see a lot of playing time by the time the later months come around.
Projection: Assuming Alex Smith is out for the season, Haskins will be taking snaps by Weeks 4 or 5, and could start as soon as Week 6.
Passing: 64% completion, 3,420 yards, 26 touchdowns, 11 interceptions
Rushing: 55 carries, 112 yards, three touchdowns
Daniel Jones, New York Giants
The Giants used their first pick in an unexpected way (much to fans’ displeasure), drafting Daniel Jones when names like Haskins were still on the board. But if you watch Jones’ tape, you are sure to see that he, too, is a solid quarterback who could leave his imprint on the league. The only thing that is really holding him back from going off is Eli Manning, the veteran QB the Giants remain committed to for now.
Projection: Manning will be benched in the middle of Week 5, and Jones will take over the reins for the rest of the season, earning 10 starts.
Passing: 56% completion, 2,410 yards, 21 touchdowns, 10 interceptions
Rushing: 87 carries, 269 yards, three touchdowns, one fumble
Will Grier, Carolina Panthers
Will Grier is stuck behind Cam Newton on the Panthers’ quarterback depth chart, but with Newton’s health and consistency both being serious concerns, Grier could be thrust into action at random points throughout the season. Newton remains the top guy, but Grier is a great backup option when things go wrong. Grier offers extra security and will assure the Panthers that they have room to be careful with handling Newton.
Projection: Grier makes five starts while appearing in nine games due to Newton’s on-and-off struggles and injuries. His NFL debut will come in Week 3.
Passing: 52% completion, 1,986 yards, 17 touchdowns, 10 interceptions
Rushing: 47 carries, 96 yards, two touchdowns
