The quarterback landscape in the NFL has never looked better. That makes ranking all the starting QBs ahead of the 2020 season harder than ever before.
When looking at the very best right now from the 32 teams, there is an intriguing intersection of rising young superstars and highly accomplished veterans. That elite group is closely followed by several more efficient passers and high upside performers. But there were those who disappointed. Plus the NFL Rumor Roundup for Second Half of Season was pretty compelling.
The list of good versus back QB’s is vast, with many more being subpar. There’s even the Over rated players list:
Here’s a list of the most disappointing:
1.
Dwayne Haskins
Haskins took considerably more first-round lumps than Murray and Jones. He also had to wait a long time with Case Keenum serving as the bridge because it was pretty evident Jay Gruden wasn’t all in on him for the West Coast offense. The Scott Turner system of power running and deep throwing seems a little better suited to Haskins’ big-armed skill set. To that end, Haskins will need to beat out Kyle Allen, who already played for Turner, the Panthers QBs coach the past two seasons, also under Ron Rivera.
2.
Gardner Minshew, Jaguars
Minshew had a more efficient rookie season than either Murray or Jones. He was fearless in throwing the ball over the field when getting his opportunities, and also used his legs well when needed. He did everything to earn a shot to fully start in Year 2, and it’s good in the change of offensive coordinator from John DeFilippo to Jay Gruden, Jacksonville is keeping West Coast principles. He will be helped by true receivers at both tight end (Tyler Eifert) and running back (Chris Thompson). No one should be shocked if Minshew proves his eponymous mania isn’t a fluke.
3.
Derek Carr, Raiders
When one considers Carr, 29, didn’t get an on-field boost from Antonio Brown, the YPA and efficiency were rather impressive. But the reason Carr is around here is concerns about making Las Vegas’ offense a lot more explosive. The Raiers drafted Henry Ruggs III for him, pushing for that needed increase in big plays. There’s a sense Carr might be at his ceiling at 29 as another passer to file under “highly dependent.”
4.
Drew Lock, Broncos
Finally, John Elway and Denver have found a young potential franchise QB they like vs. going the veteran bridge route. Lock has all the classic physical tools, including athleticism, and he also has the right makeup and moxie to be the long-term face of the Broncos. Lock’s offensive line needs a little more boosting, but the Broncos loaded up at the skill positions with Melvin Gordon, Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler joining Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant, Lock also has to adapt in Year 2 like Jones with Shurmur’s 11 personnel scheme.
5.
Daniel Jones, Giants
Jones has officially taken the torch from Eli Manning. He gave the Giants some pretty typical above-average rookie production in 2020, also using his athleticism to help support it. Now Jones must adjust to a new offense, with Pat Shurmur and Mike Shula gone and and Jason Garrett bringing more of slow-tempo, run-oriented ways. While Saquon Barkley is the centerpiece, Jones has plenty of receiving help from the wideouts, tight ends and Barkley. He should be more efficient with his attempts going down as he absorbs the system.
6.
Jared Goff, Rams
Goff, has played in a Super Bowl and got his mega second contract but now seems to be at a career crossroads at only 25. There was nothing standing out from last season and now there’s a remix in the offense without Brandin Cooks and Todd Gurley. Goff has proved to be a highly dependent QB. As Sean McVay’s system broke down a bit because of injuries and other reasons, Goff didn’t bring it up like a elite passer would. Just four years after he went No. 1 overall, the league seems packed with newer, shinier models with real team-carrying upside.
Players can improve from year to year, but most that don’t start out well never seem to bounce back from one bad season.
Disappointing QB’s are always going to be part of the NFL. But sometimes it’s all about where they land. QB’s often get shuffled around to different teams.