Training Camp Rookie Rankings: Quarterbacks

Jul 28, 2021

Feb 12, 2021; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence works out during Pro Day in Clemson, South Carolina. Mandatory Credit: David Platt/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

As training camp gets under way, all eyes are on the incoming rookies. This is their first chance to show off their talents since being drafted. With their first season approaching, we will be ranking each position for our five favorites going into the 2021 season. These rankings will be based on overall talent as well as their likelihood to succeed based on the team around them.

1. Trevor Lawrence

Jan 1, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) attempts a pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

I think one of the biggest shocks of this season would be if Trevor Lawrence didn’t win Rookie of the Year. He has all the talent in the world, and throughout his collegiate career at Clemson, he won at an historically high clip.

As Lawrence begins his NFL career in Jacksonville, he enters a franchise that seems on its way up. The Jags snatched his Clemson teammate, Travis Etienne, to create an RB trio with one of last season’s biggest surprises, James Robinson, and veteran Carlos Hyde.

The rest of the roster isn’t too shabby, either. Marvin Jones got added to a talented receiving group. Walker Little shows promise as a left tackle. The secondary looks to be improved with additions of Shaq Griffin, Tyson Campbell, and Andre Cisco. It would be surprising for Jacksonville to make the playoffs, but they certainly won’t win just one game.

2. Justin Fields

Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) runs the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Christian Harris (8) and defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (29) during the third quarter in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

This is where things get interesting. Strictly speaking in terms of 2020, Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Mac Jones aren’t guaranteed a starting spot to begin the year, and Zach Wilson is nowhere to be seen with an ongoing contract dispute. That said, head coach Matt Nagy seems more open to the idea of Fields starting this year. Fields started training camp with a dominant performance, and Nagy showed his excitement in the presser.

A QB has felt like the Bears’ missing piece for years. Now that they finally have a top QB prospect, Chicago’s window to compete begins immediately. Teven Jenkins will provide protection at left tackle, and the offense has talented pieces. Not to mention, the defense is still one of the best. Fields won’t do as much as Lawrence on the field, but he will have more immediate team success.

3. Mac Jones

Jan 1, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws the ball during the first quarter of the 2020 VRBO Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Again, this is a situation where Jones enters an organization built for success. Cam Newton will probably be the starter to begin the season, but Jones will likely get a shot. With Bill Belichick and a revamped offense, the Patriots are poised to rejoin the playoffs in 2021.

In 2020, the leading receiver was Jacobi Myers, who started just nine games. This offseason, New England added Nelson Agholor, Jonnu Smith, and Hunter Henry, all of whom had more receiving TDs than anyone on the roster last year. Of course, a talented receiving group may lead to a more effective Cam Newton, but he is not the long term plan. Jones should get an opportunity at some point.

4. Zach Wilson

Quarterback, Zach Wilson as the New York Jets participate in OTA’s at their practice facility in Florham Park, NJ on June 10, 2021. The New York Jets Participate In Ota S At Their Practice Facility In Florham Park Nj On June 10 2021

It’s never a good sign when a QB and his team are butting heads before said QB even takes the field. Ultimately, I expect Zach Wilson and the Jets will reach an agreement soon. However, if the relationship is already strained, this may just be the latest edition of the circus that is the New York Jets football experience.

On the other hand, Wilson was the second overall pick for a reason. He’s a very talented player, and the Jets are attempting to build an equally talented team around him. Corey Davis’ signing adds a WR1 to the receivers, with Elijah Moore and Keelan Cole being key depth pieces.

One of the biggest issues with the Sam Darnold era was a lack of protection. New York saw that and made an aggressive move to draft Alijah Vera-Tucker. He was one of the most versatile linemen in this draft, and that should be very valuable moving forward. The Jets are still a long way from being competitive, but they finally are working towards an identity.

5. Trey Lance

Jan 11, 2020; Frisco, Texas, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Trey Lance (5) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the James Madison Dukes at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

I’ll just be honest; I don’t see a path where Trey Lance plays much in 2021. It’s pretty disappointing as I think Lance belongs in the top-three of this class. However, with Jimmy Garoppolo still on the roster, it seems less likely he’s being moved. Kyle Shanahan seems firmly set on Garoppolo being the starter, and he should be. $26 million is way too much for a QB to be a spectator on the sideline.

That said, whenever San Fran moves on from Garoppolo, Lance will be ready. He’s a defense’s nightmare as a dual threat player. Some may be concerned with him playing FCS competition, but he dominated that level. There is no reason to think that with an offensive wizard like Shanahan, he won’t continue that success in the NFL.