Which Rookie QBs Are Due For A Big Sophomore Season?
Photo by Luke Easterling
In the 2021-2022 season, we saw many rookie quarterbacks emerge in their rookie season. In a year where five quarterbacks were taken in the first round of the draft, we were able to witness what each brought to the table, considering their own circumstances and teams.
Personally, I think QBs like 1st overall pick Trevor Lawrence and number two pick Zach Wilson could possibly be doomed if their teams’ front office, coaching, and rosters aren’t improved. For example, Trevor Lawrence was seen as one of the highest draft prospects in recent memory. The Jacksonville Jaguars selected him with the first overall pick, and with high hopes, but still ended with a disappointing season and acquired the number one pick yet again. Is this his fault, though? Not entirely. The Jaguars faced coaching troubles with then HC Urban Meyer and had an unfortunate season. What Trevor Lawrence needs for a solid sophomore season, along with Jets QB Zach Wilson, is a consistency in coaching and an upgrade in the 2022 Draft/Free Agency roster-wise. These would help propel the two for a better, but maybe not superstar, sophomore season.
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Next, Bears QB Justin Fields. Fields was selected by the Chicago Bears 11th overall pick in the 2021 Draft, and faced the backup role for a good chunk of the season behind QB Andy Dalton before injury and roster moves. The former Ohio State was then given the driver’s seat and struggled at times, but also showed glimpses of bright potential whether it was with his passing game or even with his legs. Like the Jaguars, the Bears have just seen a change in coaching as they brought in Colts DC Matt Eberflus for their head coach vacancy after moving on from Matt Nagy. They also acquired a new General Manager, along with other roles. I think this is a huge step in the right direction for the franchise.
What Justin Fields needs now for a strong sophomore season is to develop this offseason and the trust from the organization to lead the team in the 2022-2023 season at the starting quarterback position. Along with both of these things, the Bears have a strong defense as well, so they could use this to fall back on as they try and develop Fields for an improved second season.
Next, a prediction that could be seen as realistic, and one that could be seen as an overreaction.
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Realistic: Trey Lance will be the 49ers starting quarterback in his sophomore season.
Trey Lance was selected 3rd overall in the 2021 Draft, but never saw the field as he was the backup to starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. But with rumors of San Francisco looking to move on from Garoppolo, NFL experts and fans might look to Lance as the one to take the helm for his second NFL season. If the 49ers don’t bring in a veteran quarterback, I think this is a strong possibility for Lance to show off his immense talent given the trust of the organization and high powered offense led by head coach Kyle Shanahan.
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Overreaction: We might see Kyle Trask as the Buccaneers starting quarterback in the 2022-2023 season.
After Tom Brady’s retirement, the Buccaneers are in need for a quarterback to replace him, as hard as that might be. Head coach Bruce Arians has said he is confident in their quarterback room as of now, but if the Buccaneers don’t promote backup Blaine Gabbert to the starting spot, could we see Trask at the helm? I think it might be a possibility, but could still be seen as unlikely. Trask was taken by Tampa Bay with the final pick in the second round of last year’s draft, and never saw playing time with Brady leading the way and Gabbert at the backup spot. But Trask has a lot of talent that shouldn’t go wasted, so I think it might be something to keep an eye on.
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Finally, Mac Jones. Jones was taken with the 15th pick in last year’s NFL Draft by the Patriots, and started the entire season. I think it’s safe to say Jones had the best season of any rookie quarterback, leading his team to the playoffs while being named to the Pro Bowl. With coaching changes in New England and roster moves, could Jones keep this high up in his second season next year? I would say absolutely, because with a year of experience under his belt, there are expectations that he will have a strong offseason to develop more and better the connections he has with his offensive weapons and with coaching.
The 2021-2022 rookie class showcased a ton of talent and potential throughout the season, so I think it’ll be something to keep an eye out for who has a strong sophomore season, and who will find struggles.
