What Makes A Great Rookie Quarterback? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

What Will It Take To Become A Quarterback Of The Future?

Who will be one of the next big faces of football?

15
What Will It Take To Become A Quarterback Of The Future?

What does it take to turn a rookie quarterback into a quality starter, and eventually the face of the franchise?

Five teams -- the Browns, Bills, Jets, Cardinals and Ravens -- all must ask themselves this question as they progress into the season with quarterbacks chosen in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. All of these quarterbacks have unique talents that if utilized properly, will have them bursting on the scene in the 2018-2019 season.

In the AFC North, we have the number one overall pick Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns, and the 32nd overall pick Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. Both were chosen on opposite ends of the first round. Both came with higher expectations than originally developed prior to the draft. For Mayfield and the Browns, they should embrace the quarterback competition. The Browns did not sign players like Jarvis Landry, Carlos Hyde and especially Tyrod Taylor this off-season to rebuild. These are building blocks to win now, which is a very promising tactic for a team that has only won one game in the last two seasons under Hue Jackson. Taylor hasn't done anything to lose the starting job; therefore, Baker must continue to exceed expectations in practice and preseason so if Taylor gets hurt -- and he does have an injury history-- Baker will be able to step in and take the spot, rather than being eased into the position.

For Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, they need to do the opposite of the Browns by treating this as a red-shirt season. Lamar has shown in these first few preseason games that he is seeing the pass rush before even looking at his reads. If it weren't for his athleticism and speed, he'd look like an obvious third string/practice squad player. Joe Flacco's contract is up soon, which in the meantime will give Lamar this season and another full summer to work out in NFL facilities, watch films of complex defenses and simply get a feel for the transition in speed from the college level to the pros.


In the AFC East, we have third overall Sam Darnold of the New York Jets, and the seventh pick Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Unlike the AFC North QBs, the best thing for these two quarterbacks is to get reps with live action. Basically learning by doing. Darnold and Allen are on teams that truly need a leader to eventually take the helm as the best quarterback in the division after Tom Brady. To take such drastic steps in improvement, these guys need to be thrown into the fire early to help speed up their development. I would also like to point out that Jets fans should be on the look out for a trade that includes the newly acquired Teddy Bridgewater. A move like that would definitely signify that the Jets are giving Darnold the keys to leading the team.

Last up is the NFC West, with the tenth pick Josh Rosen of the Arizona Cardinals. My suggestion is to let him sit behind a pretty decent starter in Sam Bradford, who allows them to try to win now. Honestly, this is because with a tough, defensive-minded division that includes the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks, that's not the most promising division to just throw a rookie into and say "go make plays."

These five QBs definitely have the talent to be the quarterbacks of the future, but I feel that the way these teams start the development process is critical to these young guys' path to stardom.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

12 Long-Term Relationship Milestones

You've got a keeper if you've made it to any of these milestones.

374
couple on the beach
Pexels

You've been together for so long. It's great. And as the time spent in your relationship grows, you hit certain milestones where you know it's real. These can be make-or-break moments, or just little things where you finally realize that you're both doing it. Everybody hits these milestones, no matter how long it takes; they're inevitable.

You know you've made it when you hit these long-term relationship milestones.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 Of The Best Shows To Binge Watch Over Winter Break

As the semester is coming to an end, most of us are going to have more free time on our hands. This calls for binge watching a new show on Netflix and really using this break to relax from the stress of school. Here are some of the best shows on Netflix that you should be watching.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Gifs That Explain Your Lazy Weekend

Get ready for 2.5 days of doing absolutely nothing

1035
netflix
Kayla Master

Admit it: everyone loves to have a lazy weekend every once in a while. Not too much work to do, comfy clothes, Netflix binge sessions: just a few of the perfect components of a relaxing weekend. While you may get to a point where you regret doing absolutely nothing with your weekend, you just got to pull through and finish out this weekend to prove that you can go 2.5 days without accomplishing a single thing.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Truths About Being In A Sorority

(For Girls Who Are Interested In Greek Life)

3127
Sorority
Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break
Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments