NFL Draft 2019: Dolphins, Broncos, Jaguars, Redskins, Giants Looking For A Quarterback?

The quickest way to achieve success in the NFL is to find a reliable quarterback, but not every team was able to do that in 2018. For teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, New York Giants and Washington Redskins, finding a signal-caller this offseason could prove vital to success in 2019 and beyond.

The Broncos could theoretically keep Case Keenum around and the Giants will probably start Eli Manning for one more year. The Jaguars seem done with Blake Bortles and the Redskins will need help to stay competitive after Alex Smith’s potentially career-ending injury.

The easiest place to find a QB is often in the draft, but this is not considered a prime draft class at the position. Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins will probably be the first one off the board after he set the Big Ten record for touchdown passes in a season, but after him, things are a bit less certain.

Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray is coming off a Heisman season in which he put up better numbers than last year’s No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield in the same offense. However, he is only 5’10’’ and his slight frame could affect his draft stock. Mock drafts have him going anywhere from fourth to 15th overall.

Missouri’s Drew Lock fits the mold of a typical NFL passer. He is 6’4’’ and has a powerful arm that helped him put up big numbers against SEC defenses. In 2017, he set the SEC record for the most touchdown passes in a season. The Broncos, in particular, are said to be interested in taking Lock with the 10th overall pick.

Finally, Duke’s Daniel Jones could be a wild card in the first round after teams get a closer look at him. His numbers are not staggering at first-glance: He completed 60.5 percent of his passes for 2,674 yards, 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions last year. However, he is an inch taller than Lock, can make every NFL throw and has the ability to make plays with his legs.

Jones also has the benefit of having been coached by renowned QB guru David Cutcliffe, who also coached both Peyton and Eli Manning in college.

If none of those prospects look appealing, there are always veterans available.

Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco will be sought after on the trade market, but his value is questionable. He has not played at an especially high level since winning the Super Bowl in 2012, with his passer rating exceeding 90 only once in the six seasons since. His contract also has two years left on it and carries a heavy salary cap hit.

Philadelphia Eagles QB Foles, on the other hand, has never started all 16 games in a season and a larger look at his career paints a picture of inconsistency. Aside from his Pro Bowl season in 2013 and the Eagles’ magical Super Bowl run in 2017, he does not have the statistical profile of a highly paid starter.

It is also not 100 percent clear whether or not Foles will become a free agent or be traded yet. The latter scenario seems more likely at this point.