Predicting NFL QBs for Bears, Patriots, Steelers, Broncos, and more after draft, free agency

The NFL scouting combine is in full swing, and with most of the front offices located in Indianapolis, there’s some information floating around about what each team plans to do at quarterback. While much of the information floating around at this stage of the game is a smokescreen and each team is keeping their cards close to their hearts, there are some rumors we’re hearing that make too much sense. do not have Occur.

So let’s take a closer look at QB-deficient teams in 2024 and combine what we’re hearing with logic to predict how this situation will pan out.

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams

We don’t even know what the Bears plan to do with the No. 1 pick at this point. However, league officials are operating under the assumption that the team will trade Justin Fields before free agency begins and select Caleb Williams from USC with the No. 1 pick in April’s draft.

There’s a reason Williams was the presumptive No. 1 pick this entire college football season. He is a dynamic playmaker with an absurd ability to improvise after the snap to avoid pressure. His floor looks like Kyler Murray, but he has some traits unlike Patrick Mahomes in that he looks downfield under pressure and always tries to move the ball with his arms rather than his legs. There is. .

The upside here makes a lot of sense for the Bears, who are in need of a bonafide superstar, which is why I think he might be the pick here.

Atlanta Falcons: Justin Fields

Raheem Morris throwing Desmond Ridder under the bus this week was a sign that something was going on here.

I feel like the Falcons and Bears already have the framework in place for a trade that would send Justin Fields to Atlanta. It’s unclear what Chicago will get in this deal, but it may explain why Morris feels comfortable discussing the team’s needs at quarterback.

Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, albeit marred by a lot of poor play. Not that this is all his fault. Inconsistent offensive vision and questionable weapons prevented him from reaching his full potential. The Falcons have the weapons he needs, and offensive coach Zach Robinson can truly unleash Fields and turn him into the franchise QB he is destined to be.

Washington Commander: Jayden Daniels

There’s a lot of talk around the commanders in particular that they don’t really care about Drake May. In an ideal world, Caleb Williams would be on the board, but with the Bears likely acquiring him, the team would likely skip Maye and take Jaden Daniels off the team. LSU.

This is a risky, high-risk move for the team. a lot Empowering new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Daniels makes sense in terms of what it takes to run Kingsbury’s system, but considering Maye is the safest and most NFL-ready QB in this draft with a very high floor. That’s a very questionable choice.

New England Patriots: Drake Maye

The Patriots really Really I think about what they do in the draft. Interviews play a big role for them. Some believe the team will consider moving away from the No. 3 pick if Drake Maye plays, while others believe the team will hold onto it and acquire a QB of the future.

In the end, it feels like a waste to get Mei. It’s possible that a team could make an offer and take New England out of the draft, but Maye basically has everything this team lacks at the position. He has his elite arm strength, confidence in the pocket to make plays, is not afraid to get hit, and is a sneaky athlete.

There is room for improvement in his footwork, but this could truly result in the Patriots acquiring the best QB in the 2024 class.

Minnesota Vikings: Kirk Cousins

Vikings are fascinating. They sit at No. 11, just outside of where they need to be to land a top quarterback. There’s a good chance they’ll trade up, but GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is an analytical thinker who knows how damaging it can be to part with a lot of assets in a trade.

Ultimately, there will be a lot of conversations, but the Vikings intend to re-sign Cousins ​​without any further planning. This is the smartest move for them right now, and they can look to find a franchise QB long-term in the future.

Las Vegas Raiders: Jimmy Garoppolo

Like the Vikings, the Raiders are unable to acquire a top quarterback without trading up. That’s certainly a possibility, but it’s unclear whether the team is ready to jump into the quagmire of voiding Garoppolo’s contract.

The most likely scenario is to give Antonio Pierce a full season and see what he does with the current setup, rather than rushing to make a QB decision now. It’s a more cautious and methodical approach than the Raiders we’re used to seeing, but it’s a good move for them long-term.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Russell Wilson

of steelers We know we can’t win with the current QB room. As it stands, it looks like the team will look for a veteran on the market to fill that gap and recover from the pain of missing out on Kenny Pickett.

There was a lot of credence to the idea that the Steelers would make a move for Justin Fields, but it appears to have been completely shot down. Going forward, they will wait to see what the veteran market looks like.

The top end here is Russell Wilson. If his time in Denver is indeed over (and it certainly looks like it is), he would definitely be picked up by the team. If that fails, they’ll have to take a big step and settle for someone like free agents Ryan Tannehill or Gardner Minshew.

Denver Broncos: JJ McCarthy

This makes too much sense. McCarthy grew up knowing what it was like to play for an aggressive and domineering head coach in Jim Harbaugh. He now plans to do the same with Denver’s Sean Payton.

There are a lot of unknowns about McCarthy, as he wasn’t asked to do much at Michigan. What we do know is that he handles the ball very smartly, makes great decisions, and has enough zip to throw into tight windows. There is talk at the moment that the Broncos are very interested in McCarthy and are investing more time in him than any of the other Tier 2 QB prospects in this draft class.

Denver will need to make strides to accomplish this, especially with several teams potentially targeting McCarthy like the Giants and Vikings. Still, this is very appropriate and too logical not to happen.