QB picks can take learning curve at leisurely pace
The first six quarterbacks came off the board in the first two days of the draft. We break down how each rookie passer taken in the first three rounds fits in with his new team.
Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears
It’s rare for a team to give up so much capital, draft a player and then put him in a position in which he sits on the bench to develop. But that’s what the Bears did when they moved up one spot to pluck Trubisky. General manager Ryan Pace told Trubisky minutes after Chicago selected him that Mike Glennon, whom the Bears signed as a free agent last month, would be the starter.
Trubisky was considered the most accurate passer in the class, has plus arm strength and can operate in the pocket — traits that are a seamless fit in offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains’ system full of West Coast passing concepts.
But Trubisky started only 13 games while at North Carolina, so the popular thought is he needs more reps and experience.
Glennon is signed to a threeyear deal, but 2018 and 2019 are team options, so Chicago can cut bait at its discretion.
Arguably the quarterback with the most dynamic arm in the class, Mahomes boasts a gunslinging mentality and zip on his throws. But he needs time to refine his technique and understanding of NFL offenses. He’s the prototypical boom-or-bust draft pick, and his selection by the Chiefs affords him the perfect scenario.
He can sit behind Alex Smith, who is signed through 2018, though the Chiefs can opt out of the deal after 2017. This gives Kansas City, and Mahomes, flexibility to not rush him into action too early.
Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans
The Texans were a playoff team without Watson. They went 9-7 and won the AFC South. That was with below-average quarterback play. Coach Bill O’Brien and general manager Rick Smith said Tom Savage will start for Houston, but Watson has the best shot of any of the rookie passers to play early.
If Savage struggles — even as early as training camp — Watson could start from opening day. But if Savage proves he can at least be competent, Houston will have the luxury of easing Watson along. O’Brien raved about Watson’s recall during their three-hour formal interview, so Houston likely won’t shy away from putting a lot on the rookie’s plate.
DeShone Kizer, Cleveland Browns
A slide into the second round lands Kizer with an excellent fit with coach Hue Jackson, noted for maximizing the play of his quarterbacks. Kizer has the physical skills teams crave in their quarterbacks. He has size (6-4), he can make plays with his feet, he can play in the pocket and he has a strong arm. But Kizer appeared to regress in 2016 and looked like he forced the ball far too many times.
Cleveland needs a huge boost in quarterback play in 2017, but that doesn’t mean Kizer will play right away. Depending on how quickly Kizer can grasp Jackson’s offense, Cody Kessler might be in charge of the Browns for the time being.
Davis Webb, New York Giants
Like many of the other prospects taken ahead of him, Webb comes into a spot in which he doesn’t need to contribute right away. Eli Manning is New York’s starter, and that is expected to stay that way for the next few seasons. But make no mistake, this pick is about finding Manning ’s successor. Webb has several traits that project him as being a capable quarterback in the NFL, but his career has been in offenses that simplify decision-making. He won’t be able to get away with that in the NFL.
But Webb’s work ethic is his greatest strength. He’ll need it to get to the point where he’s making anticipatory throws and not waiting for receivers to get open. A big chunk of coach Ben McAdoo’s offense requires throws near the line of scrimmage, which is Webb’s bread and butter. It will take time, but that’s why it might just work.
C.J. Beathard, San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco desperately needs quarterback help. Before free agency began, the 49ers had none on the roster. Taking Beathard in the third round was a bit of a reach, but he adds depth. There’s almost no chance that Beathard will play in 2017, with Brian Hoyer serving as the starter and Matt Barkley sitting behind him in the backup spot. This pick, though, was likely made in large part because of how similar Beathard’s offense in Iowa was to the system coach Kyle Shanahan will implement in his first season as a head coach.