5 QB-needy teams looming as potential trade-up threats in NFL draft

5 QB-needy teams looming as potential trade-up threats in NFL draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The 2024 NFL Draft could see a very early run on quarterbacks.

USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye, LSU’s Jayden Daniels and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. headline a loaded class of quarterback prospects, with all four boasting the potential to be top-10 picks.

But not all teams near the top of the draft order are locks to take a signal-caller.

The Chicago Bears, who hold the first and ninth overall picks, have a decision to make with former first-rounder Justin Fields. The Arizona Cardinals (No. 4 pick) seem committed to Kyler Murray long term. The Los Angeles Chargers (No. 5 pick) have Justin Herbert. The New York Giants (No. 6 pick) just paid Daniel Jones last offseason. The Tennessee Titans (No. 7 pick) got a promising rookie season out of 2023 second-rounder Will Levis. And the New York Jets (No. 10 pick) are in contention mode with Aaron Rodgers returning from injury.

That could pave the way for QB-needy teams to move up the first-round board for a signal-caller, a scenario that’s played out countless times in NFL draft history. In just the past few drafts, the Carolina Panthers went from No. 9 to No. 1 for Bryce Young, the San Francisco 49ers went from No. 12 to No. 3 for Trey Lance and the Bears went from No. 20 to No. 11 for Fields.

So, which teams loom as potential trade-up threats in 2024? Here are five to keep an eye on.

The Atlanta Falcons gave Desmond Ridder the starting reins entering the 2023 season. But the 2022 third-round pick went just 6-7, while throwing 12 touchdowns and 12 picks, and was benched multiple times as the Falcons missed the playoffs and fired head coach Arthur Smith. Suffice to say, Ridder isn’t the answer long term.

Atlanta has used a top-10 pick on an offensive weapon in each of the last three drafts. Now, it’s time to go get a franchise quarterback to pair with the likes of Bijan Robinson and Drake London.

It just…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/5-qb-needy-teams-watch-021702233.html

Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-01-10 02:36:56

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