5 NFL quarterbacks who could surprise in 2020

5. Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders are going to have their issues defensively, but the offense should be good. Carr is surrounded by the best talent in his career, with running back Josh Jacobs, tight end Darren Waller, receivers Hunter Renfrow, Tyrell Williams and Henry Ruggs, and a terrific offensive line. If Las Vegas is going to compete for a playoff spot in the AFC, Carr will need to have his best year since 2016, when he was an MVP favorite before breaking his leg in Week 16. Anything short of 4,000 passing yards and 30+ touchdowns won’t do.

4. Daniel Jones, New York Giants

Jones is going to have his opportunities to make plays in offensive coordinator Jason Garrett’s offense. Garrett was maligned as a head coach in Dallas, but he can scheme and call plays effectively. Jones also has some weapons in running back Saquon Barkley, tight end Evan Engram and receivers Darius Slayton, Golden Tate and Sterling Shepard. If New York can keep Jones upright — and using the No. 4 overall pick on left tackle Andrew Thomas was wise — he could have a big season.

3. Tyrod Taylor, Los Angeles Chargers

Taylor has been either a backup or a game-manager throughout his career. Last season, Taylor came over from the Buffalo Bills to sit behind Philip Rivers in Los Angeles. Now, he’s getting a chance to start with rookie first-round pick Justin Herbert learning the offense. In his career, Taylor has never thrown for 3,100 yards or more than 20 touchdowns in a season. Surrounded by Austin Ekeler, Mike Williams, Hunter Henry and Keenan Allen, this is his best shot to put up numbers.

2. Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns

Mayfield simply can’t be worse than he was as a sophomore. Consider the difference between these two lines:

2018: 14 games, 3,725 yards, 63.8% completion rate, 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions
2019: 16 games, 3,827 yards, 59.4% completion rate, 22 touchdowns and 21 interceptions

Mayfield has a new head coach and offensive guru in Kevin Stefanski. Few teams have the amount of talent Cleveland does offensively, including running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, tight ends David Njoku and Austin Hooper, and receivers Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. If Mayfield fails this season, it’s completely on him.

1. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

Murray is going to be a breakout star. The former No. 1 overall pick, Murray has a terrific supporting cast including receivers Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk and the newly-acquired DeAndre Hopkins. Murray also has Kenyan Drake in the backfield and an excellent offensive mind in second-year head coach Kliff Kingsbury. Everything is in place — sans perhaps a top-tier offensive line — for Murray to become a superstar.