NFL power rankings: 5 best situations for rookie QBs
In these NFL power rankings, we look at the best and worst situations for each of the five 2021 first-round quarterbacks.
5. Zach Wilson, New York Jets
Wilson has the toughest job of any rookie quarterback. The Jets are going to force him to start from the jump, even though he comes into the NFL having had only one excellent year at college with the BYU Cougars. With the Jets, Wilson will be throwing to receiver Corey Davis but little else, and the offensive line is middling at best. New York is one of the weaker teams in the league, and there’s no safety net for Wilson.
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4. Mac Jones, New England Patriots
Jones is in an interesting spot in the NFL power rankings. He’s going to fight for the starting job with Cam Newton, and there’s a real shot he begins the season under center. Furthermore, Jones has the luxury of being coached by Bill Belichick and offense coordinator Josh McDaniels. However, New England doesn’t have a real top target, even after spending lavishly this offseason to sign tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, and receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne.
3. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawrence come into the league with the most fanfare since Andrew Luck entered with the Indianapolis Colts in 2012. The Jaguars are coming off a season where they won their first game and then lost 15 straight. Now, Jacksonville has Lawrence under center with receivers D.J. Chark and Marvin Jones, and running backs James Robinson and Travis Etienne around him. Lawrence and the Jags should score, but will first-year coach Urban Meyer help or hurt their cause?
Read: Giants GM Admits It’s An ‘Important Year’ For QB Daniel Jones
2. Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
Fields is actually in a very good spot. The Bears aren’t going to rush him on the field — or at least that’s the party line — with Andy Dalton in the building. Chicago also has an elite receiver in Allen Robinson and a rising star in second-year man Darnell Mooney. Additionally, head coach Matt Nagy is an offensive guru coming over from the Andy Reid tree. This sets up to be a nice fit for Fields and the Bears.
1. Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers
Easily the top spot on the list. San Francisco won’t rush Lance into the starting gig, and when he does take over, he has an excellent offensive mind in head coach Kyle Shanahan. He will also enjoy the talents of tight end George Kittle and receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. All told, Lance sits in the best position for both the present and future.
