Which NFL Rookie Quarterbacks are Expected to Shine in 2021?
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One of the most exciting aspects of a new NFL season is working out which rookies are going to shine and make their mark on the league. There’s no position more important in this league than quarterback, so rookie quarterbacks and their potential are the talks of the town.
This season’s no different, with a handful of up-and-comers given the keys to their franchise, and fans hoping that their new man under center can deliver the goods. Here’s a look at three rookie quarterbacks who are expected to shine during the 2021 season.
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Trevor Lawrence – Jacksonville Jaguars
There’s no better place to start than with Trevor Lawrence. He has the world at his feet, was drafted as the number one overall pick in the most recent 2021 NFL Draft, and comes in with a college pedigree that can stand up to the very best that has gone before him.
Lawrence spent three years at college, losing just two games to end with a hugely impressive 34-2 record, throwing for over 10,000 yards and 90 touchdowns. That’s not all he has in the locker either: individually, he ran for almost 1000 yards and scored 18 touchdowns himself. It’s no surprise given his pedigree that he is the joint favorite in the NFL odds on bet365 Lawrence at +550 to win the AP offensive rookie of the year award.
As for fans of the Jags and expectations on Lawrence, this is the first time the franchise has landed the number one overall pick. It couldn’t have come at a better time either, just when they needed a spark, they’ve potentially landed a generational talent and future star of the league.
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Mac Jones – New England Patriots
Taken as the number 15 overall in the same draft as Lawrence, the New England Patriots have quickly put their faith in Mac Jones to lead them forward. They’ve released Cam Newton to make room for Jones and elevate him to be their starter, much to the surprise of some.
However, when you look at this franchise and how well they managed a burgeoning Tom Brady to develop his skills, it’s certainly a move that should make all NFL fans sit up and take note. Jones has been given the same odds as Lawrence to win the offensive rookie of the year award, despite his lower draft ranking, and for now, at least, a smaller bandwagon of watchers follow his every move.
Justin Fields – Chicago Bears
Drafted 11th in 2021, putting him behind Lawrence and ahead of Jones, Justin Fields is another name to watch, assuming that he wins the battle for the number one job in Chicago at some point during the season.
That may happen right away, with speculation growing that Fields could play some part in week 1, but if he doesn’t it probably won’t be too long before he gets a shot. The Bears clearly think a lot of him, after trading up to select him at the draft.
He may not have the arm and throwing ability of some other aspiring quarterbacks, but Fields can offer a diverse range of skills, as he showed by scoring 19 rushing touchdowns in college. That will surely excite Bears fans and makes him one to watch.
