2017 NFL Draft: 5 quarterback needy NFL teams
By Jon Dove
The 2017 NFL Draft has several interesting quarterback prospects which is a good sign for 5 quarterback needy NFL teams.
Identifying NFL teams that could target a quarterback early in the 2017 NFL Draft is a huge projection. However, there are several teams that lack a clear long-term answer at the position. The list below includes teams with aging starters and below-average younger options.
Chicago Bears
Jay Cutler is in the middle of a long-term contract, but as we all know NFL contracts are not guaranteed. His level of production has not matched his salary which has created a ticking time-bomb situation.
Chicago is going to be looking to bring in a young quarterback in the near future. They could even select a quarterback in the 1st round of the 2017 NFL draft and keep Cutler in the mix. This would offer the young quarterback time to learn and develop.
Things are a little cloudy in Chicago because Cutler was solid last year and John Fox might hesitate turning the reins over to a young signal caller.
Arizona Cardinals
Carson Palmer will turn 37 years old during the season and is on the back-end of his career. His age and injury history should put pressure on the Cardinals to grab a quarterback early in the 2017 NFL Draft.
This is another situation where there will be an opportunity for a young player to sit behind a veteran and learn. Palmer is a smart and heady quarterback who’d be a great mentor for a developing player.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo is in an interesting situation because they have Tyrod Taylor on the roster. He had a breakout season last year, but there has been rumblings that the Bills aren’t completely sold on his potential.
Taylor will have this season to prove himself, but the Bills will keep a close eye on the 2017 quarterback prospects.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have a really bizarre quarterback situation with Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert fighting for the starting job. However, the team isn’t treating either player like the long-term answer at the position.
Gabbert has turned his career around, but it’s still tough to feel confident that he can develop into a top-flight starter. Kaepernick’s career is going in the other direction and has expressed his unhappiness with the organization.
Chip Kelly is the wildcard in this situation as nobody really knows what he has planned for the quarterback position.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns don’t appear any closer to solving their never-ending quarterback problems. Robert Griffin III is getting a chance to regain the form he showed as a rookie, but many have their doubts.
Cleveland surprised everyone when the grabbed Cody Kessler in the 3rd round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Kessler is known for his accuracy and decision making skills, but lacks elite arm strength and could struggle dealing with the harsh Cleveland weather.
The Browns seem like the most likely team to use an early 2017 draft pick on a quarterback.