2014 Quarterback Class Making the Jump

Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Carr

Derek Carr didn’t end up going off the board until the second round where the Oakland Raiders took him. So he started off with the least amount of pressure on him but now, he has the most. It all started last year when he was the only rookie to start all 16 games and handled himself well under poor circumstances.

He had the worst running game in the NFL, a leaky offensive line on the right side and no receivers to throw to. Carr completed 58.1 percent of his passes for 3,270 yards, 21 TDs and 14 INTs with a quarterback rating of 76.6 as a rookie. He showed that he could do everything you need a quarterback to but got rid of the ball at times before a receiver broke open in order not to get hit.

After leaving his Week 1 game early with a hand injury, that was the area he showed the biggest jump in Week 2. He delivered accurate deep balls knowing he was about to get crushed by a pass-rusher. He completed 65 percent of his passes for 351 yards, three TDs, one INT, a 100.9 rating complete with a 4th-quarter comeback, game-winning drive and game winning touchdown pass.

Two of his four wins in the NFL came with a 4th-quarter comeback and game-winning drive but how often will the Raiders keep it close?

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