NFL Rookie quarterbacks who could unexpectedly start in 2021

Davis Mills, Texans

Lastly, there is Davis Mills, who I think has the best chance out of any of these non-first-round quarterbacks to cement himself as a starter. Firstly, Davis Mills was the first player that the Houston Texans selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, after having traded away their first two-round picks.

Secondly, the situation involving incumbent, Deshaun Watson is still very much in flux, but this draft pick, alongside the offseason signing of Tyrod Taylor, means that the Texans are very likely moving on from Watson one way or another.

Taylor is a longtime veteran quarterback, but in many ways, he is a journeyman. Most recently, he was replaced by Justin Herbert with the Los Angeles Chargers after a rib injury sustained in week two last year. He never returned as a starter. The one-year contract represents that Taylor is more of a placeholder for Houston. If Mills impresses Houston enough, they will not hesitate to start him, especially in what will be considered a rebuilding year.

Mills only started 11 games for Stanford, so there will surely be some growing pains, but the Texans will be in a position to handle that next year. The traits and upside were clearly visible. Mills has the size and arm strength and demonstrated an ability to throw with timing and anticipation that make it feasible he could stick around as a starter if things go right. Either way, Davis Mills is in a better position than the other four non-first-round counterparts to become a starting quarterback in the next two years.