As the excitement for the 2024 NFL Draft mounts, a shadow looms over the festivities, cast by the less-than-stellar outcomes of the 2021 quarterback class. This year, with up to six quarterbacks vying for top spots in the first round, teams and their faithful followers should perhaps temper their enthusiasm with a healthy dose of caution.
A Troublesome Trend in Quarterback Trades
Zach Wilson’s recent move from the New York Jets to the Denver Broncos underlines a stark reality: the celebrated 2021 quarterback class didn’t live up to the hype. Following Wilson’s shift, there’s been a notable domino effect among his peers.
Adam Schefter of ESPN highlighted a concerning trend—four of the five quarterbacks drafted in the first round three years ago have already been handed off to other teams.
The trade roster is a who’s who of hopefuls turned migratory: Justin Fields moved from the Bears to the Steelers; Mac Jones switched from the Patriots to the Jaguars; and Trey Lance was traded from the 49ers to the Cowboys before the 2023 season kicked off.
Potential Fallout for 2024 Draft Choices
This pattern offers a stark warning to teams in the 2024 draft hunt. The painful lessons learned by the Jets, 49ers, Bears, and Patriots—who all missed the mark in 2021—highlight the complexities of picking a franchise quarterback. With teams like the Giants, Vikings, Broncos, and Raiders rumored to be considering trades to secure a top pick, this history might make them think twice.
Moreover, even squads such as the Bears, Commanders, and Patriots, who are expected to snatch up quarterbacks with the first three selections, aren’t out of the woods yet. Despite their advantageous positions, the specter of past misfires could temper their draft day strategies.
U think I’d make a good NFL quarterback? 🤔 2024 #NFLDraft @NFL @espn @SportsCenter @ABCNetwork pic.twitter.com/o5IRmrxEHB
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) April 22, 2024
High Hopes and High Risks for New Quarterback Talents
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, and Michael Penix Jr. are the names on everyone’s lips, hoping to avoid the fate of their predecessors. These young athletes are poised to be the fresh faces of NFL franchises, but the daunting reality from 2021 serves as a reminder: not all will likely finish their rookie contracts with the teams that draft them.
Conclusion: A Cautious Optimism Prevails
As the NFL community gears up for the 2024 Draft, the ghost of 2021’s class looms large. Teams are forewarned and perhaps more discerning this time around. The challenge is clear: balance the excitement of acquiring a new quarterback with the strategic prudence fostered by recent history. After all, in the high-stakes world of the NFL, past missteps are not just lessons—they are warnings.
Source- Yardbarker
