Among the notable fifth-year quarterbacks drafted in the top three picks are Joe Burrow, Matt Ryan, Baker Mayfield, and Carson Wentz. Each of these quarterbacks has made significant contributions to their teams and has established themselves as key figures in the NFL landscape.

Despite concerns about age, the success of these fifth-year quarterbacks underscores the importance of experience and maturity in the transition to the professional level. Rather than being hindered by their advanced age, these quarterbacks have thrived under the pressure of the NFL, showcasing their abilities to lead their teams to victory.

As of April 12, 2024, the top picks of the upcoming NFL Draft are shaping up to include some promising prospects, including fifth-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. With the Chicago Bears leaning towards selecting Caleb Williams as the first overall pick and the Washington Commanders eyeing Jayden Daniels at number two, there is growing recognition of the value that experienced quarterbacks bring to the draft.

In addition to Daniels, other top prospects such as Drake Maye and JJ McCarthy are also generating significant interest from NFL teams. With the New England Patriots and the Minnesota Vikings considering these talented quarterbacks with their early picks, the stage is set for a competitive and dynamic draft class.

For Jayden Daniels, in particular, his accolades, including a Heisman Trophy win, highlight his dominance and potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. As teams prepare to make their selections in the draft, the success of fifth-year quarterbacks serves as a reminder that experience can be a valuable asset in building a championship-caliber team.

In conclusion, the inclusion of fifth-year quarterbacks in the top picks of the NFL Draft demonstrates the evolving perception of age in professional football. With proven success stories like Burrow, Ryan, Mayfield, and Wentz paving the way, the upcoming draft class, including Jayden Daniels, has the opportunity to continue this trend and make a lasting impact in the NFL.

If Kingsbury secures the OC or Head Coach job in Chicago, the consensus is that the Bears may lean towards drafting Caleb Williams, a move that could reshape the quarterback landscape for the team.

The question then arises: What does this mean for the current starting quarterback, Justin Fields?

There’s a growing sentiment that Fields might not have a long-term future with the Bears if Kingsbury, who coached Williams at USC, takes the offensive coordinator position. The ongoing interview process with Williams’ college coach suggests a potential shift in the Bears’ quarterback dynamics, possibly leading to a move involving Justin Fields.

If Kliff Kingsbury indeed lands the job, the speculation is that the Bears, armed with the No. 1 draft pick, might opt for Caleb Williams, a dynamic quarterback with immense potential. The intriguing twist would be if the Bears decide to trade Justin Fields, adding another layer of complexity to their offseason decisions.

The Bears’ General Manager Ryan Poles faces a challenging dilemma, navigating between the proven skills of Justin Fields and the high demand for the No. 1 pick in the draft, especially with Caleb Williams in the spotlight. The trade market dynamics are evident — Fields might not fetch a first-round pick, while Williams could potentially command multiple first-round selections from eager suitors.

Comparing the financial aspects, Fields presents a cost of $30 million over the next two years, while Caleb Williams, entering the draft, brings a cost of $37 million spread across four years.

As the draft approaches, the Bears must carefully weigh their options, considering the potential impact of coaching decisions and the ever-evolving quarterback landscape. The impending decisions could shape the trajectory of the franchise, making it a pivotal moment for the Chicago Bears and their quarterback strategy.

Will the future of the Chicago Bears franchise lie in the hands of Kliff Kingsbury and Caleb Williams?  Find out on the next episode of Dragon Ball Z!

However, the most recent draft brought about a change in the quarterback landscape, as three signal-callers were chosen in the first round. Bryce Young became the top overall pick, joining the Carolina Panthers. Additionally, C.J. Stroud from Ohio State was selected by the Houston Texans, while Anthony Richardson from Florida found his new home with the Indianapolis Colts.

Let’s take a look back at the quarterbacks chosen in the first round of the NFL draft, starting from the 1998 class, which included the legendary Peyton Manning. Please note that the quarterbacks marked with an asterisk (*) achieved Pro Bowl recognition at some point in their careers.

1998:
– Peyton Manning (No. 1, Indianapolis Colts)
– Ryan Leaf (No. 2, San Diego Chargers)

1999:
– Tim Couch (No. 1, Cleveland Browns)
– Donovan McNabb (No. 2, Philadelphia Eagles)
– Akili Smith (No. 3, Cincinnati Bengals)
– Daunte Culpepper (No. 11, Minnesota Vikings)
– Cade McNown (No. 12, Chicago Bears)

2000:
– Chad Pennington (No. 18, New York Jets)

2001:
– Michael Vick* (No. 1, Atlanta Falcons)

2002:
– David Carr (No. 1, Houston Texans)
– Joey Harrington (No. 3, Detroit Lions)
– Patrick Ramsey (No. 32, Washington Commanders)

2003:
– Carson Palmer* (No. 1, Cincinnati Bengals)
– Byron Leftwich (No. 7, Jacksonville Jaguars)
– Kyle Boller (No. 19, Baltimore Ravens)
– Rex Grossman (No. 22, Chicago Bears)

2004:
– Eli Manning* (No. 1, New York Giants)
– Philip Rivers* (No. 4, San Diego Chargers)
– Ben Roethlisberger* (No. 11, Pittsburgh Steelers)
– J.P. Losman (No. 22, Buffalo Bills)

2005:
– Alex Smith* (No. 1, San Francisco 49ers)
– Aaron Rodgers* (No. 24, Green Bay Packers)
– Jason Campbell (No. 25, Washington Commanders)

2006:
– Vince Young* (No. 3, Tennessee Titans)
– Matt Leinart (No. 10, Arizona Cardinals)
– Jay Cutler* (No. 11, Denver Broncos)

2007:
– JaMarcus Russell (No. 1, Oakland Raiders)
– Brady Quinn (No. 22, Cleveland Browns)

2008:
– Matt Ryan* (No. 3, Atlanta Falcons)
– Joe Flacco (No. 18, Baltimore Ravens)

2009:
– Matthew Stafford* (No. 1, Detroit Lions)
– Mark Sanchez (No. 5, New York Jets)
– Josh Freeman (No. 17, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

2010:
– Sam Bradford (No. 1, St. Louis Rams)
– Tim Tebow (No. 25, Denver Broncos)

2011:
– Cam Newton* (No. 1, Carolina Panthers)
– Jake Locker (No. 8, Tennessee Titans)
– Blaine Gabbert (No. 10, Jacksonville Jaguars)
– Christian Ponder (No. 12, Minnesota Vikings)

2012:
– Andrew Luck* (No. 1, Indianapolis Colts)
– Robert Griffin III* (No. 2, Washington Commanders)
– Ryan Tannehill* (No. 8, Miami Dolphins)
– Brandon Weeden (No. 22, Cleveland Browns)

2013:
– EJ Manuel (No. 16, Buffalo Bills)

2014:
– Blake Bortles (No. 3, Jacksonville Jaguars)
– Johnny Manziel (No. 22, Cleveland Browns)
– Teddy Bridgewater* (No. 32, Minnesota Vikings)

2015:
– Jameis Winston* (No. 1, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
– Marcus Mariota (No. 2, Tennessee Titans)

2016:
– Jared Goff* (No. 1, Los Angeles Rams)
– Carson Wentz* (No. 2, Philadelphia Eagles)
– Paxton Lynch (No. 26, Denver Broncos)

2017:
– Mitchell Trubisky* (No. 2, Chicago Bears)
– Patrick Mahomes* (No. 10, Kansas City Chiefs)
– Deshaun Watson* (No. 12, Houston Texans)

2018:
– Baker Mayfield (No. 1, Cleveland Browns)
– Sam Darnold (No. 3, New York Jets)
– Josh Allen* (No. 7, Buffalo Bills)
– Josh Rosen (No. 10, Arizona Cardinals)
– Lamar Jackson* (No. 32, Baltimore Ravens)

2019:
– Kyler Murray* (No. 1, Arizona Cardinals)
– Daniel Jones (No. 6, New York Giants)
– Dwayne Haskins (No. 15, Washington Commanders)

2020:
– Joe Burrow* (No. 1, Cincinnati Bengals)
– Tua Tagovailoa (No. 5, Miami Dolphins)
– Justin Herbert* (No. 6, Los Angeles Chargers)
– Jordan Love (No. 26, Green Bay Packers)

2021:
– Trevor Lawrence* (No. 1, Jacksonville Jaguars)
– Zach Wilson (No. 2, New York Jets)
– Trey Lance (No. 3, San Francisco 49ers)
– Justin Fields (No. 11, Chicago Bears)
– Mac Jones* (No. 15, New England Patriots)

2022:
– Kenny Pickett (No. 20, Pittsburgh Steelers)

2023:
– Bryce Young (No. 1, Carolina Panthers)
– C.J. Stroud (No. 2, Houston Texans)
– Anthony Richardson (No. 4, Indianapolis Colts)

However, Richardson is still a risky player to draft in the NFL due to his lack of experience. He has only started a handful of games at the college level, which means he has yet to face the elite competition he would encounter in the NFL. He also needs to improve his decision-making and accuracy, which could hold him back at the next level.

Despite these concerns, Richardson has drawn comparisons to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who also possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength. If Richardson can develop his skills and gain more experience, he could become a dominant force in the NFL. However, he will need to put in the work to overcome his rawness and fulfill his potential.

Young’s small stature, however, also makes him a unique prospect and a risky player to draft in the NFL. At just 6 feet tall and weighing around 190 pounds, he may struggle to see over taller linemen and deliver accurate passes under pressure. Additionally, his slight frame could put him at risk for injuries if he takes too many hits.

Despite these concerns, Young has drawn comparisons to former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie, who also had a smaller stature but was able to use his mobility and accuracy to become a successful quarterback. If Young can develop his skills and adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL, he could become a valuable asset to any team that drafts him.

With all of that broken down, what should Chicago do? Should they trade Justin Fields? Draft a lineman? Trade the pick?

Here are the three options that make the most sense:

FLIP THE PAGE

Let’s get straight to it. The veteran receivers getting dealt during the draft (AJ and Hollywood Brown) were the story. Teams don’t want to pay someone 4 years 100 million when they can get that sweet 5th year option on a player with a similar build and skillset.

Outside of that the draft was pretty vanilla. Travon Walker went first after the Jaguars evaluated all the defensive ends. The Lions and Giants then grabbed up Hutchinson and Thibodeaux respectively, and outside of a few linemen no teams really reached. The Seahawks even finally drafted a left tackle first round!

Some people think the cornerbacks went a bit high but Stingley and SAUCE Gardner are really that good in this overall class. The Texans and Jets got themselves one.

Pittsburgh drafted the lone QB in Mr. FAKE SLIDE Kenny Pickett who they scouted so much they practically became members of Pickett’s family. Now they are all family.

Washington Commanders and Patriots fans, I don’t know what to tell you. Your teams traded down to reach a bit but we never know how these trades pan out. Those late round picks can be anyone.

As a Broncos fan I’m sitting here patient for pick 64, in the meantime we celebrate the young men who are starting a new life as professionals. Let’s get it!

Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson is heading back out on the field.

The pro-wrestler-turned-actor-producer (and former University of Miami defensive tackle) and producing partner Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions have partnered with production companyLeft/Right and sports agency Athletes First to create a documentary series about college football players’ intense preparation for the NFL draft. The series will follow some of the unique stories of the players and agents experiencing the physically and emotionally grueling four-month battle through All-Star games, the NFL Combine, Pro Day workouts and non-stop training in an all-out-effort to their achieve dreams of being drafted by an NFL team.

Several of these shows have been done before, including ESPN’s own and they are usually kind of heart breaking to be honest. These guys train like madmen, put their lives on hold to chase a dream, and ultimately most NFL careers are less than four complete seasons.

Rock’s show won’t be immune to the fact that one day we’ll look back and say, “Oh wasn’t XYZ on that Rock show?”

Hopefully whoever gets signed for this series can make a career and avoid being an after thought.

2. STL – Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn. Robinson has a higher upside but Matthews is the more polished player right now. I think the Rams take a chance with him despite his boom or bust potential. Best case scenario he’s Jason Peters, at worst he’s Jason Smith.

3. JAX – Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville. Best QB in this year’s class IMO. Jags get their franchise QB and Bridgewater is a perfect fit for Jedd Fisch’s offense.

4. CLE – Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson. The Browns add Watkins to an already impressive core on offense of Josh Gordon, Jordan Cameron, and Ben Tate. Add a quarterback and the Browns have the makings of a dynamic offense.

5. OAK – Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M. The more polished Tackle of the top 2 prospects. The Raiders go best player available here and get a top 5 player.

6. ATL – Khalil Mack, DE/OLB, Buffalo. Atlanta has holes on their offensive and defensive line so they could go either way. I think they go best player available, which is Mack. Mack gives them a legitimate threat at 3-4 OLB which will allow Mike Nolan to use more 3-4 base looks.

7. TB – Johnny Manziel , QB, Texas A&M. The Buccaneers could choose Manziel’s teammate at Texas A&M Mike Evans here but instead they grab a dynamic QB. Manziel has boom or bust potential but will benefit from sitting behind an established veteran like Josh McCown.

8. MIN – Blake Bortles, QB, UCF. The Vikings need a franchise QB and I think they reach here to fill that need.

9. BUF – Eric Ebron, TE, UNC. The Bills continue to stockpile weapons for EJ Manuel. Ebron is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Too fast for linebackers yet to big and physical for safeties.

10. DET – Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech. The Lions get a physical press corner to add to their secondary. Fuller has good size, speed and looks the part of a starting corner. Day 1 starter in Detroit

11. TEN – Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State. Gilbert is the best player available at a position of need for the Titans.

12. NYG – Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh. The Giants need help inside so they add Donald a quick, pass rushing 3-technique that’ll be a day 1 starter in New York.

13. STL – Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M. The Rams add a talented, big matchup nightmare like Mike Evans to help Sam Bradford. Make or break year for Bradford, no excuses.

14. CHI – HaHa Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama. Most complete safety in this year’s class. Can play centerfield or in the box.

15. PIT – Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan. The Steelers have plenty of holes but they grab a franchise LT here to protect Ben Roethlisberger.

16. DAL – Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri. The Cowboys are in desperate need of defensive lineman so any DE or DT here would be a good pick.

17. BAL – Zach Martin, OT/OG, Notre Dame. The Ravens need depth on the offensive line and Martin provides that because of his ability to play RT or Guard.

18. NYJ – Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State. The Jets expressed interest in plenty of receiving options via free agency this offseason so I know this is a position they want to address. For a team devoid of playmakers adding a shifty receiver like Cooks makes them a whole lot better.

19. MIA – Xavier Sua’ Filo, G, UCLA. Plug in XSF at RG or LG and you get an instant impact player for 10+ years. Perennial pro bowler.

20. ARZ – Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA. The Cardinals add a 3-4 rush linebacker with huge upside. No pressure for him to play immediately because they have John Abraham in place.

21. GB – Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota. The Packers continue to add depth and youth to their defensive line that was hit by injuries last season. Hageman has the power and quickness to play NT or 5-techinque.

22. PHI – CJ Mosley, LB, Alabama. The Eagles go best player available here. ILB doesn’t look like a huge need until you consider DeMeco Ryans will be 30 next season and is on the downside of his career. Mosley would form a great tandem with Mychal Kendricks.

23. KC – Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU. Dwayne Bowe had a down year and was not the #1 receiver Alex Smith needed. OBJ is a dynamic receiver with experience as a return man that can develop into a #1.

24. CIN – Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State. Leon Hall has torn his achilles twice in 3 years. Terrance Newman and Pacman Jones are getting up there in age. Dennard is a tall, long corner who answered questions about his long speed at the combine running a 4.51 40.

25. SD – Jason Verrett, CB, TCU. The Chargers get my #1 rated corner in this class here at #25, steal. Verrett is small but has elite potential. Would be a day 1 starter in San Diego.

26. CLE – Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State. Carr has the most arm talent of any QB in the class. The Browns add their QB of the future and have plenty of weapons for him to flourish.

27. NO – Dee Ford, OLB, Auburn. I’m not the biggest Dee Ford fan. I think at this point he’s a one trick pony but adding Ford to Junior Gallette and Cameron Jordan forms a nice young pass rushing trio.

28. CAR – Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana. The Panthers could draft any receiver here (besides Kelvin Benjamin) and I’d approve of it. Latimer is a physical specimen with good ball skills that’ll be a perfect target for Cam Newton.

29. NE – Louis Nix, NT, Notre Dame. I’ve compared Nix to Vince Wilfork throughout this whole draft process so who better to learn from than the man himself? Nix is a great athlete for his size and I think can be better than Wilfork was in his prime.

30. SF – Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State. Despite his recent legal troubles Roby is still a 1st round pick. He has elite speed and is a good athlete with good ball skills.

31. DEN – Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State. The Broncos replace Wesley Woodyard with a player very similar to him. Shazier is undersized but is a speedy, rangy linebacker that can cover a lot of ground sideline to sideline.

32. SEA – Joel Bitono, OT/OG, Nevada. Bitono is a T/G tweener that can help the defending champs in both areas. I personally think he’d be best suited at RG.

Round 2:

33. Houston Texans: Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU.

34. Washington Redskins: Morgan Moses, OT, UVA.

35. Cleveland Browns: Chris Borland, ILB, Wisconsin.

36. Oakland Raiders: DeMarcus Lawerence, DE, Boise State.

37. Atlanta Falcons: JaWaun James, OT, Tennessee.

38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU.

39. Jacksonville Jaguars: Weston Richburg, C, Colorado State.

40. Minnesota Vikings: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State.

41. Buffalo Bills: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama.

42. Tennessee Titans: Scott Crichton, DE/OLB, Oregon State

43. New York Giants: Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame.

44. St. Louis Rams: Jimmie Ward, S, NIU.

45. Detroit Lions: Marqise Lee, WR, USC

46. Pittsburgh Steelers: Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood.

47. Dallas Cowboys: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville.

48. Baltimore Ravens: Ahmad Dixon, S, Baylor.

49. New York Jets: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington.

50. Miami Dolphins: Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State.

51. Chicago Bears: Dominique Easley, DT, Florida.

52. Arizona Cardinals: Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State.

53. Green Bay Packers: Marcus Martin, OC/OG, USC.

54. Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt.

55. Cincinnati Bengals: Carl Bradford, OLB, Arizona State.

56. San Francisco 49ers (from Kansas City): Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU.

57. San Diego Chargers: Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB, Georgia Tech.

58. New Orleans Saints: Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss.

59. Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Jackson, G, Mississippi State.

60. Carolina Panthers: Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State.

61. San Francisco 49ers: Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas.

62. New England Patriots: Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech.

63. Denver Broncos: David Yankey, OG, Stanford.

64. Seattle Seahawks: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State.

In college football the athletes we have expected to reign supreme are doing well. Johnny Manziel came off “suspension” looking like he hasn’t missed a step, while guys like his teammate Mike Evans are slowly trotting up the draft board. This quarterback class is looking stacked with AJ McCarron, Brett Hundley, and others all working their ways up the board every single game.

With that said, here is our current mock. After going over this make sure you check on college football betting at Topbet.eu.

On to the picks:

1. Jaguars: Teddy Bridgewater QB Louisville
Teddy Bridgewater has to be better than who’s in Jacksonville now, right?

2. Buccaneers: Tajh Boyd QB Clemson
Josh Freeman is gone. It is time for a new QB, if he were still there maybe Clowney is the pick.

3. Raiders: Jadeveon Clowney DE South Carolina
The Raiders need an offensive threat but Clowney is too good to pass up.

4. Rams: Marqise Lee WR USC
The Rams just drafted Tavon Austin, sure, but they cannot seem to get him the ball.

5. Giants: Mike Evans WR Texas AM
Kind of a shocker pick but the Giants need to make a bold move. Eli isn’t getting younger, Hakeem Nicks is always injured, and the other WRs haven’t stepped up!

6. Steelers: Jake Matthews OT Texas AM
The Steelers have to get back to the ground game or they will continue to lose games.

7. Rams: Taylor Lewan OT Michigan
Jake Long was added, but Roger Saffold can leave after the season as well.

8. Eagles: Sammy Watkins WR Clemson
Sammy Watkins is going to thrive in Chip Kelly’s college-like system.

9. Jets: Anthony Barr OLB UCLA
The Jets hope Geno Smith develops a chemistry with his current group of WRs and continue to build the defense. They can’t get back to the playoffs if they can’t beat Brady.

10. Bills: Bradley Roby CB Ohio State
Bradley Roby is back after off the field issues and playing well. He’ll fit right in with their young CBs.

For the rest of the picks please visit our 2014 draft page.