Seven quarterbacks started at least one game in 2021, including every first-round pick. So how did the season go for all of the rookie quarterbacks?
- Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars made Lawrence the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The team was a mess all year, only winning three games and head coach Urban Meyer being fired before the end of the season. Lawrence was named the starter right before week one and started all 17 games. He finished completing less than 60% of his passes for 3641 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. His best game did come at the end of the season, though, as in week 17 against the Colts, he had a 71.8 completion percentage for 223 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Maybe that was a sign of things to come for Lawrence.
- Zach Wilson, New York Jets: Wilson was taken right after Lawrence, going second overall to the Jets. The Jets are hoping that Wilson can become the franchise quarterback that they have been wanting for years. Wilson was also named the starter before week one, however, missed four games due to a PCL injury. He completed 55% of his passes for 2334 yards, nine touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The Jets are in the middle of a major rebuild, and as they get better, hopefully, that means they get better, so does Wilson.
- Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers traded up nine spots to get Lance so he can be their future at quarterback. Lance spent most of the season learning behind starter Jimmy Garoppolo, as the team went to the NFC Championship with him. He did start two games for the 49ers when Garoppolo was sidelined due to injuries. Lance also suffered a knee injury against the Cardinals. In six games played, Lance passed for 603 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. He’ll most likely be the starter next year.
- Justin Fields, Chicago Bears: Fields was named the starter in week three, taking over from Andy Dalton. Fields, like Lawrence and Wilson, struggled throughout the season and missed five games due to multiple injuries. He finished the season completing 58% of his passes for 1870 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions. With the Bears hiring a new head coach and a full year under his belt, Fields should be better in 2022.
- Mac Jones, New England Patriots: Jones was the only rookie quarterback starter to go to the playoffs. He, like Lawrence, started every game in 2021. Jones was also the best rookie quarterback statistically, as he completed 67% of his passes for 3801 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He helped the Patriots get back to the playoffs, after missing it in 2021. What Jones does in his second year is something to keep an eye on.
- Davis Mills, Houston Texans: Mills was a third-round selection for a Texans team that had no idea what was going to happen with Deshaun Watson. Watson ended up being inactive for every game and Mills ended up starting 11. Given that the Texans ended up finishing 4-13, Mills had a solid season. He completed 66% of his passes for 2664 yards, 16 touchdowns, and ten interceptions. With the uncertainty surrounding the Texans, there’s no guessing what is in store for Mills in 2022.
- Ian Book, New Orleans Saints: When the Saints had both Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian on the COVID list in week 16, Book had to start the game. Things did not go well as he threw two interceptions and zero touchdowns, and the Saints only scored three points. That was the only game he played on the season.
