There’s no more important position in the NFL than quarterback, and teams that find a good one are set for a long time – just ask the New England Patriots or the Indianapolis Colts. But the path to greatness under center isn’t the same for every signal-caller, and it can be hard to predict which players are due for a breakout year. Nothing is set in stone this year, and anybody could be the next Russell Wilson or the next Robert Griffin III. Here are four of the best candidates to break out as NFL quarterbacks this season.
NFL Quarterbacks Who Could Break Out This Year
Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings
The case for Bridgewater this year is pretty simple: he got better as the season went on last year, and he works really well with his coach. Bridgewater and head coach Mike Zimmer are in year two at their respective positions. The Vikings aren’t a very complete team, but they’ve generated some buzz as a dark-horse playoff team, thanks to observers’ faith in the Bridgewater-Zimmer combination. Drafted in the first round of last year’s draft, Bridgewater has plenty of raw talent and athleticism. All he needs is to develop as a professional passer, and he definitely has the ability to do so.
Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans
Does this still count as a prediction, or did Marcus Mariota’s coming-out party change his status from “prospect” to “sure thing?” Mariota has been making Tennessee fans salivate ever since he was drafted second overall in the 2015 NFL draft, and he had them cheering in his first career win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mariota has more natural athletic ability than this year’s number one pick, Jameis Winston, though many consider Winston to be the more polished pocket passer of the two. One game into the NFL season, Mariota has done a lot to dispel the idea that he would have trouble adjusting to a pro-style offense. He’ll need to prove that he can pass under pressure, but he’s a huge breakout candidate this season.
Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills
Taylor hasn’t had all eyes on him the way that some others on this list have, but he’s quietly becoming a more impressive quarterback – and now, for the first time in his pro career, he’s a starter. We’ve become accustomed to seeing rookie quarterbacks start right away for their teams, but Taylor is a throwback. He was picked late in the 2011 NFL draft (sixth round), was a backup to Joe Flacco in Baltimore and got reps with the team in blowouts. It’s worth remembering that some of the all-time greats came up that way, so don’t assume that Taylor won’t deliver just because he wasn’t drafted early. The fact that the Bills are a more complete team now with a strong defense and LeSean McCoy at running back will help take the pressure off of Taylor and allow him to step up at his own pace.
Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
How could the 2015’s top draft selection not make this list? Winston is an exciting prospect because he has a lot of football maturity. He’s a really polished passer and has shown some great poise in the pocket, particularly during his Heisman Trophy-winning 2013 season. Winston was overshadowed by Mariota in the first meeting between the two, but there are plenty of reasons to believe that he’ll figure things out. Winston will need to stay out off trouble off the field–his maturity off the field isn’t quite as advanced as his maturity on it–and will have to be patient with the fairly weak Bucs squad, but don’t be surprised if he’s lighting it up by season’s end.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 28: Teddy Bridgewater #5 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears on December 28, 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Bears 13-9. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
