Being a quarterback in the NFL has its ups and downs. When a team wins, the quarterback usually gets the credit, and the MVP award is usually given to a quarterback. However, being a quarterback also means that you are constantly under scrutiny, and your job is never safe.
This year’s draft class has talented quarterbacks distributed throughout the entire draft. Quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix could fall into the lap of a team willing to take a chance on them. Other later-round talents, such as Joe Milton, Spencer Rattler, and Michael Pratt, all have the potential to become starting quarterbacks. Although it’s unlikely that a team with an established quarterback will draft a new one in the first round, the NFL is an unpredictable league.
These Three NFL Teams Could Suprise Everyone by Drafting a Quarterback
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott is coming to the end of his contract with the Cowboys in 2025 and he will be a hot commodity. It’s been reported by multiple trustworthy sources that the Cowboys may draft their replacement for their franchise quarterback. They’re currently taking their time to make a decision on Prescott and his future contract.
The Cowboys have made it clear they aim to keep their current lineup, with Dak Prescott remaining the cornerstone of the franchise. They possess one of the strongest rosters in the league, so selecting a quarterback early in the draft might not hurt too much. If they feel like taking the risk they could consider quarterbacks like Nix or Penix Jr. in the first round.
Should they pass on the premier choices, quarterbacks like Joe Milton and Spencer Rattler could be options later in the draft. Even with plans to extend Prescott’s contract, having options at quarterback and seeing if they got a gem is worth the risk. Prescott is going to be the starter this season but don’t be shocked if owner Jerry Jones decides to do the same thing he did to Tony Romo.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr’s first year in New Orleans was a disaster as he lacked consistency and leadership. The offense never seemed to click, and his play reminded fans of his time in Vegas. Carr suffered multiple injuries last season, but he continued to play through them. This isn’t sustainable for a 33-year-old quarterback who isn’t getting any younger. The Saints should stop playing the rotating veteran quarterback game and seize this opportunity to find a long-term solution.
Currently, Jake Haener is the only young quarterback on the roster. While he has potential, it’s not enough to rely on him entirely. It’s fair to give Haener a chance to start, but the team could benefit from drafting another quarterback. Even if they decide to wait until the later rounds.
Tulane’s Michael Pratt would be a great addition to the Saints quarterback room, and they could draft him on day two. He has consistently proven himself to be productive and a winner since joining the Green Wave. If he spends a season sitting behind Carr, it would significantly benefit him and increase his chances of becoming the Saints’ future starting quarterback if Carr doesn’t improve.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams currently have three quarterbacks on their roster. Matthew Stafford remains one of the top quarterbacks in the league, yet concerns about his injuries and age cast some doubt on the long-term outlook for the Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett are also on the roster, each with potential, but neither possesses an exceptionally high ceiling.
The Rams find themselves in a position where they could potentially secure their next franchise quarterback or at least explore what they can obtain from a day-two draft pick. A good fit would be adding someone like Joe Milton on possibly day three who has elite arm talent. Sitting behind Stafford in camp would be a game-changer for someone like Milton.
Michael Penix Jr. would be an ideal choice for the Rams, offering a complete skill set that proved successful at Washington. Surrounded by elite talents like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, and under the guidance of Sean McVay, Penix could find himself in the perfect setting. Just like Milton, spending a year behind one of the world’s premier quarterbacks could be amazing for Penix in the long run. Selecting any quarterback in this draft could end up paying off in a couple of years if Stafford hangs it up.