Michael Reaves/Getty Images
- The first round of the 2019 NFL draft will be held on Thursday, April 25.
- This year’s draft class features another group of talented quarterbacks who could be leading teams shortly.
- Heisman winner Kyler Murray is projected as the first pick in the draft, and as many as five QBs could go in the first round.
The 2019 NFL draft is set to begin on April 25, when teams will get their first chance to claim players of this year’s draft class.
For teams looking to rebuild, no position is more important than quarterback, and this year, there is another talented group of players who could be taking snaps in the NFL very soon.
Kyler Murray is projected as the first overall draft pick to the Arizona Cardinals, and as many as four more quarterbacks could be taken in the first round of this year’s draft. Behind them, another set of players could land on teams looking to develop their star of the future, or fill-in as a suitable backup for a few years.
Take a look below at the 14 quarterbacks to watch heading into the 2019 NFL draft.
14. Gardner Minshew — Washington State
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
2018 stats: 468/662, 70.7% completion, 4,779 yards passing, 38 touchdowns, 9 interceptions
One thing to know: Minshew excelled in Washington State’s high octane offensive attack, which gave him twice as many pass attempts as many quarterbacks in this draft class. In the past, a quarterback coming from a pass-happy college offense might have given teams pause, but with the NFL looking more like the Big 12 with each passing year, Minshew’s experience could be seen as a plus for a team looking for a late-round flier.
Key expert quote: From Brady Quinn of Fox Sports: "He’s the quarterback in this draft that reminds me most of Baker Mayfield. Minshew came out of Washington State, he was a grad transfer, went there one year, and he was phenomenal in Mike Leach’s Air Raid system."
13. Nick Fitzgerald — Mississippi State
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
2018 stats: 145/281, 51.6% completions, 1,767 yards passing, 16 touchdowns, 9 interceptions
One thing to know: Nick Fitzgerald’s first shot at the NFL was derailed last year after a gruesome ankle injury ended his season and caused his draft stock to plummet. He didn’t have a great year in 2018, but still sports the build and skills that had many experts pegging him as a mid-to-late-round pick at last year’s draft.
Key expert quote: From Charlie Campbell of Walter Football: "Fitzgerald has pro size and will need to develop his accuracy and pocket passing."
12. Easton Stick — North Dakota State
Matthew Holst/Getty Images
2018 stats: 175/281, 62.3% completion, 2,752 yards passing, 27 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
One thing to know: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz showed that North Dakota State signal callers could make it in the NFL. Stick has a similar winning pedigree, leading the Bison to the FCS championship the past two seasons.
Key expert quote: From Charlie Campbell of Walter Football: "Stick has generated some media buzz after three nice seasons at North Dakota State. The senior has a quality arm and also has mobility."
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
See Also:
- NFL draft experts now project Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray to be the No. 1 pick, but there is a catch
- The 2 biggest QB mysteries in the NFL appear to be solved, and there could be huge implications for the rest of the draft
- The NFL world says the biggest debate of the NFL Draft is over after learning how tall star quarterback Kyler Murray actually is
Source: Business Insider – feedback@businessinsider.com (Tyler Lauletta)