NFL quarterback rankings mid-camp: Here is where Tagovailoa lands
By Wesley Minke
32.) Drew Lock – Seattle Seahawks
I hate to pick apart Drew Lock because I think the physical traits truly could be there to make for a good NFL QB, but the bottom line is that the Seahawks are trying to start fresh, and he will be a good enough holdover QB to get them into their top 2023 NFL Draft pick of a QB.
The battle with Geno Smith could be interesting, as Smith has been in the Seattle system for quite some time. I think this entire set-up is not good for the WR duo of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, so look for this to be a big year for Rashaad Penny and 2022 Draft pick Ken Walker III.
31.) Marcus Mariota – Atlanta Falcons
Long-time Falcon QB Matt Ryan departs and inserts his replacement Marcus Mariota. I’m not too much of a believer in this Falcons offense, but I also don’t entirely think it is Mariota’s fault. Outside of rookie Drake London and Kyle Pitts, you will struggle to find a potential game changer on this offense.
As for backup battles, word is that Desmond Ridder has been struggling heavily against NFL competition thus far. I think Mariota is safe to get through this season, but I would not put it past the Falcons to take a QB early next season in the draft or to search heavily through the free agent market.
30.) Mitchell Trubisky – Pittsburgh Steelers
As I noted earlier, Trubisky has struggled to show much at all in camp so far. I think simply because of the amount of money Pittsburgh is paying him, he will remain as the guy to lead the Steelers, however, I don’t foresee that leash being very long for him.
As far as backups are concerned there are two very viable backups for the Steelers. The first guy in line is likely the 2022 1st Round Pick Kenny Pickett, who also has not looked great through training camps. However, as far as possible backups to play, I think the most likely answer is going to be Mason Rudolph.
He has not impressed through the camp by any means, but he has been the best QB Pittsburgh has to offer in camp so far. He may be the guy they lean on throughout this season to allow Pickett more time to develop.
29.) Davis Mills – Houston Texans
I like Davis Mills as a quarterback, but he doesn’t have the physical traits or the project-ability for me to move him any higher on this list. He is not very mobile, he doesn’t have the strongest arm, and he isn’t the greatest decision maker in the league. However, I think he can win games.
As far as backups are concerned, the backup in Houston is Kyle Allen. There is little to no competition from a guy like that, however, it does feel like Davis Mills is just a placeholder for next year’s eventual drafted QB.
28.) Baker Mayfield – Carolina Panthers
I struggle to think that Baker Mayfield is anything more than a stop-gap in Carolina from here forward. However, the move by Carolina is low risk, high reward. He has played well in the past and has won a playoff game for the Cleveland Browns. He can still compete, I just don’t think he can be an elite guy anymore.
As far as backups go, this might be one of the better backups in Sam Darnold. I think they are already competing for the starting job, but I think Darnold can push for the starting job especially if Mayfield struggles early.