When's the last time the NFL had a can't-miss, sure-fire quarterback prospect?
When's the last time they had two?!
Alright, maybe they're not exactly can't miss prospects, but Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa are both really talented and capable passers who are expected to make impact in 2020 -- Burrow sooner than Tagovailoa.
You'll read why they're considered special, and you'll learn about other quarterbacks who could be great for your Fantasy teams down the line ... or as soon as this season if things break the right way.
There is a caveat, however. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, NFL teams were prohibited from holding offseason minicamps. That includes the introductory rookie minicamps every team holds to help their new players get acclimated. Between the draft and the start of training camp, players are forced to work out on their own and meet virtually with their new coaches. It's highly likely that most of the 2020 rookie class, particularly the quarterbacks, will be affected by their limited offseason exposure in some way.
The bright side? The long-term prognosis for these guys is great. Burrow, Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert all could be reputable starters by 2021 with Jordan Love right behind them. There's a lot of good-looking players at quarterback in the draft class.
Following a trip to the Senior Bowl, attention paid at the NFL Combine and hours and hours of watching college football (tough life but someone's gotta do it), here's how the incoming rookies will affect Fantasy leagues this year and beyond.
Here are the four quarterbacks who could make an impact, although only two figure to have a great chance in 2020:
Editor's notes: Players are listed in the order of Dave Richard's 2020 PPR rankings. Players ages are as of a presumed Week 1 date of Sept. 13.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
6-3 1/2, 221, 23 years old
No prospect on the offensive side of the ball played more effortlessly or effectively than Burrow in 2019. He broke college football records with 60 touchdown passes and 65 total touchdowns, and also finished tied for third with 5,671 passing yards in a single season. But it's his accuracy, his footwork, his chill pocket demeanor and his versatility that truly made him the best college football quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck. If the Bengals are smart, they'll reshape their offense to cater to Burrow's strengths, meaning a lot of smart decisions with the football and a lot of passing -- which means a lot of Fantasy points.
2020 DRAFT OUTLOOK: Burrow is among the best No. 2 Fantasy quarterbacks you could draft, be it with a fifth-round pick in Superflex/2QB leagues or with a pick after 120th overall in more traditional formats.
ROOKIE-ONLY DRAFT OUTLOOK: It would be a steal if he fell out of Round 1. Prediction: he'll go between fifth and 12th overall.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
6-0, 217, 22 years old
It's a shame people reference Tagovailoa's hip injury more than his on-field accomplishments. In his 24 games spanning 2018 and 2019, Tagovailoa has thrown 76 touchdowns, ran for seven more and averaged an eye-popping 11.2 yards per attempt at Alabama. Playing with explosive receivers helped, but Tagovailoa is an on-the-money passer with a strong arm, very good footwork and very good mobility. Two things could keep Tagovailoa from reaching his potential -- his ability to read defenses and his health. A lot of what he did at Alabama was predicated on reading defenses before the snap, and he seemed to struggle at times after the snap. He also has undergone surgeries on both ankles as well as his hip, and he has sprained his knee -- all coming since the start of 2018. Durability seems to be an issue for him, but his upside is incredibly bright given his accomplishments at Alabama.
2020 DRAFT OUTLOOK: Tagovailoa might go undrafted in seasonal one-quarterback leagues. He'll end up being a Round 7 pick in 2QB formats.
ROOKIE-ONLY DRAFT OUTLOOK: Round 2 for sure, probably 10 picks or so after Burrow.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
6-6 1/8, 227, 22 years old
The last two quarterbacks the Chargers acquired with top-32 picks turned out great -- they're hoping to strike gold again with Herbert. The Oregon native piloted the Ducks offense for the majority of the past four seasons, particularly shining in 2018 and 2019 when he threw 61 touchdowns and over 6,500 yards in 27 games. Herbert has a strong arm, excellent size to help him see the entire field and solid mobility to keep plays alive. But he also goes through spurts of inconsistency with his throws, particularly in clutch situations, and struggles versus pressure. Once his offensive line is stacked, Herbert could be devastatingly effective.
2020 DRAFT OUTLOOK: Because he's expected to begin the year on the bench behind starter Tyrod Taylor, Herbert will only get picked in Superflex/2QB leagues as a mid-to-late option.
ROOKIE-ONLY DRAFT OUTLOOK: You might see Herbert go in late Round 2, but chances are he'll hit Round 3. That's pretty decent value.
Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
6-3 3/4, 224, 22 years old
Why would the Packers spend a first-round pick on a quarterback? Because they see Love as a developmental passer with very good potential. Love was awesome in 2018, throwing 32 touchdowns and running for seven more, but regressed in 2019 after Utah State changed coaches and most of its starting offense. That made Love force too many throws and he wound up with only 20 passing touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Love is a mobile, fearless passer with a strong arm, but he's also got work to do on reading defenses, keeping his footwork clean and, obviously, not trying too hard to make plays happen. He should have at least one year to learn what he can from the Packers bench while Aaron Rodgers continues to play.
2020 DRAFT OUTLOOK: Love is a late-rounder in Superflex/2QB drafts in case Rodgers gets hurt.
ROOKIE-ONLY DRAFT OUTLOOK: You could do worse with a pick in Round 4 or later.
* * *
ROOKIE-ONLY RANKINGS
1. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, KC
2. Jonathan Taylor, RB, IND
3. CeeDee Lamb, WR, DAL
4. Jerry Jeudy, WR, DEN
5. J.K. Dobbins, RB, BAL
6. D'Andre Swift, RB, DET
7. Cam Akers, RB, LAR
8. Jalen Reagor, WR, PHI
9. Henry Ruggs, WR, LV
10. Justin Jefferson, WR, MIN
11. Joe Burrow, QB, CIN
12. Tee Higgins, WR, CIN
13. Michael Pittman, WR, IND
14. Laviska Shenault, WR, JAC
15. Denzel Mims, WR, NYJ
16. Ke'Shawn Vaughn, RB, TB
17. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, SF
18. A.J. Dillon, RB, GB
19. Bryan Edwards, WR, LV
20. Zack Moss, RB, BUF
21. Chase Claypool, WR, PIT
22. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, MIA
23. Antonio Gibson, RB, WAS
24. Anthony McFarland, RB, PIT
25. Van Jefferson, WR, LAR
26. Adam Trautman, TE, NO
27. Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, WAS
28. Cole Kmet, TE, CHI
29. Justin Herbert, QB, LAC
30. Darrynton Evans, RB, TEN
31. Tyler Johnson, WR, TB
32. Devin Duvernay, WR, BAL
33. K.J. Hamler, WR, DEN
33. Lynn Bowden, RB, LV
34. Joshua Kelley, RB, LAC
35. Jordan Love, QB, GB
36. Devin Asiasi, TE, NE
37. Jalen Hurts, QB, PHI
38. Gabriel Davis, WR, BUF
39. Lamical Perine, RB, NYJ
40. Eno Benjamin, RB, ARI
41. DeeJay Dallas, RB, SEA
42. Joe Reed, WR, LAC
43. John Hightower, WR, PHI
44. Quintez Cephus, WR, DET
45. Quez Watkins, WR, PHI
46. Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, DEN
47. Raymond Calais, RB, TB
48. Jacob Eason, QB, IND
49. K.J. Hill, WR, LAC
50. James Proche, WR, BAL
