Hold on one second. Before you go drafting the #1 QB on this list, please read this little disclaimer. Just because they are a top quarterback on this list does not mean that I recommend starting them as a QB1 for the season.
If you play in a dynasty league like myself, then there are a few to look at drafting (if your league holds one), or to add to your roster. I like to call that an “investment” into your team’s future.
For leagues that draft a new team every season, it depends how deep your league is. A 12-14 team league might be the most reasonable place for a rookie QB to be trusted for a starting slot in your roster.
That being said, welcome to the 2021 fantasy football season! As a 6-year manager (and 3-time champion) myself, I am looking forward to this year the most because of the storylines, spotlight matchups and home field advantage actually meaning something once again. Drafts are right around the corner (if your league has yet to hold a draft) and there are always questions about who to take and who to avoid. In this article, we’ll be focusing on rookie quarterbacks.
Like mentioned earlier, its best to take caution with these players because they are new and learning the systems, as well as carrying value concerns.
#1 Trevor Lawrence (JAX)
Lawrence has a high ceiling with lots of potential. His 90 TD’s in 40 games is a stat to lock fantasy owners in, but he will have to make the adjustment from the college field to the NFL. Lawrence has also proven to be a mobile QB, scoring 17 TD’s on the ground. His supporting cast this season is not the worst as well with the likes of Marvin Jones Jr. and DJ Chark. James Robinson and Travis Etienne are also in the backfield for the rookie quarterback. Lawrence is a late round fantasy selection in my eyes, with a lot of upside for dynasty leagues. He also seems to be the Day 1 starter as well, so the value of selecting Lawrence in a draft could also pay its dividends.
#2 Zach Wilson (NYJ)
Wilson and Fields could be swapped, but Wilson has a little more bang for your buck with Fields potentially on the bench for the first few weeks. Wilson, like Trevor Lawrence, is the Day 1 starter for the New York Jets. His accuracy was elite at the college level (74% comp. rate). With a rebuilding Jets offense and team in general, Wilson’s production will likely be sub-par given a lack of star receiver talent. I’m not knocking Corey Davis and Jamison Crowder, but there are better receivers in the league for sure. What could make or break the deal is how often Wilson will be running the ball on the ground. Remember, those are points too.
#3 Justin Fields (CHI)
Like I said before, #2 & #3 could be swapped, but I like to have a player I know will be playing all season and not on my bench. That being said, Fields is a great stash away option for insurance purposes, especially in deep leagues. Andy Dalton could be the starter for the first few weeks which doesn’t make the best case for him, but his upside for when he is the starting QB balances it out. His elite rushing ability adds lots of value to his passing accuracy. His 4.45 speed is what stands out to me the most because I love it when I have a dual-threat QB. Fields to me is a late round selection with a good chance of becoming fantasy relevant this season.
#4 Trey Lance (SF)
One can only assume Jimmy G’s days as the starting quarterback are coming to an end. It’s only a matter of time until the North Dakota product takes over, but the biggest question is: when? Lance, like the rest of the group, is a mobile QB, giving him lots of upside. However, his lack of experience in college could be a concern for fantasy owners. He’s not my go-to on this list, but once Lance takes over the QB1 job in San Francisco, he has the chance to emerge into fantasy relevance.
#5 Mac Jones (NE)
Like Lance, it’s hard to tell when Jones will take over the quarterback role from Cam Newton. Jones is the one for me that stands out like a sore thumb for fantasy purposes. His lack of mobility and weaker arm strength could affect fantasy performance. I like Jones as a low-tier QB2, and a somewhat considerable option for deep 2 QB-leagues for when he starts.
#6 Davis Mills (HOU)
Mills will only be considerable in very deep leagues, that is if Watson does not play and the Texans decide to give the 3rd round draft pick a shot. A lack of weapons at the receiver position is also a factor, so it’s best to stay away from Mills in drafts and waivers even if he gets the nod.
#7-10 (in no particular order)
#7 Kyle Trask (TB)
#8 Kellon Mond (MIN)
#9 Ian Book (NO)
#10 Sam Ehlinger (IND)