Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, and Justin Fields : NFL second year quarterbacks expectation
What can this year’s second-year quarterbacks expect?
Following their first seasons, certain players—think Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, and Justin Fields—have no other option but to go higher. Then there is Mac Jones, who exhibited the finest play of the group in 2021, setting the bar high for his subsequent season in New England.
Regarding Trey Lance, Although he may possess the highest physical qualities of any second-year quarterback due to his limited playing time as a rookie in San Francisco, he is still unproven. The 49ers are all in on him this season, although it’s unclear exactly what skills he possesses for managing an NFL squad and who could miss Davis Mills, the quarterback draft class of 2021’s shocker? A more-than-serviceable stopgap for a Texans club that couldn’t get former franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson to perform, he wasn’t exactly a world beater.
They wouldn’t be NFL players, let alone quarterbacks, if none of those players didn’t hope for stronger seasons in 2022. What team from their respective leagues has most prepared them for success this year, though
NFL analyses of second-year quarterbacks:
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars
Lawrence’s debut season in 2021 was among the worst, although that isn’t completely his fault. There’s a reason the Jaguars were selected first overall, even though Jacksonville undoubtedly hoped it wouldn’t be Lawrence at quarterback a year later.
It may be stated that firing Urban Meyer during a terrible test season in 2021 could be seen as a gain by exclusion, and he will get a new start with his second coach — Doug Pederson — in as many NFL seasons.
With just two offensive picks in the NFL Draft, only one of which was an ability position player, the Jaguars seemed to be concentrating on the defence. Fortner and Conner can contribute to this squad, but Jacksonville added the following free-agent acquisitions around Lawrence:
Big sophomore season ahead for @Trevorlawrencee? ☀️ pic.twitter.com/F2ittKhHAj
— NFL (@NFL) August 21, 2022
Kirk and Jones, who enhance the passing offence alongside Evan Engram, a dependable tight end contributor, are among the most significant additions. Laquon Treadwell won’t be anticipated to earn his keep in 2022 because re-signing him wasn’t a concern. The team’s run game, which ranks 22nd in league with 103.2 yards per game, will be strengthened by the return from injury of former first-round running back Travis Etienne.
After practice, @Demetrius82 asked #Jaguars WR Zay Jones about his chemistry with Trevor Lawrence. Such a thoughtful and honest answer from Jones here. pic.twitter.com/V9KKmoWvoQ
— Juston W. Lewis (@JustonLewis_) August 16, 2022
Jets, Zach Wilson
Wilson’s second season in the NFL isn’t exactly off to a fast start. He won’t even be practising since he tore his meniscus and had a bone bruise in the Jets’ preseason game against the Eagles. He will miss the remaining of the preseason and perhaps the team’s game against the Ravens in Week 1.
Highest passer ratings among rookie QBs in a single preseason since 2015:
Kenny Pickett (2022) = 138.6
Dak Prescott (2016) = 137.8
Zach Wilson (2021) = 137.7
Daniel Jones (2019) = 137.3#NFLPreseason | #SteelerNation pic.twitter.com/SugdIpnDiE— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) August 22, 2022
Wilson was incredibly effective at Ohio State, and this season should quickly become one of Wilson’s biggest allies. Hall is a workhorse running back who will provide a sparse backfield more depth. Given the Jets’ free-agent additions at the position, Ruckert was an unexpected pickup, but he is nonetheless a talented player, while Mitchell, a Louisiana native, could be a future development player.
Zach Wilson having some fun driving around during Training Camp #Jets pic.twitter.com/jHlXAyDIMX
— 𝙅𝙀𝙏𝙎 𝙈𝙀𝘿𝙄𝘼🛫 (@NYJets_Media) August 19, 2022
49ers, Trey Lance
Lance’s potential to lead the 49ers in 2022 is unknown. It was intentional for the erstwhile third-overall pick to play little during his first campaign. However, San Francisco is prepared to make a full commitment to the former North Dakota State star (nevertheless of whether the team is able to trade or release Jimmy Garoppolo).
On record, the 49ers’ roster appears to be among the best in the NFC. Deebo Samuel, an All-Pro receiver, and tight end George Kittle lead the offence and should be Lance’s top targets this season. Although the potential is there for Lance, the 49ers did lose a number of crucial offensive staff members, notably coordinator Mike McDaniel, who is now the head coach in Miami.
For a club without immediate needs at those positions, adding Davis-Price and Gray in the third round may have been a stretch, but Burford and Zakelj were excellent additions to the offensive line, particularly given their later-round draft placements. As San Francisco bets all on Lance, Purdy will probably live up to his Mr. Irrelevant moniker.
Broadly speaking, San Francisco does not require the addition of big talent surrounding Lance after reaching the NFC Championship game at least twice in the previous three seasons. Now it’s up to Lance to see whether coach Kyle Shanahan’s bet on him will pay off.
Bears, Justin Fields
Fields’ rookie season wasn’t filled with opportunities, much like Lawrence’s in Jacksonville and Wilson’s in New York. Additionally, Fields’ potential to establish himself in Year 1 was significantly hampered by rib and ankle ailments, as well as concerns over previous head coach Matt Nagy.
Sadly for Fields, his receiving group still appears ragged in 2022. Veteran receivers David Moore and N’Keal Harry both sustained a long-term injury that will keep them out for several weeks. Harry was acquired from the Patriots for a seventh-round pick. Another receiver, Byron Pringle, is dealing with a quad injury; it’s unclear when he’ll be able to play again.
The future of this team Darnell Mooney and Justin Fields pic.twitter.com/Slqe4t9DCF
— David Peters Jr🐻⬇️ (@David_Peters_04) August 13, 2022
As of right now, it doesn’t seem like Fields’ season will be much helped by the quality around him. Given the availability of players like C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young at the top of the NFL draft, it is uncertain whether the Bears will be ready to give him another chance if he struggles in Year 2.
Patriots, Mac Jones
Jones, the final quarterback selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, undoubtedly had the best rookie quarterback season in 2018. Despite having a receiving corps entirely bereft of elite talent, he threw for close to 4,000 yards.
However, Jones’ situation doesn’t precisely seem optimistic as Year 2 approaches. Given that Josh McDaniels departed the organization to become the Raiders’ head coach, Coach Bill Belichick has yet to formally select an offensive coordinator, and rumours from training camp are, to put it mildly, alarming.
Jayon Brown with his 2nd INT at Raiders joint practice against Mac Jones and takes hit to the house!#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/xMXfCO3XJX
— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) August 23, 2022