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NFL: Predicting the winners of QB competitions

By Lyle Graversen

Jul 28, 2014; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) and Johnny Manziel (2) throw passes during training camp at Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2014; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) and Johnny Manziel (2) throw passes during training camp at Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 28, 2014; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) and Johnny Manziel (2) throw passes during training camp at Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2014; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) and Johnny Manziel (2) throw passes during training camp at Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

There is no more important position in the NFL than the quarterback. If a team can hit on the right player at that pivotal position, winning suddenly becomes much easier. It used to be that when a team drafted their quarterback of the future, he was given time to develop and grow, but in this age of high pressure “win now” mandates where coaches and general managers know that if they don’t show some promise fast they’ll be out of a job, young QBs are now expected to play right away. These conditions have led to the most interesting QB competitions in the NFL this season.

Everyone knows about the most high profile of these battles between the media obsession, Johnny Manziel and veteran Brian Hoyer in Cleveland, but there are other equally intriguing battles going on with other teams. The Jacksonville Jaguars top pick Blake Bortles is trying to earn the starting spot over Chad Henne. In Minnesota its the same situation with rookie Teddy Bridgewater and veteran Matt Cassel. The final rookie with a realistic shot to earn a starting nod early on is Derek Carr in Oakland where Matt Schaub is trying to prove he’s still a starting caliber player. Rounding out the top five most interesting QB battles is the competition between second year QB Geno Smith and veteran Mike Vick.

So will all these young QBs start right away this season? Are any of these veteran QBs good enough to hold off their younger competition?

Here’s your guide to who’s going to win this season’s best quarterback competitions.

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