Jan 13, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; The AFC East championship years for the New England Patriots are etched into the side of a grill before the AFC divisional round playoff game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
As we continue our pre-draft fantasy football coverage, we’re going to do a simple run through the NFL looking at the most important position on every team–Quarterback. Fantasy QB’s sometimes get downplayed based on your scoring system, but if you’ve every tried to muddle your way through the season with scotch tape, chewing gum, and Rex Grossman holding the position together, you know just how important getting a solid QB option can be.
We’ll look at each division with a look at how the start QB did last year, changes made over the offseason, and my outlook on if they’re moving forward or stepping back.
At the bottom of each page, you’ll be able to vote in a quick poll on where you think each QB will rank at the end of the season.
Today we start with the AFC East where the Dolphins, Bills, and Jets will try and knock off the Patriots who look to win the division for the fifth year in a row and the tenth time in the last 11 seasons.
We’ll start with New England…
Jul 30, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady throws a pass during training camp at the practice fields of Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: Tom Brady
Last Season: Brady finished with 4,827 yards last season along with 34 TDs. In ESPN standard scoring he was second only to Drew Brees and dead even with Aaron Rodgers with 329 points.
Offseason Changes: Brady lost his favorite receiver Wes Welker along with alleged murderer Aaron Hernandez. With Danny Woodhead and Brandon Gibson also on their way out of town and Rob Gronkowski injured, Brady may have an entirely new receiving corps. Gronk should be back and ok, and some of the new receivers appear ready to step up. However, the offseason overhaul definitely raises the risk factor in drafting Brady.
My Outlook: I think Brady will make it work and stay in the top 5, but asking him to repeat last season’s numbers may be too optimistic.
Your Take:
Aug 9, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) drops out of the pocket during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: Ryan Tannehill
Last Season: Tannehill ranked #24 in QB scoring last season in standard scoring with 3,294 yards, 12 TD, and 13 INTs. He had an overall solid rookie season although it paled in comaprison to his contemporaries Andrew Luck and RG3. Remember, he was a converted WR who no on was sure could even play QB in the NFL, but he made it through last season and has something to build on coming into his second season.
Offseason Changes: Tannehill got a huge offseason upgrade in the offseason as the Dolphins added Mike Wallace to the WR corps and also added pass-catching TE Dustin Keller.
My Outlook: I expect improvement for Tannehill, but don’t think he’ll crack the top 15 QBs this season.
Your Take:
Aug 16, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) throws a pass before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: EJ Manuel
Last Season: Manuel looks like he’s ready to take the reigns of the Bills new-look offense after being picked 16th overall. There won’t be many rookie QBs taking snaps this year, but Manuel should be at the head of the class. Kevin Kolb has been brought in, but I think Manuel will be the starter. Last season, Ryan Fitzpatrick was the 20th best QB in a completely different system.
Offseason Changes: Manuel comes in with a new coach Doug Marrone. Everything has been overhauled, so this Bills offense won’t look much like last years.
My Outlook: I think Manuel will end up just about the same place Fitzpatrick did: right around the 20th best QB. I wouldn’t rely on him as a QB2 even since the risk is high. I think we’ll see a much more “typical” rookie season for Manuel than the stellar rises of Griffin and Luck last year.
Your Take:
Aug 9, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: Mark Sanchez
Last Season: There wasn’t a much more disastrous QB situation than the Jets last season. Sanchez was threatened last year by Tim Tebow, and this year once again the Jets brought in a contender this time via the draft with Geno Smith.
Offseason Changes: Smith coming in is about the only offensive improvement. They brought in Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, but didn’t do much else to give weapons to their QB whoever he is.
My Outlook: Two words on the Jets QB situation: stay away.
Your Take: