How Many Rookie Quarterbacks Will Finish The Season As Starters?

We had a rarity in the NFL last week. There was five starting rookie quarterbacks in the opening weekend of the season. We all expected Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III to start for the Indianapolis Colts and the Washington Redskins respectively. It was quickly assumed that Brandon Weeden would start for the Cleveland Browns. But there was much more doubt over eighth overall pick Ryan Tannehill of the Miami Dolphins; while hardly anyone believed third rounder Russell Wilson would start week one for the Seattle Seahawks back in April.

It was somewhat surprising that all five of those rookies managed to win the starting jobs for their respective teams, but how many of them will finish the season with their starting jobs in tact? Guys like Weeden and Tannehill, who both struggled in their debut's, could see their job stripped before the end of the year. Weeden in particular, can not afford to perform as badly as he did against the Eagles on a consistent basis if he wants to remain the leader of the Browns. Tannehill and Wilson both have capable back ups behind them, who could easily step in and take the reigns if their teams keep losing.

Guys like Luck and Griffin are assumed franchise quarterbacks and are expected to hold down the role for the next decade. But with Griffin especially, injuries could happen. If Griffin does get injured, the Redskins could turn to Kirk Cousins, who has taken Rex Grossman's place as the number two quarterback. Philadelphia have a similar situation. If Michael Vick goes down, Nick Foles looks set to be the primary back up.