Finding a rookie quarterback to rely upon in fantasy leagues in 2017 will be a challenge. There’s Deshaun Watson, then a lot of question marks. But that doesn’t mean the position is bereft of potential. Here are the top 10 rookies in the field, with comments for the top five:
2017 fantasy football rankings: Rookie quarterbacks
We take a look at how the rookie class of quarterbacks stacks up in fantasy football following the 2017 NFL draft.
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1. Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans
Quarterback is not a position with a lot of rookie potential in 2017, but if there’s one player worth grabbing somewhat early, it’s Watson. When Tom Savage is your only competition, you have a pretty good shot at starting in Week 1. Watson has all the physical tools and certainly showed big-time maturity in the national championship game. And with guys like DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller catching passes — along with his own ability to run the ball — Watson has a chance to crack QB1 status by season’s end.
The Bears weren’t the only team to trade up for a quarterback in the first round, and unlike the situation in Chicago, Mahomes might actually make a positive impact in 2017. Alex Smith is 33 years old and not getting any better. Should Smith get injured or fall off a cliff, Mahomes would have a chance to produce right away, and the talent around him at wide receiver and tight end should help allow him to put up decent numbers. He’s a risk for 2017, but one that could pay off a late-round pick.
3. Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears
Trubisky is clearly the heir apparent in Chicago, although he likely opens the season behind Mike Glennon and his $45 million contract. But the difference between Trubisky and Mahomes is the talent level in Chicago. Even if Trubisky gets a chance to play, how much can he actually produce in terms of yardage and touchdowns? He’s a legit target in dynasty leagues, but his 2017 value is highly suspect.
One thing about Kizer that is indisputable: This guy overcomes odds with the best of him. He was not supposed to be the starter at Notre Dame, but when he got the chance, he made the absolute most of it, culminating with his second-round selection. Kizer might have the best long-term prospects on the Browns’ roster and is worth a look in dynasty leagues.
He’s a dynasty pick only in the preseason, but keep this guy on your waiver-wire radar if anything happens to Eli. With ODB and Brandon Marshall to throw to, the starting quarterback in New York has a chance to put up sweet numbers.
