14. Arizona Cardinals: Murray, Hundley
It may be a stretch putting Kyler Murray this high on the list, but he showed real promise in his first season in the league. It also helps that he is playing in a system that suits him, with a head coach who is touted as an offensive guru. Essentially, Murray has stability.
If he can lessen the interceptions, Murray will be one of the league’s elite QB’s in no time. Adding Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is sure to help as well. Brett Hundley is serviceable, but not even close to an even swap in relief.
Projected Record: 9-7
13. Minnesota Vikings: Cousins, Mannion
The 13th best quarterback in the league is certainly not what the Vikings were hoping to get when they gave Cousins the richest contract a quarterback has ever received. However, that’s what they’ve got. To be fair, Cousins did improve last season.
Last season he threw less but recorded essentially the same numbers as the year before. One downside heading into this season is Stefon Diggs is gone, replaced by rookie Justin Jefferson. Sean Mannion backs up Cousins, but his 0-3 TD to INT stats over his 6-year career isn’t inspiring anyone.
Projected Record: 10-6
12. Philadelphia Eagles: Wentz, Sudfield, Hurts
Carson Wentz is one of the league’s best young quarterbacks, but that will only continue to be the case if he stays healthy. He’s missed three or more games in two of the last three seasons. When Wentz is healthy, he’s great. When he’s not, Nate Sudfield has to play.
One of the more intriguing offseason pickups was former Alabama and Oklahoma star Jalen Hurts being drafted by the Eagles. Everyone knows the quality of human being Hurts is, but can he be effective in the NFL. Chances are good we’ll get to find out this season.
Projected Records: 10-6