NFL Rookie Quarterback Review: Derek Carr Tops List
By Erik Lambert
Since the start of the 2014 NFL season, three rookies have become starters for their teams. How is their progress and who rates highest?
Blake Bortles
Taken: #3 overall by Jacksonville Jaguars
Started: Week 4
Stats: 1,972 yards, 8 TDs, 14 INTs
The Jacksonville Jaguars were certain enough about Blake Bortles that they didn’t think they needed to trade back before taking him at #3. Their initial plan was to bring him along slowly but the poor play of Chad Henne and a losing record compelled them to get him in and start gaining experience. It’s hard to figure out where Bortles is because he’s playing on such a young offense that still lacks a solid offensive line. He certainly has physical ability that flashes constantly, but he has to learn to take better care of the football.
Teddy Bridgewater
Taken: #32 overall by Minnesota Vikings
Started: Week 4
Stats: 1,479 yards, 4 TDs, 6 INTs
Injuries have hindered the progress of Teddy Bridgewater somewhat but the Minnesota Vikings were also intent on not starting him so early. An injury to Matt Cassel changed that. Nothing about Bridgewater’s numbers stand out. He isn’t very aggressive with the football, averaging just 6.6 yards per completion. Time will tell if that is more him or his coaching staff playing it conservative. One thing is for sure, he has a long way to go before fulfilling the Vikings’ faith for trading up to get him.
Derek Carr
Taken: #36 overall by Oakland Raiders
Started: Week 1
Stats: 2,249 yards, 14 TDs, 9 INTs
Ironically, the team that was the most patient in the 2014 draft seems to have come away with the best pick thus far. The Oakland Raiders waited until the 2nd round before taking Derek Carr, who may have been overlooked for his lack of experience in a pro style offense and his family connection to brother David, who was a major bust. Though he didn’t get a win until Week 12, the numbers show that he’s the most productive of the three. He has more passing yards, more touchdowns, fewer interceptions and won the starting faster.
There is no question as the 2014 class goes, Carr has the brightest NFL future.