Notable NFL Backup QBs Worth Exploring Via Trade
By Erik Lambert
Jun 11, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) during minicamp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Given doubts about the strength of either the NFL draft or free agency for quarterback help, it has opened up the trade market as a possible avenue for finding a stable starter. So who are some names out there that teams should at least consider as the off-season prepares to go active?
Quotes from NFL.com.
A.J. McCarron (Cincinnati Bengals)
"“An efficient game-managing quarterback who has shown he can carry an offense at times throughout his career, but more often is dependent on a terrific supporting cast. Grades out most highly for his intangibles and decision-making, knowing when and where to go with the ball, and could earn an NFL starting job.”"
It was a surprise to many that the former Alabama quarterback went in the 5th round, especially since he won back-to-back national titles. He has size, decent mobility and is heralded for his leadership and big-game performances. Is that not worth the risk?
Landry Jones (Pittsburgh Steelers)
"“The NFL-sized pocket passer can be decisive and flashes the accuracy to pick apart defenses at the next level. However, his tendency to get rattled under pressure is a major issue. Also, when things start to go downhill, he lacks a short memory; his confidence is shaken. He is also inconsistent in his reads and decision making.”"
The concerns over his easy-to-shake confidence are why he was a 4th round pick, but if teams are looking for that pocket passer with size and a good arm with accuracy, Landry Jones checks every box. What it might come down to is falling under a motivational head coach who can keep him calm during games.
Ryan Nassib (New York Giants)
"“Nassib doesn’t have exceptional size or athleticism, but the muscle bound thrower has a rifle for an arm and was finally comfortable in the Syracuse offense in 2012, even though his happy feet might suggest differently. The senior might have a tendency to sail targets and force some poor reads, but multiple teams will likely consider adding Nassib as an early starter, not just a backup or developmental prospect as many suspected prior to this season.”"
The term “gunslinger” comes to mind about Ryan Nassib. His great arms can lead to some amazing throws, but also a series of poor decisions. Most of his problems lay in technique and the mental side of the game. Still, he has the work ethic to do it. What he needs is a coach to help him.
Brock Osweiler (Denver Broncos)
"“Osweiler has a very deliberate, quick-twitched setup. His shining asset is his arm strength; he can hit nearly any NFL-caliber throw at this point in his career. He is a good leader and looks in control in the huddle and on the field. He has the pocket presence of a first-day pick and doesn’t go down easily. Osweiler had on-the-field judgment issues and isn’t reliable to protect the ball from turnovers. It seems as if he starts to get rolling in a game, and the more confidence he builds, the more of a gunslinger mentality he adopts.”"
It’s hard not to grow intrigued by Brock Osweiler. He’s a monstrous 6’7” with the strength to shake off defenders and the arm and accuracy to deliver any throw he wants. He’s had three seasons learning how to attack the mental side of the game from watching Peyton Manning. In terms of projects, he is as ready as he’ll ever be.
Chase Daniel (Kansas City Chiefs)
"“Gutty, competitive field general. A virtual coach on the field. Reads defenses well and checks down effectively. Good accuracy to all levels. Shows enough zip in the short to intermediate throws when given a deep pocket. May be too short for the NFL. Scouts believe his success in this system is greatly tied to throwing out of the shotgun — and thereby the open passing lanes and middle underneath passes of the scheme.”"
As a backup, Chase Daniel has proven himself able to answer the bell when called. His only two starts have been against the same team and he showed progress by beating them the second time. There is enough mobility and arm strength there, together with mental toughness to warrant a look.
Mike Glennon (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
"“The lean, strong-armed passer performed fairly well in a difficult situation (3,054 yards, 31 touchdowns) when asked to take over for Wolfpack legend Russell Wilson in 2011. If he improves his accuracy and pocket poise in his second season as a starter, as well as his ability to recognize what defenses are trying to takes away from him, scouts just might project him as an eventual starter.”"
The inconsistent coaching and starting time has left Mike Glennon as one big mystery. What is clear is he won five games for what has proven to be some bad Buccaneers teams. He’s got size, arm strength and enough poise to show up against the big, bad teams like Seattle and Pittsburgh. It’s curious to wonder what might happen if a team actually commits to him.