New QB options/opinions moving into 2021

[Mid Iowa]

So right now there's a lot of debate with Taysom Hill or Jamis Winston. We all have arguments for which is better etc... All arguments have been pretty good, IMO. The bottom line is we all have no idea what Payton's thinking, and where his Chess Match head is.

So, about the future;
We can't likely jump up in the draft high enough to hit a marquee guy like Zach Wilson, who appears to be somebody Payton would be slobbering over.

Our position also removes any consideration of Treavor Lawrence (who will almost undoubtedly go to Jacksonville at #1, and will be coached by new head coach Urban Meyer. Jacksonville won't pass on this offer for any trade. Picks, players etc... they'll take Lawrence over anything, and they should), and Justin Fields (which is fine by me. Besides, he'll be going to the Jets).

Let's chat about a possible draft guy for the future.

[Mid Iowa]

Here's a lower radar guy:
As an Iowa guy, I've watched a lot of Brock Purdy, QB at Iowa State. ISU is a well coached team as of late, and their talent pool growing. They're finally starting to recruit high caliber players, and churn draft picks. 

Purdy is a Russell Wilson type guy (6'1" 210lbs), a bit of a gun slinger, fairly accurate, and has been playing really well against high caliber teams (Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma State etc...) and could easily fall in our lap in the late 1st round as he's slated as a 2nd round guy, and falls around the 8th or 9th QB on most people's list. And he has a Drew Brees type stature, so our team is used to that size. 

Do I think it's ideal to have another small QB? Not really. I'd like a 6'3" guy, but they only make so many of them, so I guess we deal with what we can get.

You'll have a great chance to watch Purdy play on Sunday, January 2nd in the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon.

[Raves]

There is a chance that Justin Fields could be an option depending on how teams view Zach Wilson and maybe even Trey Lance.  I think all 3 of those QBs could be possible options depending on who other teams view as better.

Also a non-draft guy that would need an attitude adjustment, so would've been better if he was brought in this year with Brees still around, is Dwayne Haskins.  Has the arm to be a great QB, needs to get his study and practice habits improved as well as maturing.  Wouldn't be a bad 3rd string QB if Winston decides to go elsewhere for more money, but also someone that we shouldn't consider as more than a min contract camp body that needs to show he's willing to put in the effort.

[Canadian Saint]

Does it need to be through the draft? I think if Hill is going to be given a chance next year, we might bring in a young guy from another team to see if we can fix him.

Darnold for example is still young, and under crappy coaching has not progressed. However he has flashed that he can make the throws. Another one would be someone like Wentz if he's released or even Minshew (again if he's released).

I really don't think Payton is going to draft someone this season. Not because it's the wrong move, but I think we're going to have quite a few holes to fill after our roster purge.

[whodatworm23]

Always follow the money... Especially with the cap situation the Saints will be in this year!!!

 

Hill will have a 16 mil cap hit in 2021... Hes the starting QB and this organization and coaching staff have too much money and time invested in him not to use this year (2021) as the Hill trial run season. Were not gonna field a championship roster, we will be competitive as long as Hill pans out. Winston and his camp know this and he'll likley take a higher paying opportunity elsewhere in FA. That puts the Saints in a position where they will need to find a backup QB which I think they will in the bargin basement bin of FA. (Chase Daniel maybe).

 

The Saints are also lacking in draft picks so I seriously doubt they will draft a flyer QB as they need every pick they cab muster to fill out there roster this season on the cheap... Guys, THIS CAP SITUATION IS BAD!!!

 

The only way I see the Saints drafting a QB this year is if its in the 1st round and its a player who happens to fall to them that they view unpassable and good enough to scrap the whole Hill experiment and move forward with him instead... I dont see that guy falling to the back half of round 1 and the Saints cannot afford to trade draft picks to move up. The cap issuse will dictate alot this offseason so Taysom has a flier year in 2021 to prove to the organization that hes worth building around... Of not, 2022 could be the year we see the Saints make a move for a QB.

[tyler735]

In regards to grabbing a QB in the draft, if the Saints aren't able to trade up for a guy like Wilson or Fields, then I think Desmond Ridder would be an intriguing option. In terms of tools he checks most of the boxes. Reminds me a bit of Colin Kaepernick (at one point he was the next big thing, but just didn't take that next step developing) similar size, deceptively fast with their long stride, and plenty of arm to make all the throws. At times, looks really accurate, but then has stretches of missing some fairly easy throws. In the games I saw, I also liked his ability to maneuver around while scanning the field to make plays with his arm before running. Feel like he would work well with a guy like Kamara.

[whodatworm23]

23 minutes ago, tyler735 said:

In regards to grabbing a QB in the draft, if the Saints aren't able to trade up for a guy like Wilson or Fields, then I think Desmond Ridder would be an intriguing option. In terms of tools he checks most of the boxes. Reminds me a bit of Colin Kaepernick (at one point he was the next big thing, but just didn't take that next step developing) similar size, deceptively fast with their long stride, and plenty of arm to make all the throws. At times, looks really accurate, but then has stretches of missing some fairly easy throws. In the games I saw, I also liked his ability to maneuver around while scanning the field to make plays with his arm before running. Feel like he would work well with a guy like Kamara.

I like Ridder... Dark horse for late. 1st round to like the Steelers or Saints. Reminds me of Jordan Love last year, lot of similar attributes. 

 

I really like Mac Jones in this Saints system as a high level distributor but im not drafting him until the 2nd round. Hes not a guy that will carry your franchise but he can be a high level winning QB in the NFL in the right system.

 

I think eventually these QBs will mcome off the board as follows...

1. Lawrence

2. Wilson

3. Fields

4. Lance

5. Ridder

6. Jones

7. Trask

 

Part of me would be happy with any of them just so we actually have a young option to turn to in the event Hill falls flat. Having a young cheap QB on a rookie deal would be just what the Dr. Ordered for our cap situation.

[tyler735]

21 minutes ago, whodatworm23 said:

I like Ridder... Dark horse for late. 1st round to like the Steelers or Saints. Reminds me of Jordan Love last year, lot of similar attributes. 

 

I really like Mac Jones in this Saints system as a high level distributor but im not drafting him until the 2nd round. Hes not a guy that will carry your franchise but he can be a high level winning QB in the NFL in the right system.

 

I think eventually these QBs will mcome off the board as follows...

1. Lawrence

2. Wilson

3. Fields

4. Lance

5. Ridder

6. Jones

7. Trask

 

Part of me would be happy with any of them just so we actually have a young option to turn to in the event Hill falls flat. Having a young cheap QB on a rookie deal would be just what the Dr. Ordered for our cap situation.

Agreed think I'd want to take a chance on one in the 1st round and get that 5th year option. My rankings are basically identical I do view them in different tiers though.

For me Lawrence and Wilson are in a class of their own as passers in this class. I think they can step in immediately and have huge impacts as passers like a Herbert or Mahomes (technically didn't start right away, but you get the idea).

In terms of skill/tools/potential when I watch Fields, Lance, and Ridder not much separates them. All have solid size, are athletic, have strong arms to make all the throws, and look to be fairly accurate. I think Ridder may be the best value if he's a late 1st rounder vs Fields/Lance as top 10 or so picks.

[whodatworm23]

19 minutes ago, tyler735 said:

Agreed think I'd want to take a chance on one in the 1st round and get that 5th year option. My rankings are basically identical I do view them in different tiers though.

For me Lawrence and Wilson are in a class of their own as passers in this class. I think they can step in immediately and have huge impacts as passers like a Herbert or Mahomes (technically didn't start right away, but you get the idea).

In terms of skill/tools/potential when I watch Fields, Lance, and Ridder not much separates them. All have solid size, are athletic, have strong arms to make all the throws, and look to be fairly accurate. I think Ridder may be the best value if he's a late 1st rounder vs Fields/Lance as top 10 or so picks.

My tiers are as such...

 

Lawrence is in a stratosphere all to himself... Period.

Top 3 grade... Franchise QB, generational talent.

 

Then its Wilson, his off scripts plays and ability to improvise is where the leauge is trending and his plus arm talent completes the package.

Top 10 grade... Franchise QB in todays NFL.

 

Then I have Fields, Lance and Ridder in no particular order. They are all great athletes who need alot more development at the QB position. Fileds may be the best athlete of the 3 but Lance has the size and a slightly better arm IMO. If I had to rank them id go Lance, Fields then Ridder but its close.

Top 32 grades... Potential franchise QBs in todays NFL with further development.

 

Then Jones and Trask fall into the final category... All of the above players have the ability to realize thier potential with the physical traits to perhaps one day will their teams to wins outside the scope of the offense. Jones and Trask will never be able to do that. They are system QBs who are marginal athletes but excel at a few things good enough to carve out a winning career as NFL QBs if they land in the right system.

Top 50 grades... Potential starting quality NFL QBs depending on system fit.

[tyler735]

1 hour ago, whodatworm23 said:

My tiers are as such...

 

Lawrence is in a stratosphere all to himself... Period.

Top 3 grade... Franchise QB, generational talent.

 

Then its Wilson, his off scripts plays and ability to improvise is where the leauge is trending and his plus arm talent completes the package.

Top 10 grade... Franchise QB in todays NFL.

 

Then I have Fields, Lance and Ridder in no particular order. They are all great athletes who need alot more development at the QB position. Fileds may be the best athlete of the 3 but Lance has the size and a slightly better arm IMO. If I had to rank them id go Lance, Fields then Ridder but its close.

Top 32 grades... Potential franchise QBs in todays NFL with further development.

 

Then Jones and Trask fall into the final category... All of the above players have the ability to realize thier potential with the physical traits to perhaps one day will their teams to wins outside the scope of the offense. Jones and Trask will never be able to do that. They are system QBs who are marginal athletes but excel at a few things good enough to carve out a winning career as NFL QBs if they land in the right system.

Top 50 grades... Potential starting quality NFL QBs depending on system fit.

Agreed ours are pretty much identical except slight difference in overall grades with Lawrence and Wilson. I think I rate Wilson a little closer to Lawrence. I really think Wilson has an Aaron Rodgers type ceiling. Whether he hits that is obviously another question. Regardless 2 lucky teams should have franchise changing QB's in Lawrence and Wilson.

[whodatworm23]

59 minutes ago, tyler735 said:

Agreed ours are pretty much identical except slight difference in overall grades with Lawrence and Wilson. I think I rate Wilson a little closer to Lawrence. I really think Wilson has an Aaron Rodgers type ceiling. Whether he hits that is obviously another question. Regardless 2 lucky teams should have franchise changing QB's in Lawrence and Wilson.

Rodgers is actually a good comp for Wilson... But the Rodgers coming out of Cal not the current Green Bay QB.

 

A lot of similar ability and from what I hear... Cockiness too. I still think fit will matter a ton for Wilson, Lawrence has the physical tools needed to defy a poor fit and still excel IMO.

[tyler735]

12 hours ago, whodatworm23 said:

Rodgers is actually a good comp for Wilson... But the Rodgers coming out of Cal not the current Green Bay QB.

 

A lot of similar ability and from what I hear... Cockiness too. I still think fit will matter a ton for Wilson, Lawrence has the physical tools needed to defy a poor fit and still excel IMO.

I was thinking that Wilson/Fields would be a lock for the Jets, but now I'm really hoping Darnold has a great week this week and leads the Jets to another win. If the Jets win 3 games in a row to end the season (Almost beat the Raiders a few weeks ago too, but gave up that last second deep ball) with Darnold playing well, I think they could pass on a QB all together and instead try to build around Darnold. For the Saints, that would be a great scenario as it would allow a top QB to fall a bit more. That would leave the following teams ahead of us that could potentially take a QB:

Atlanta (Projected 4th)- This could go either way, if they think Matt Ryan has a 3-4 more years in him, they may hold off.

Detroit (Projected 7th)- Not sure if they will try to bring back Stafford, but hopefully they do, so another QB will drop.

Carolina (Projected 9th)- Unfortunately Bridgewater hasn't lit it up like I had hoped...Sucks McCaffrey has been out as I think he may have been able to save Bridgewaters job. Think the Panthers are likely to grab a QB. Hope they go for Lance and try to recapture their old Newton days with him.

Minnesota (Projected 13th)- Seems like a coin flip if they draft Cousins replacement. Wouldn't be surprised to see them go full rebuild mode and grab a QB.

New England (Projected 14th)- I'll be surprised if they don't look for a QB in the offseason, I'd imagine they think hard about a QB here

San Francisco (Projected 15th)- Not sure how much longer they stick with Jimmy G, he seems like he's always injured, but did help them get to a Super Bowl last year. Hope they give him 1 more year, but not very optimistic that will be the case.

Indianapolis (Projected 18th)- Rivers doesn't have much time left before he will have to hang up the cleats. That said he has at least had a decent season statistically, so maybe they hold off another year before drafting a guy.

Washington (Projected 19th)- Don't see how they pass up on a QB after the Haskins fiasco.

Chicago (Projected 20th)- Trubisky has had a decent stretch of games lately, maybe it was his last lifeline before they go another direction at QB.

 

I think there is a good chance we will need to trade up in the 1st if we are truly looking to grab one of the top 4 or top 5 QB's, there are several teams that will likely be looking to take one this year. I don't expect us to be a Super Bowl contender next year (still think we can be a playoff team with all the talent we have), so I'm okay with giving up draft capital to trade up into the top 15. I think that will be the sweet spot to land a guy like Wilson, Fields, Ridder, or Lance. If Wilson makes it past Carolina to pick 10, I hope we are on the phone doing what it takes to get him though.

 

 

[Mid Iowa]

1 hour ago, tyler735 said:

the following teams ahead of us that could potentially take a QB:

Atlanta (Projected 4th)- This could go either way, if they think Matt Ryan has a 3-4 more years in him, they may hold off. Does Atlanta view Ryan similarly to how we've viewed Brees? I honestly don't know, but if they do, they'll pass on a high round pick.

Detroit (Projected 7th)- Not sure if they will try to bring back Stafford, but hopefully they do, so another QB will drop. Stafford's gone. They're bringing in a whole new...everything. My guess is they'll look to start fresh on every level. Stafford is aging, and is below mediocre the last 3 seasons. Of course, Patricia is easily to blame for some of this, but I think both camps could use a fresh look. Look for Stafford to go elsewhere and do well.

Carolina (Projected 9th)- Unfortunately Bridgewater hasn't lit it up like I had hoped...Sucks McCaffrey has been out as I think he may have been able to save Bridgewaters job. Think the Panthers are likely to grab a QB. Hope they go for Lance and try to recapture their old Newton days with him. I think they keep Bridge. This season is his best season he's had as a pro, stats wise (with the exception of last season with the Saints), and just think of what the TEAM could do with McCaffery back in the mix. Carolina's record doesn't fall on Bridge nearly as much it falls on the coaching letting opponents back in the game, coupled with injuries. Now, Teddy's numbers have looked like crap the last 4 games, but they've also been playing for nothing more than pride.

Minnesota (Projected 13th)- Seems like a coin flip if they draft Cousins replacement. Wouldn't be surprised to see them go full rebuild mode and grab a QB. Minn will be looking to blame their record on 2 things, defensive injuries, and a craptastic place kicker. They let Diggs go, and that killed Cousins. I think they'll keep him, especially with as much $$ as they guaranteed him. As they say in Alabama, now matter what, you're always getting screwed by cousins.

New England (Projected 14th)- I'll be surprised if they don't look for a QB in the offseason, I'd imagine they think hard about a QB here. I actually wonder if they do a swap with the 49ers. I could see Bill B wanting Garapalo back, and it's clear that Newton won't be in New England next season. That said, Bethard is playing okay(ish) in SF, so who knows, maybe they toss him some love. Fun fact, Bethard has never thrown an INT in the pros.

San Francisco (Projected 15th)- Not sure how much longer they stick with Jimmy G, he seems like he's always injured, but did help them get to a Super Bowl last year. Hope they give him 1 more year, but not very optimistic that will be the case. See above - swap with the Patriots

Indianapolis (Projected 18th)- Rivers doesn't have much time left before he will have to hang up the cleats. That said he has at least had a decent season statistically, so maybe they hold off another year before drafting a guy. They need a big body replacement. I see Indy pulling out all stops to get their next Payton Manning. That big body, franchise guy was in their mitts with Luck, and then poof. They need, need, need a fresh body. I think they'll make splash moves to do it. Big splash moves.

Washington (Projected 19th)- Don't see how they pass up on a QB after the Haskins fiasco. Another big need. Alex Smith is a great story, and a really good QB. He's also 36 and had a major leg injury. Of course, also had a few seasons off, but still, he's 36. I could see Rivera & crew also making a big splash. Trading crazy to get a new marquee guy.

Chicago (Projected 20th)- Trubisky has had a decent stretch of games lately, maybe it was his last lifeline before they go another direction at QB. If this season has taught Chicago anything, it should have taught them that Trubisky has been their best option, no matter how they've tried to throw him under the bus due to crappy coaching, management, and play calling. They have a really good team who's under performing. I'd almost see them getting rid of Naggy before Trubisky, but who knows...

 

I think there is a good chance we will need to trade up in the 1st if we are truly looking to grab one of the top 4 or top 5 QB's,

I agree, I could see us grabbing a #4 or 5 guy. The only 2 teams I see doing anything drastic are the Colts and Washington. And of course the Lions just stay where they're at and take the #2 QB. I firmly believe that Jacksonville will take Lawrence, and I think their new HC will be Urban Meyer, so the fit will be perfect.

 

[whodatworm23]

I feel that back end of round 1 will be a hot spot for Ridder and Mac Jones... The 5th year option comes into play as well as getting the rookie QBs contract as cheap as teams can. 

 

Lawrence is going #1

 

Wilson, Fields and Lance are going top 15.

 

I think Jones goes next somewhere in the 20's and then Ridder on the back end of round 1.

 

Trask somewhere in the 2nd.

 

Now who's taking who... Lord knows! Teams will be jocking for position like always when it comes to quarterbacks. All I know for certain is Lawrence to Jacksonville.

 

[tyler735]

I'm all for trading a 1st or a 2nd to move up and get "our" guy. Crazy to think had we done so in 2017 (move up 1 spot), we would likely have Pat Mahomes right now. If our front office thinks 1 of these QB's is a great fit for our system, I hope they do what needs to be done to get them. I've learned to trust their judgement in recent years, they seem to hit on so many of their picks lately.

Edited December 31, 2020 by tyler735