If Jets general manager Joe Douglas doesn’t trade this off-season for quarterback Sam Darnold, Darnold will likely be a free agent in 2021.
That’s because Douglas is unlikely to exercise the Darnold’s fifth year option before 2022. And if Darnold struggles again in 2021 – the fourth and final year of his rookie contract – Douglas might consider picking a quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Here’s an early rundown of nine possible goals, with their class for 2021 listed:
Sam Howell, North Carolina, third year junior (6-1, 225 pounds)
At this early stage, he is widely regarded as the best quarterback prospect for 2022. Over two seasons, he has 68 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. One potential problem: It’s a bit on the short side, which some NFL teams may not like. But the man can play. That is obvious.
Kedon Slovis, USC, third year junior (6-3, 215 pounds)
Like Howell, he had a dominant real freshman season in 2019: 30 touchdowns, nine interceptions. Last season, he had 17 touchdowns and seven tips in six games. If Howell is the # 1 (very early) quarterback for the 2022 NFL Draft, Slovis is right in the mix for the # 2 spot, with Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough.
Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma, sophomore sophomore (6-1, 205 pounds)
First of all, what a great name. He redshirted in 2019, so he only has one full season of college experience. And it is not that big. Rattler had 28 touchdowns and seven tips in 11 games last season. Let’s see if he can build on that in 2021. He may return to school in 2022.
Tyler Shough, Texas Tech, fourth year junior (6-5, 221 lbs)
He just switched from Oregon to Texas Tech after replacing Justin Herbert in Eugene. Shough redshirted in 2018 and supported Herbert in 2019. Shough started 2020 as a starter, but Oregon switched to Anthony Brown, a transfer from Boston College. Shough had 13 touchdowns and six tips in seven games last season. He is immediately eligible for Texas Tech in 2021. Shough has a prototypical NFL quarterback frame.
Jayden Daniels, Arizona State, third year junior (6-3, 185 pounds)
While Howell, Slovis, Rattler and Shough are likely the top four quarterbacks to keep an eye on right now, one or two more quarterbacks could significantly increase his draft stock in 2021. Daniels plays for former Jets coach Herm Edwards in the state Arizona. He started from Day 1 in 2019 when he had 17 touchdowns and two picks. In 2020, he had five touchdowns and one pick in four games. NFL teams may want him to step up a bit.
Malik Cunningham, Louisville, fifth-year senior (6-1, 200 pounds)
He will likely have three seasons of starting experience by the time next year’s draft rolls around. So there will be a lot of film for NFL scouts to evaluate. Some teams like to have a known product with the quarterback. But Cunningham’s 2020 season (20 touchdowns, 12 tips) was not as strong as 2019 (22 touchdowns, five tips).
Grant Gunnell, Memphis, third year junior (6-6, 228 pounds)
He just came over from Arizona. He has only one season of full-time starting experience, in 2020. He is an NFL mate. That is obvious. But he doesn’t have an extensive track record – played 12 total college games, with 15 touchdowns and two picks. Much to prove.
Michael Penix Jr., Indiana, fourth year junior (6-3, 218 pounds)
Injuries are a problem for him, even if he remains an intriguing prospect. He tore his ACL in 2018 when he redshirted. He entered 2019 as a starter, but was limited to six games due to a collarbone injury. In six games last season, he had 14 touchdowns and four tips, then tore his ACL in late November. A lot of questions here. Let’s see what 2021 will bring for Penix.
Jack Coan, Notre Dame, fifth year senior (6-3, 221 pounds)
He just came over from Wisconsin, where he started a full season (2019) and then missed all of 2020 due to a foot injury. In 2019, he had 18 touchdowns and five picks. With Ian Book leaving Notre Dame, Coan will have the opportunity to start in 2021 and improve his design stock. But Coan clearly has a lot to prove. Definitely a wildcard prospect at this point. Coan attended high school in Sayville, NY, on Long Island.
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