Examining Quarterback Prospects for the New Season
As we approach the new season, several quarterbacks are eyeing opportunities to once again lead from the front. Among them, Ryan Tannehill stands out, armed with a wealth of experience spanning 151 career starts and boasting a notable 91.2 passer rating. Despite the challenges, Tannehill's determination to reclaim a starting position undeniably adds intrigue to the quarterback market.
In contrast, Brian Hoyer finds himself unattached after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders. Hoyer, not too far removed from his last start, adds an interesting dynamic to the pool of available quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Blaine Gabbert is on the hunt for a fresh start, eager to rewrite his narrative in the league.
Rising Stars and Veteran Presence in the Running Back Corps
The running back market is buzzing with talent, featuring J.K. Dobbins, Ezekiel Elliott, and Kareem Hunt. Dobbins, following an impressive rookie season, is a name to watch, while Elliott, with 642 rushing yards and three touchdowns from the previous season, seeks to prove he still has what it takes to be a lead back. Hunt, fresh off a season with nine touchdowns over 15 games, is another exciting prospect for teams looking to bolster their backfield.
Wide Receiver Watch: Available Talent on the Market
The wide receiver market is not short of talent, headlined by Tyler Boyd, who boasts 6,000 career receiving yards and 31 touchdowns. D.J. Chark, coming off a season with 35 catches for 525 yards and five touchdowns, is also on the lookout for a new team. Odell Beckham Jr., who had a productive stint in Baltimore, remains a high-profile name in the wide receiver pool, promising to add value wherever he lands.
Tight Ends Drawing Interest
The tight end position sees several notable names available, including Logan Thomas, who had an impactful season with 55 catches for 496 yards and four touchdowns. Robert Tonyan, celebrated for his 11 touchdown catches in 2020, is also on the market, looking for a team to make his mark with. Additionally, C.J. Uzomah, despite a quieter season with New York, remains a viable option for teams seeking depth and experience.
Addressing the Tackle Market
In the offensive line, David Bakhtiari remains a distinguished figure among the available tackles, drawing significant interest due to his proven abilities. Mekhi Becton and Donovan Smith had challenges last season, allowing 12 sacks and 47 pressures, and two sacks and 36 pressures, respectively. Their experiences, however, could provide valuable lessons and skills for prospective teams aiming to strengthen their offensive front.
Guard and Center Options to Fortify the Offensive Line
Andrus Peat, capable of playing both left tackle and guard, is among the versatile talents available in the interior offensive line market. Dalton Risner stands out for not allowing a single sack in 459 pass-blocking snaps last season, showcasing his reliability and skill. Laken Tomlinson, although he faced challenges last season, joins Max Williams, Tim Patrick, and J.C. Allen as part of a group ready to solidify any team’s interior offensive line and enhance their protection schemes.
As NFL teams continue to refine their rosters for the upcoming season, the market is rife with veteran prowess and emerging talent across all positions. The blend of experience, resilience, and untapped potential among the available players ensures an exciting build-up to the season's start, promising to enrich team dynamics and elevate the level of competition league-wide.