The Top-5 Quarterbacks Under 25 Who Will Shine in 2022
Week 1 of the NFL preseason has passed us by. The build-up to the 2022 season features a lot of young, talented players getting reps, and the next generation of star quarterbacks are beginning to shine. This year’s rookie class may get overlooked with Kenny Pickett (Steelers) and Desmond Ridder (Falcons) likely starting the season as backups, but plenty of other young guns will step into the spotlight this season. Different circumstances have pushed the following players into roles as potential franchise quarterbacks, and the season ahead could determine if they have what it takes. Here are five QBs under the age of 25 who could (and should) have breakout campaigns this year.
1. Trey Lance (49ers)
The Jimmy Garropolo era in San Francisco has come to an end, but the 49ers have a loaded defense and plenty of weapons on offense to give second-year man Trey Lance the necessary tools to explode in 2022. Lance’s dual-threat capabilities give him an ultra-high ceiling. He’ll have plenty of chances to prove he’s the franchise guy for the next decade or more, but it all starts this season.
2. Kyler Murray (Cardinals)
Murray is the veteran in the group of youngsters as he heads into Year 4. He was an MVP candidate for the first half of last year before the Cardinals fell down the stretch. Now, with new contract in hand and DeAndre Hopkins back from injury, there are Super Bowl expectations in Arizona. The weapons are endless, and K1 should be back to elite form.
3. Jalen Hurts (Eagles)
In two seasons with two different coaches, Hurts pushed Carson Wentz out of Philadelphia and took the Eagles by storm. The former third-round pick hasn’t produced eye-popping numbers, but his leadership ability has earned him the starting gig in Year 2 under head coach Nick Sirianni. The Eagles added WR A.J. Brown in a trade — one of Hurts’ close friends — and the weapons are there for him to excel. If he doesn’t, Philly has multiple first-round picks next year to find his replacement.
4. Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars)
Lawrence was the highest-touted rookie QB since Andrew Luck when he was drafted by the Jags in 2021. Last year’s rookie campaign left much to be admired, but the Jaguars’ season was riddled with off-the-field drama from head coach Urban Meyer. Now, Lawrence has a Super Bowl-winning quarterback whisperer in Doug Pederson, and the sky is the limit. The Jags were atrocious last season (3-14), so there’s nowhere to go but up.
5. Mac Jones (Patriots)
I had to choose between Mac Jones and Justin Fields (Bears) for the 5-spot, but the choice was clear. Jones was efficient in Year 1, but Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is now in Las Vegas. Mac’s consistency should continue into Year 2, but the only thing stopping his progression could be a lacking offensive unit. If he gels with his top targets, expect big things.
Additional Storylines
FOX Sports: 49ers Racing to Speed Up Trey Lance’s Development
B/R: Current NFL Starting QBs Who Could Be Replaced in Regular Season
ESPN+: Predicting 25 NFL Breakout Candidates for 2022
