Fantasy: Which QBs will exceed expectations in 2016?

Finding a quality fantasy quarterback has become easier than ever. It's the deepest position by far, which has owners waiting longer and longer before drafting their starting QB.

Last season, Carson Palmer and Blake Bortles ended the year in the top five, despite being taken after the 10th round in most drafts. This is the world J.J. Zachariason envisioned when he pushed the late-round QB strategy in 2012.

Unless you're playing in a two-quarterback league, every fantasy owner should be exercising a Guns N' Roses-level of patience when drafting a fantasy QB. If you're willing to take it slow, here are a few quarterbacks who can help make sure things will be just fine for you in 2016:

Who will exceed expectations?

• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Wide Receivers
• Tight Ends

Kirk Cousins

Let's get this out the way off the top: Kirk Cousins is an average quarterback at best. Washington has done a great job of surrounding him with playmakers in the passing game and Jay Gruden's offense keeps things as simple as possible for Captain Kirk.

To Cousins' credit, he executed well last season en route to 4,166 yards and 29 touchdowns, including 11 passing touchdowns over the final three weeks. He carried many teams to fantasy titles and finished the year with the eighth-most points at quarterback, yet he's currently ranked outside the top 12 quarterbacks in this year's mocks.

It's true his numbers were helped by his five rushing scores - a stat that would normally be in line to regress - but with an unproven running game, it's possible he'll continue to call his own number at the goal line.

Washington also added to his receiving arsenal with first-round pick Josh Doctson, who should be an instant red-zone weapon and may develop into a true No. 1 wideout.

Cousins' talent is limited, but his system and situation could make him a low-end QB1 for the second straight year.

Tyrod Taylor

Taylor won the Bills' quarterback competition a year ago, but wasn't expected to be a fantasy factor in Greg Roman's run-heavy offense.

Little did we know, Taylor thrived as part of the league's best rushing attack, adding 568 yards and four touchdowns of his own on the ground. With defenses forced to respect the run, Taylor and star receiver Sammy Watkins took full advantage down the stretch.

Taylor averaged 19.3 fantasy points per game in 2015 (tied for seventh best among starters), and that number rose to 21.8 over the final six weeks of the campaign. Had it not been for the two games he missed due to injury, Taylor would've comfortably finished in the top 10.

The Bills have yet to lock up Taylor with a long-term contract, and fantasy owners appear to have similar doubts, since he's coming off the board as the 18th quarterback in mock drafts.

Any quarterback who runs the ball as much as Taylor will be an injury risk, but when healthy he's proven to be capable of delivering QB1 numbers for his fantasy owners.

Taylor reportedly exhibited more command over the offense in the offseason, and the Bills have discussed opening things up a bit more in his second year with the team. As long as Watkins' recovery from foot surgery goes well, Taylor should pick up where he left off last season.

Deep Shots

Ryan Tannehill - After a top-10 finish in 2014, Tannehill failed to take a step forward last season. The Dolphins hope new head coach Adam Gase can help spur the development of Tannehill and his talented young receiving corps. Gase, who has a history of getting the most out of his quarterbacks, plans to run a more up-tempo offense in Miami, while giving Tannehill the ability to make calls at the line of scrimmage.

Jay Cutler - Smokin' Jay was one of the quarterbacks with the privilege of previously playing under Gase, who served as the Bears' offensive coordinator last year. Cutler enjoyed one of the most efficient seasons of his career, while overcoming an endless run of injuries to key members of the offense. With Alshon Jeffery healthy and 2015 first-rounder Kevin White ready to contribute, Cutler could surprise this season.

Blaine Gabbert - No one wants to draft Blaine Gabbert on their fantasy team. Even in MFL10s, he's lucky to go in the final round. However, signs point to Gabbert being the favorite to win the starting job in San Francisco, where new head coach Chip Kelly could help revive the 49ers' offense. Gabbert had a pair of 300-yard games in relief of Colin Kaepernick last season, which makes you wonder if he could be a competent quarterback in the right system. Wherever Kelly implements his fast-paced attack, fantasy numbers tend to follow.