5 teams that could surprise with an early QB pick on draft day
Heading into the 2019 NFL Draft, it's apparent the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and Washington Redskins are each in need of a quarterback. However, they may not be the only teams that draft one on April 25.
Here's a look at five teams that could surprise with a first-round quarterback selection.
New England Patriots
It's not plausible that the Patriots would push Tom Brady out the door before he's ready to leave after another Super Bowl win. However, they may look to acquire the 41-year-old's eventual successor, as New England won't be handing the franchise over to 33-year-old backup Brian Hoyer.
New England could look to replicate its success molding prospects like Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett - who were both taken in the first three rounds - by drafting a QB that can learn from Brady while he continues to lead the team. Also, with six picks in the first three rounds, the Patriots could trade up and select Brady's successor if the right player catches their eye.
Oakland Raiders
Despite struggling in 2018, Derek Carr has received the backing of both Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden and seems to be hitting it off with his new star receiver Antonio Brown.
However, the Raiders - who hold three first-round picks, including the No. 4 overall selection - could be keeping up appearances as they await draft day. Gruden has praised both Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins and is reportedly "very interested" in Murray in particular.
Considering Oakland's heavy draft capital, the Raiders could walk away with a high-end QB prospect.
Los Angeles Chargers
Philip Rivers had an MVP-caliber campaign last year, throwing for 4,308 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, but he's 37. The franchise may look to prepare for the future by grooming a quarterback now. Current backup Tyrod Taylor will hit 30 before the upcoming season starts and isn't much more than an insurance policy.
The Chargers are in a win-now mentality, so a first-round pick could be better used elsewhere, but they would have to think about scooping up a top quarterback talent if one slides all the way to No. 28 overall.
Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota has dealt with injuries throughout his four NFL seasons. His numbers have also dropped since he set several career highs in 2016, including a disappointing 2018 in which he posted only 2,528 passing yards and 11 touchdowns in 13 starts.
The Oregon product has yet to deliver as a former No. 2 overall pick and is entering the final year of his contract. The door is open for the Titans to select a QB and move on from their injury-prone pivot if he struggles again in 2019.
Cincinnati Bengals
Andy Dalton has made the postseason four times in his eight seasons with the Bengals, but his 0-4 playoff record shows that the 31-year-old is not the right long-term quarterback to lead the team.
With an all-new coaching staff coming from external organizations, the Bengals could continue on their path of reinvention by targeting a prospect worthy of building a future around. Cincinnati owns the No. 11 pick, putting the franchise in prime position to grab a top talent.