From their rookie season to sophomore year, here are three sophomore quarterbacks that can enter QB1 status in fantasy football in 2022.
For sophomore quarterbacks, the second year is when things are supposed to smooth out. After a rookie year to get the feet wet, things start to come together in year two. With a handful of sophomore quarterbacks being the starter of their respective teams, who will take the next step in year two?
Fields, Lawerence, Lance, Jones, Mills, and Wilson have all shown flashes, but not all will make the leap. Here are three sophomore quarterbacks trending to enter QB1 status in 2022.
Justin Fields takes over the Windy City
Justin Fields is the Chicago Bears franchise quarterback for now. In his rookie season, Fields was sacked the tenth most in the NFL.
Fields looks to become a legit fantasy weapon in year two with a fringe Bears offense. The Bears did not make any serious moves to improve the receiving room this season. Although the consensus is overreacting, Fields has great chemistry with his current weapons.
Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet are the top two options on the Bears' offense. Mooney finished top 10 in target share in 2021 and 11th in total targets. Kmet improved from 28 receptions on 44 targets to 60 receptions on 90 targets.
Justin Fields also totaled 420 rushing yards in the 12 games he played ranking him fifth overall. In a full season, It's conceivable Fields can eclipse over 700 rushing yards like Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Lamar Jackson.
All three of those quarterbacks have one thing in common. They are all elite fantasy weapons and three of the five best fantasy quarterbacks to draft.
Have the Bears made the right moves to support Justin Fields? pic.twitter.com/sg5EoqNP4k
— PFF (@PFF) May 10, 2022
Justin Fields will enter that status in 2022 having full control of the offense. Also, the general manager stated the offense will be built for Fields to succeed.
Zach Wilson, the King of New York?
The New York Jets had a phenomenal draft. All in all, the Jets addressed their needs. They drafted the best cornerback, best receiver, and best running back in the class.
Now, Wilson has quite a few weapons surrounding him. Elijah Moore was on a tear and WR3 from weeks seven to 13. Garrett Wilson might still need to polish his game, but as scouts stated "the acceleration burst is what makes him such an effective separator in space."
Breece Hall, the RB1 of the 2022 class shares comparisons to Jonathan Taylor and will fit nicely with pass-catching running back, Michael Carter. Wilson, being sacked the second most times in 2021 will need to get more help from his offensive line but the answers are there.
Just blessing your timeline with a dart from @ZachWilson 🎯 pic.twitter.com/2Z2FHpZsbm
— New York Jets UK & IE (@NYJetsinUK) May 16, 2022
Also, Corey Davis is still on the roster and a veteran he can rely on. Wilson, the best thrower of his draft class will look to finally make the New York Jets competitive with an impressive year two leap.
Trevor Lawrence and DUUUVAL
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been a bad NFL team for quite some time. Even when they reached the AFC title game a few years back, it was strictly the defense. That fell apart rather quickly, too. Now, Mel Kiper's fourth quarterback in his book, Trevor Lawrence had a rough rookie season, but so did another quarterback from Kiper's book.
Peyton Manning had a stat line of 26 touchdowns and 28 interceptions in his rookie season. Lawrence finished with 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. People are too quick to write players off. Trevor Lawrence was the number one quarterback and projected number one pick in his draft class since his high school days.
Furthermore, the worst coach in NFL history, Urban Meyer is no longer there and everyone knows, that a coach like that will only hold players from their true potential.
that sweet, sweet Trevor Lawrence pocket movement
Notice how he's able to stay balanced and in rhythm to make the Over throw despite the drastic steps as he feels the pass rush pic.twitter.com/hUOv4sd9Sd
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) May 23, 2022
Although Jacksonville made a "splash" signing that does not look like a splash in Christian Kirk. We all have to wait to see what this offense looks like. Lawrence showed flashes in week 18 with 223 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 71% completion.
The most exciting part about the Jaguars is that Travis Etienne has been fully cleared to be back on the field. Trevor Lawrence and his college teammate will both leave their mark in 2022 as legit fantasy weapons.
In a mediocre division where the Texans still have too many holes and the Titans' best offensive weapon is coming off of foot surgery. With the Colts going through another quarterback change, the Jaguars can surprise a lot of people this season.
Thank you for checking out my sophomore quarterbacks to be QB1s article! You can read all of my articles on my IDP Guys' author page. Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @NBF_Clo and @IDPGuys (we have offense too) and please check out our website at idpguys.org.
