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NFL experts predict: Underrated free agents, offseason trades, more
The Vikings have a safety teams should covet next month. The Patriots could lose key players besides their QB. Our crew of insiders weighs in.
www.espn.com
Patrick Mahomes in 2018. Lamar Jackson in 2019. Who's your pick to be the breakout quarterback of 2020?
Bowen: Drew Lock, Broncos. Lock has all the traits of a top-end thrower -- plus decent movement skills -- to make the second-year jump under new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. Up next for Denver? Bolster the offense around its quarterback, adding more speed to pair with the big-play ability of wide receiver Courtland Sutton and tight end Noah Fant.
Clay: Kyler Murray, Cardinals. Mahomes and Jackson broke out in their second professional season, and I fully expect that to be the case for Murray. The first overall pick in 2019 got plenty of experience as a rookie, ranking ninth in the league in pass attempts and third in carries. With a better supporting cast and in coach Kliff Kingsbury's second season, Murray is primed for a giant step forward.
Fowler: Daniel Jones, Giants. He makes big plays, he's mobile, and the Giants should have better support around him. If he learns to take care of the ball -- he had 12 interceptions and fumbled 12 times last season -- he'll be a huge presence in the NFC East.
Graziano: Daniel Jones, Giants. The turnovers are a major problem, but they were for Jackson this time last year, too. Jones gets that problem ironed out under a new, more engaged coaching staff, and we see more of the splash games from a Giants team that ... I mean, it has to get better one of these years, right?
Kimes: Kyler Murray, Cardinals. Until the end of the 2019 season, when he was banged up, Murray displayed many of the tools that compelled the Cardinals to take him first overall -- athleticism, a live arm and an electric ability to make plays outside the pocket. Both he and Kingsbury improved as the season went on, and I expect the pair to take another leap forward in 2020.
Reid: Kyler Murray, Cardinals. He'd might as well wear a T-shirt that reads "Next."
Seifert: Baker Mayfield, Browns. While Murray is the obvious (and possibly correct) answer, we shouldn't overlook the potential impact of the Browns' new coaching staff on Mayfield. I expect Kevin Stefanski to do the same thing for Mayfield that he did for Kirk Cousins in 2019: Identify what Mayfield does well and emphasize it throughout every game plan. The Browns have more than enough weapons to make it work around him.
Yates: Kyler Murray, Cardinals. There are too many positive signs from this season to look past Murray. I'm champing at the bit to watch him next season.