Here's a quick guess, based on all the draft talk (and just a little of my brain), as to how the quarterback thing will play out for several QB needy teams.
Keep in mind....this is only a guess. Also keep in mind that a) I'm married with children and have been emasculated to the point where a blog is my only means of free expression and b) I'm just not very bright to begin with.
So, below is a list of QB needy teams and who I think will be starting for them next year by midseason (or later). As well as some notes about why I may think so, other possibilities and how I once fantasized about a man during a long bus trip.....uhhh....scratch that last one.
Team
2010 Starter
Carolina
Cam Newton
I'm a sheep, not a shepherd….following the crowd on this one
Denver
Kyle Orton
Elway appears to be lukewarm at best on Tebow. Without actually saying what he thinks of Tebow, Elway has managed to give signals that couldn't be misinterpreted by a deaf and blind Labrador. I think he'll give Orton/Tebow one year, hope they fall flat, and get his own guy next year.
Buffalo
Ryan Fitzpatrick
OK. I'm letting personal opinion get in the way here. But, I like Fitzpatrick. I want him to marry my daughter….
Cincinnati
Ryan Mallett
The Bungles have alienated Carson Palmer - who, say what you will about his recent performances, has been the face of the franchise for awhile now. My guess is Mike Brown decided that making the right decision - like they did in 2003 with Palmer - didn't work out, so he will take the QB (in the 2nd round) whose stock is falling faster than Oprah's weight....uhh....when she's...losing....weight. (Sorry, couldn't think of anything wittier)
Arizona
Blaine Gabbert
I was tempted to go with Kevin Kolb here. Of the teams that are interested in Kolb, the Cardinals are probably in the strongest position to get him….if they're willing to give up the fifth pick. But, something tells me they'll balk. And, this team that dropped so drastically after losing Kurt Warner will start over at the position. (No truth to the rumor that Larry Fitzgerald and Carson Palmer have planned a four month long RV trip this fall).
Cleveland
Colt McCoy
I don't think they're in love with him, but, I think he gets one more year.
San Francisco
Kevin Kolb
Just a hunch, but I think SF makes a major moves and decides they have a win now roster. Also, I hadn't given this any thought and I wanted to say something somewhat controversial……. Wild Card = Palmer
Tennessee
Kerry Collins
But, I think they take a project like Colin Kaepernick, Andy Dalton or Christian Ponder - but only if those players fall to the 2nd round.
Washington
Jake Locker
Being a sheep again….but, it does make sense. I read one analyst who referred to him as a cross between Jake Plummer and Jay Cutler…….and, who was Plummer's biggest fan (for a little while anyway)? And who was Cutler's biggest fan? Shanny
Minnesota
Marc Bulger or
Carson Palmer
Another flat out guess (why am I even doing this list? I don't know what the hell I'm talking about). But, if Kolb is gone, the Vikings can't pin their hopes on a rookie. And, they certainly can't win with anyone on the roster. Enter Bulger or Palmer
Miami
Christian Ponder
Why? Because the Dolphins are going to take whichever QB is there in the 2nd round. That's what they do. In the past few years they have used second round picks to acquire quarterbacks John Beck, Chad Henne, Daunte Culpepper (in a trade) and Pat White (I know - he didn't play QB....but listing him helps my case). If, for some reason, all six of the top prospects are gone, I think the Dolphins will draft Beck again.
Jacksonville
David Garrard
Because they're a boring team in a boring city.
Seattle
Andy Dalton
I think the Seahawks will take a first rounder….and, I think Gabbert, Newton and Locker will be gone. So, they'll choose between Ponder, Mallett and Dalton. And, Don Banks had Dalton going to the Seahawks in the first round (see above about my being a sheep). Wild Card = Palmer