ESPN insiders pick Jimmy Garoppolo over Derek Carr

The 2014 NFL quarterback class is an interesting one, to be sure. Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater were the first three taken, while the only two taken in the second round were Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo.

Carr has found more success than any listed above, but he’s hit a wall this season. Garoppolo sat behind Tom Brady, but was always considered a potential future starter. I bring this up because, among a slew of other things, ESPN insiders were asked which quarterback from the 2014 class would they prefer leading their franchise for the next 10-plus years.

Of the four answering, two of them went with Carr, a strong pick for a lot of reasons. He isn’t playing miserably this season, but definitely has regressed compared to his 2016 campaign. There is a lot to like with Carr, and I think the Oakland Raiders are still in a good position to re-evaluate things and field a playoff team in 2018.

But two others went a different direction, and they certainly didn’t go with Manziel. Bridgewater still has upside, as far as I’m concerned, but he’s still a big wildcard. Bortles’ time as a starter will probably not last much longer. The two other ESPN folks went with Garoppolo.

One of them says Garoppolo’s skillset is “fit for the modern NFL,” highlighting his accuracy, quick release and movement skills. “Garoppolo has the talent to play in any pro system,” he says. The second one talked a bit about Carr and how he’s a “tempting choice,” but said that Garoppolo has been “extremely impressive despite an underwhelming supporting cast on a young roster headed in the right direction.”