In the football world, hypothetical discussions are a fun way to pass the time, especially in the offseason. Imagine if Andrew Luck, Trevor Lawrence, and Caleb Williams, all considered generational quarterback prospects, were in the same NFL Draft. Who would be favored to go first overall?
According to veteran oddsmaker Rex Beyers, the answer is clear. He believes Luck would have been the top pick in every draft since Peyton Manning in 1998. Beyers points to Luck’s impact on the Colts after Manning’s departure in 2011, where the team went from a league-worst 2-14 to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth.
Lawrence, the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, struggled with the Jacksonville Jaguars, posting a 3-14 record in his rookie year and missing the playoffs in his second season. Williams, the most recent No. 1 overall pick by the Chicago Bears, is still unproven in the NFL.
Beyers would make Luck a heavy favorite at -700 to go first overall, with Lawrence at +650 and Williams at +1000. He attributes Luck’s struggles to injuries and a lack of support from the Colts’ front office, but still considers him a generational talent.
In terms of Rookie of the Year odds, Beyers believes Luck would be the favorite at +130, with Lawrence at +180 and Williams at +225. He acknowledges that the first year in the NFL can be unpredictable, but stands by his belief in Luck’s long-term potential.
While Lawrence and Williams have potential, Beyers sees them as a step below Luck in terms of talent and readiness for the NFL. He questions Lawrence’s ability to adjust to the speed of the game and Williams’ experience against strong defenses in college.
Ultimately, Beyers’ preference for Luck remains strong, citing his past success and potential for future greatness. If given the chance, he believes Luck would excel in today’s NFL and would be a strong contender for Rookie of the Year honors.
In conclusion, while hypothetical scenarios can spark debate and speculation, the reality of the NFL Draft is often unpredictable. Luck, Lawrence, and Williams each bring their own strengths and challenges to the table, but according to Beyers, Luck’s track record and talent set him apart from the rest. Only time will tell how these quarterbacks will fare in their NFL careers, but the excitement and anticipation of the draft season are always worth discussing.