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From Jared Goff at #1 overall, all the way down to Brandon Doughty at #223 overall, there were 15 quarterbacks drafted in the 2016 NFL Draft. What can we initially project for their rookie seasons from a fantasy football perspective?
Jared Goff, Rams
Goff should step in and instantly become the starting quarterback for the Rams over Case Keenum and Nick Foles. Unfortunately when your receiving corps consists of Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt, and Stedman Bailey, you aren’t exactly stepping into the "Greatest Show on Turf". The Rams spent four of their final five draft picks on wide receivers and tight ends, but none of them were blue-chip prospects, and may take some time before they are able to help boost Goff's stats. Goff may prove to be a solid quarterback some day, but Todd Gurley remains the only draftable player in Los Angeles.
FFL Status: Undrafted
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Carson Wentz, Eagles
The Wentz / Sam Bradford saga should be interesting. Assuming the Eagles keep Bradford (likely), Wentz may end up redshirting this first year. If that is the case, his value is nil in redraft leagues.
FFL Status: Undrafted
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Paxton Lynch, Broncos
Lynch may not be ready to be an NFL quarterback right away, but with Mark Sanchez slated to be the starter, Lynch may need to take the reins sooner than later. The Broncos' offense offers a pair of good wide receivers with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. With a great defense and good running backs, he likely won't be asked to carry the team on his shoulders right away, and that will likely limit his production for fantasy football owners.
Status: Undrafted
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Christian Hackenberg, Jets
The fate of Hackenberg's fantasy value sits on the shoulders, or in the beard, of Ryan FItzpatrick. Even if Fitzpatrick does not return, the second round pick has to climb over Bryce Petty, drafted last year, and Geno Smith, a fellow second round pick drafted just three years ago. Smith is working with Tom House, who Andy Dalton works with each offseason, too, and will likely enter training camp as the Jets starter, depending on Fitzpatrick's status. For now Hackenberg is undraftable, but if he manages to ascend the Jets' depth chart, by virtue of throwing to Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, and Devin Smith, he is worth a look as a QB2.
Status: Undrafted / TBD
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Jacoby Brissett, Patriots
The Patriots seem to use a draft pick every other year in their elusive search for the perfect backup quarterback to Tom Brady: Zac Robinson (2010), Ryan Mallett (2011), Jimmy Garoppolo (2014). Jacoby Brissett is the latest in this unending string of signal callers destined to carry a clipboard on the Patriots' sidelines. Unless both Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo get injured, Brissett's only relevant task in New England will be to ensure the footballs in Foxboro are properly inflated to Brady's liking. Unfortunately there is no fantasy value for such a task.
Status: Undrafted
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Cody Kessler, Browns
Kessler was one of 14 players drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2016, who apparently took their draft strategy from a trip to Sam's Club, drafting in bulk. Not only was the Browns' draft class crowded, but so is their quarterback depth chart. Kessler joins a group including RGIII, Josh McCown, Austin Davis and Connor Shaw. One one hand, you could argue that these are nothing but below average quarterbacks blocking his chance to be the starter, which is true. But he has a large number of them to surpass. With the addition of five wide receivers via the draft, and Hue Jackson, Kessler could have some QB2 value if he becomes the starter, but that doesn't seem likely in his rookie year.
Status: Undrafted