Rookie Depth Chart Battles: Andy Dalton

More and more NFL rookies are expected to contribute early in their careers.  However, for them to make an impact they need to beat out a veteran player.  We are going to analyze the situation of specific rookies and determine the likely hood of them winning a position battle.

Player: Andy Dalton

Team: Cincinnati Bengals

Position: Quarterback

Competition: Jordan Palmer, Dan LeFevour, Carson Palmer, Free Agent Addition

Chance of winning the battle: 65 percent

Scouting Report

Thoughts: This is going to be one of the more interesting story lines heading into the start of the season.  Carson Palmer has been the Bengals quarterback for the last 8 seasons but has vowed to never again wear a Cincinnati uniform.  Palmer stated he is willing to retire rather than play for the Bengals thus leading many to believe there will be a new starting quarterback in Cincy. 

With Carson Palmer out of the mix, it appears that the competition will be between Jordan Palmer, Dan LeFevour, and Andy Dalton.  Between the three, only Jordan Palmer has any type of production with a grand total of 59 yards.  There is a possibility that the Bengals bring in a vet to compete for the job but that would likely be a short term solution.

As it stands, I see the job as Andy Dalton's to lose.  His combination of a strong work ethic and high football IQ means that he will be able to learn the basics of the playbook.  The Bengals offense should be able to protect the rookie quarterback with a strong running game and decent offensive line.  He will also be surrounded by good weapons with AJ Green, Jordan Shipley, and Jermaine Gresham.