Knowshon Moreno, Donovan McNabb, Mike Shanahan and David Garrard enter pivotal seasons where they will be scrutinized if they do not perform at a high level.
RealGM Search
Thursday's matchup between rookies Aaron Curry and Jason Smith may have been the most difficult to predict thus far, but Friday's battle between Jay Cutler and Calvin Johnson could be the most intriguing.
Both Cutler and Johnson are young stars, but they are in different positions. Detroit is hoping that rookie quarterback Matt Stafford will be able to connect with Johnson, while Chicago traded for Cutler is hopes of revitalizing their offense.
The tilt is also the first of the series that features two players from the same side of the line.
Why Cutler Is A Franchise Player
Cutler "broke out" last season in Denver with 4,526 yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He threw the ball an amazing 616 times, and was visibly better in the first half than he was in the second. The Vanderbilt product immediately becomes Chicago's best quarterback in the last few decades, but that isn't saying much.
He's close to a prototypical quarterback, with good size, arm strength and mobility. He throws the ball with good accuracy as well, but some will point out his immature behavior this offseason and claim his physical tools aren't worth the trouble.
As young quarterbacks go, though, he's a very nice option. He allows you to open up your offensive playbook because of his strong arm and reliable marksmanship. If you put him on a team with good receivers, like he had in Denver, he'll finish in the top-third of the NFL in most relevant quarterback statistics.
The main argument that can be made for taking Cutler over Johnson is based on position. Would you rather start a franchise with a quarterback, who is largely an extension of your coach on the field, or a receiver that must run routes and catch balls that are thrown and controlled by another player?
The choice is yours.
Why Johnson Is A Franchise Player
It's scary to think about the numbers Johnson might have put up in 2008 with better quarterbacks throwing him the football. He hauled in 78 catches for 1,331 yards and 12 touchdowns with Dan Orlovsky, Daunte Culpepper, Jon Kitna and Drew Stanton behind center in Detroit.
At the very least, his quarterback should be a stable one with Stafford coming in to be the team's leader of the future. When you look at the Lions' roster, it makes Johnson's numbers even more impressive. Opposing defenses had no qualms about tag-teaming him, but he persevered without so much as a one-catch game.
He has all the tools you can ask for in a wide receiver, but doesn't appear to have the large head that so many develop at his position. If you don't believe grabbing a quarterback is the best way to ensure an effective offense, Johnson is the picture of why a wide receiver is viable alternative.
The soon-to-be 24-year-old proved that a truly talented receiver can be effective and productive no matter who is throwing him the football.
Andrew Perna is Deputy Editor of RealGM.com and co-host of RealGM's Radio Show. Please feel free to contact him with comments or questions via e-mail: Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com
