Albert Breer: College Experience Key to NFL Rookie QB Success
Breer explains how early experience builds mental toughness for rookies
On this morning’s Toucher & Hardy show, Albert Breer from The MMQB broke down the development of rookie quarterbacks in the NFL, focusing on how crucial college experience can be. He and Fred Toucher discussed whether it’s better to start a young QB right away or let them sit and learn, using examples like Anthony Richardson and Trey Lance. Breer explained that quarterbacks who haven’t had enough college playing time can struggle in the NFL because they haven’t built up a “mental library” of in-game experience to help with quick decisions.
WATCH HERE:
They pointed to players like Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels, who have each had dozens of college starts, as examples of QBs better prepared for the NFL because they’ve seen and dealt with so many different situations. Breer contrasted that with quarterbacks like Richardson, who came into the league with very few college reps, and argued that the added experience helps players handle NFL defenses more smoothly.
He also mentioned how Brock Purdy is a prime example of a player who benefited from over 40 college starts, allowing him to transition successfully to the NFL. Breer noted that, especially with the rise of NIL deals, we might see more NFL teams prioritizing QBs who stay in college longer and get those extra reps before entering the league. It’s a big reminder that experience and mental toughness can really set some rookies up for a smoother transition into the NFL.
