Ranking All 32 NFL Starting Quarterbacks Ahead Of The NFL Season
Although the NFL regular season is still months away, it's always a good time to rank quarterbacks. With free agency and the draft wrapped up, we have a good idea about who will be starting for all 32 teams. Here are those starting QBs ranked.
32. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Sources from the Broncos training camp indicate that Nix has been performing exceptionally well and is currently the leading candidate to start in Week One. Nix, one of the most seasoned quarterbacks in this year's draft, may face challenges adapting to the speed of the NFL after playing in a different offensive system at Oregon.
31. Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
Sam Darnold will likely be the week one starter, with rookie J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings. Darnold was the third pick in the 2018 draft, but he has not lived up to the expectations of being a top-three pick. However, he has enough experience to earn a starting role for the season's first few weeks.
30. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
I still believe that Bryce Young has potential as a quarterback in the NFL, but his rookie season was abysmal. Young often appeared unaware of where the pressure was coming from and struggled to read defenses. It wasn't all his fault, though, as the Panthers didn't have much of a supporting cast around the former Alabama star.
29. Will Levis, Tennessee Titans
Will Levis showed flashes of looking like an NFL quarterback and now has another year to prove it. Levis has a strong arm and plays with a physical edge. He will also work with first-year head coach Brian Callahan to help continue his development.
28. Aidan O'Connell, Las Vegas Raiders
After Jimmy Garoppolo's injury, Aidan O'Connell became the Raiders' starter. In his ten starts, O'Connell completed 62% of his passes for 2,218 yards and 12 touchdowns but also threw seven interceptions. He will compete against Gardner Minshew for the starting job, but I predict O'Connell will secure the role.
27. Jacoby Brissett, New England Patriots
I assume Jacoby Brissett will get the start over rookie quarterback Drake Maye. The Patriots won't be contending for any postseason action this year, so it's best to let Maye sit and Brissett play as the team rebuilds.
26. Daniel Jones, New York Giants
Daniel Jones' season ended prematurely due to a torn ACL, and it's not like he was playing well anyway. Before his injury, he had thrown 907 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions. His only saving grace is that he can make plays with his legs.
25. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels has the potential to become one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. His skill to throw deep balls and his ability as a runner make him a dangerous player right from the start. However, he'll need to bulk up to handle the physical demands of the NFL.
24. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
The number one pick, Caleb Williams, is considered one of the most talented quarterback prospects in recent draft history. He is joining one of the best-supporting casts for a rookie quarterback, which should make his transition to the NFL easier. Williams will be privileged to throw to D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet, which will undoubtedly benefit him as he starts his professional career.
23. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson possesses all the necessary skills to become a franchise quarterback; however, his rookie season was cut short after just four games due to a concussion and an AC joint sprain. If he can stay healthy for an entire season and enhance his ability to anticipate passes, he has the potential to reach the top of his game.
22. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
After being traded from the Houston Texans, Deshaun Watson has been disappointing. He has played only 12 games in the past two seasons. He suffered two separate shoulder injuries in 2023 that ultimately ended his season. This year, it is crucial for Watson to prove that he's still the same quarterback who went to three straight Pro Bowls.
21. Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson is known as one of the best deep ball passers of all time, but his arm strength has declined over the past two seasons. Although Russell's best days as a quarterback seem behind him, he's now got a fresh start in Pittsburgh and will have every chance to compete against Justin Fields for the starting position.
20. Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
In the most respectful way, Derek Carr can be described as average. Although he can make big-time throws, he often opts for the check-down even when the opportunity for a big throw is present. He generally doesn't lose games for you, but he doesn't single-handedly win them.
19. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
Geno Smith regressed from his 2023 form and will turn 34 this season. He's also entering the final year of his contract. Despite his age, Smith remains a threat, capable of securing a win any week with the support of the Seahawks' elite team.
18. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The former No. 1 overall pick had the best season of his career, setting career highs in passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage. However, Baker Mayfield is still a flawed quarterback with decision-making issues. Due to his gun-slinger mentality, he is considered a high-risk, high-reward quarterback.
17. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins has established himself as one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the NFL. Now, he's looking for a fresh start in Atlanta. Like Aaron Rodgers, Cousins is 36 and coming off an Achilles injury after playing only eight games in 2023. Despite the injury setback, Cousins will have plenty of opportunities to demonstrate that he remains one of the top veteran quarterbacks in the league.
16. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Tua excels in many areas, including strong mechanics, a quick release, excellent anticipation as a passer, accuracy, and throwing in the middle of the field. However, he struggles to make throws outside the hashes, which limits his ability as a playmaker and holds back the Dolphins' offense. Despite this, Tua has shown himself to be a reliable quarterback and a strong leader.
15. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray suffered a season-ending injury in 2022, causing him to miss over half of the 2023 season. Upon his return in Week 10, he demonstrated why he was selected as the first overall pick in 2019. He showcased his exceptional athleticism and arm talent, appearing more at ease in the pocket. Murray has much to prove but possesses all the qualities of a franchise quarterback.
14. Trevor Lawerence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence has shown flashes of greatness and has periods where he looks like a top-five quarterback. I can't rank him in the top ten until his turnover rate improves and he stays consistent.
13. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Jared Goff finished in the top five for passing yards and passing touchdowns while maintaining a career-low turnover-worthy play percentage (2.4%). In addition, Goff led the Lions to their first NFC Championship appearance since 1992. If he can enhance his throws outside the numbers and improve his passes under pressure, he has the potential to move into the top ten.
12. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Hurts had an up-and-down season for the Eagles, posting career highs in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and rushing touchdowns. In the same season, he posted career highs in interceptions and fumbles lost. Hurts will always be an effective quarterback due to his athleticism and intangibles like leadership, but he is limited as a passer when it comes to reading defenses.
11. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Many people want to undermine Brock Purdy by calling him a "game manager" and saying he would be nothing without Kyle Shannan and the elite supporting cast. As a sophomore, Purdy led the 49ers to the Super Bowl, showing pocket presence, the ability to layer his passes at all levels, and throwing with anticipation.
10. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love made the most of his opportunity to start following two seasons behind Rodgers. Love performed exceptionally well, finishing in the top ten for passing touchdowns, passing yards, and QBR. Although he didn't start strong, he took off in Week Eight, throwing 21 touchdowns to three interceptions and leading Green Bay to the divisional playoffs.
9. Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers was the hardest quarterback to rank, knowing he still has elite-level play left but not knowing what he will look like coming off an Achilles injury at age 40. He's too talented to rank any lower, but an injury of this magnitude at his age deserves skepticism.
8. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
You would be hard-pressed to find a better rookie season than Stroud had, earning both NFL Rookie of The Year and Pro Bowl nods, all while leading the Texans to the playoffs. Stroud had clutch drives that looked more like an NFL veteran with his pocket presence and ability to throw from anywhere on the field. The sky is the limit for what Stroud can become.
7. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Even at the age of 35, Stafford had a terrific season. He stood in the pocket and delivered accurate passes all over the field, utilizing his elite arm talent and deep understanding of the game to manipulate coverages and make throws under pressure. Stafford has several years of elite-level football left in him, including this season in LA.
6. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert is a prototypical quarterback with his size, arm talent, and ability to stand in the pocket and deliver strikes. He has been in a challenging situation with the Chargers, but hopefully, that has changed now with the addition of head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has won everywhere he's been.
5. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott had an outstanding season in 2023, playing at an MVP level by throwing a league-high 36 touchdowns and ranking third in passing yards with 4,516. The next goal for Dak is to bring a championship back to Dallas.
4. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen is considered one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks due to his combination of size, strength, and speed. He has shown inconsistent performance, making impressive plays and rookie mistakes within the same drive. Since 2020, Allen has thrown the most interceptions in the league while ranking second in touchdown throws.
3. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Injuries derailed Burrow's 2023 season, making it difficult to rank him. Regardless, Burrow's ability to read a defense and make plays both within and outside the pocket, along with his elite accuracy, make him one of the league's top signal callers. Burrow will remind everyone in 2024 of who he is.
2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson just won his second NFL MVP Award, joining an elite group of Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes as the only quarterbacks to win MVP twice since 2018. Jackson has come a long way as a pocket passer and still has room to grow. His running ability is also second to none, making him the top dual-threat quarterback in the league.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes is turning 29 this season and has already had a Hall of Fame career. Despite not having his best year statistically, he has won back-to-back Super Bowls and is aiming for a three-peat. Don't overthink it – Mahomes is the clear-cut number-one quarterback in the league.
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