How does your young QB rank?
From projects to future elites, we have ’em all
There’s no question regarding the elite quarterbacks in today’s NFL. Few will disagree when discussing the talented second-tier passers.
However, Father Time eventually will come calling for the league’s elite, including Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers, as well as their seasoned contemporaries such as Matt Ryan, Philip Rivers, Eli Manning and Alex Smith.
The NFL then will find itself in the position similar to the late 1990s when greats the likes of Dan Marino, John Elway, Steve Young, Joe Montana, Warren Moon & Co. rode off into the sunset.
Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Brady, Donovan McNabb, Brees and eventually Rodgers, Eli Manning and Roethlisberger took over and have delivered another great era of quarterback play.
An NFL without Brady, Brees & Co. sparks feelings of uneasiness over the state of the quarterback position. But the next generation does indeed feature promise, with most of it coming from already-thriving
An NFL without Brady, Brees & Co. sparks feelings of uneasiness over the state of the quarterback position. But the next generation does indeed feature promise, with most of it coming from already-thriving young quarterbacks. Postseason lookahead Breaking down the playoff picture 6C
young quarterbacks. Questions remain about others, but all hope is not lost.
With the help of 12 experts — former quarterbacks and coaches, current and former talent evaluators — USA TODAY has rated the league’s 30-and-under quarterbacks. All spoke on the condition of anonymity so they could either speak freely about the level of talent or avoid commenting on players not on their own rosters.
Bona fide franchise QBs
Russell Wilson, Seahawks: Already a Super Bowl champ, there’s no question Wilson leads his generation of quarterbacks. Accounting for 80% of Seattle’s offense, he can do it all. His rating as the top quarterback under 30 was unanimous.
Andrew Luck, Colts: Current shoulder injury aside, there’s no question about his ability. In each of his first three seasons, he led the Colts to playoff appearances. Since 2012, the Colts own a 43-27 record with Luck. But they’re 9-22 when he’s hurt. Management needs to give him a better line to ensure he has a long-lasting career.
Proven performer — but not elite
Cam Newton, Panthers: Although he carries his team and possesses an elite combination of athleticism, size and play-making ability, a number of our experts say his streaky play, accuracy issues and the need for more maturity keep them from giving Newton the elite label for now.
Matthew Stafford, Lions: He has 26 fourth-quarter comeback wins, which ranks him behind only Brady, Brees, Eli Manning and Big Ben among active quarterbacks. But most of our experts find his 0-3 postseason record glaring.
Derek Carr, Raiders: Carr very well could still wind up being a rising star/ future elite quarterback. But he has regressed this year. Some insiders say this year’s change at offensive coordinator has hurt and that the Raiders would be wise to upgrade in the offseason to help him reach his full potential.
Kirk Cousins, Redskins: Now in his third season as a starter after backing up RGIII, Cousins is on pace to pass for 4,000 yards for a third consecutive year. He ranks among the most accurate quarterbacks in the league. However, like Stafford, he lacks the playoff wins. Most agree he’s a top-10 passer.
Solid, but needs help
Andy Dalton, Bengals: The seventhyear pro lacks consistent differencemaking ability. His 0-4 career playoff record prompts some of our analysts to describe Dalton as a disappointment.
Tyrod Taylor, Bills: He keeps defenses off-balance with his legs. But if his team falls behind and Taylor has to take to the air to save the day, he falls short too often. Case Keenum, Vikings: See what a quality system run by a sharp coordinator, nice weapons and a strong defense can do? After taking over for injured Sam Bradford, the journeyman is on a seven-game winning streak. Marcus Mariota, Titans: Some see him as a solid guy, who does well in a gimmicky system that enables him to use his athleticism to compensate for deficiencies in the pocket. Others see him as a still-developing passer who has the chance to become the next Aaron Rodgers. Sam Bradford, Vikings: This should probably say “needs health.” Bradford, who just turned 30, has never managed to stay healthy long enough to live up to his potential.
Rising star Carson Wentz, Eagles:
Some already put him in the bona fide franchise quarterback category. They say he has the chance to become the face of the league. He’s only in his second year, but as an
MVP candidate leading the 10-1 Eagles, the elite projections seem realistic.
Jared Goff, Rams: Give credit to Sean McVay and his offensive assistants for designing a quarterbackfriendly system that has helped Goff go from apparent bust to one of the most impressive young QBs in the league. (Tip the cap to Wade Phillips and that defense as well.)
Deshaun Watson, Texans: “Superstar,” one expert blurted the second he heard Watson’s name. “A freak,” said another. “He’s Robert Griffin coming out, but better. He can throw from the pocket, he can throw on the run, he knows when to slide. Has all the intangibles, too. He will be elite.” A torn anterior cruciate ligament robbed Watson of a full rookie season. Dak Prescott, Cowboys: No Ezekiel Elliott and injuries along the offensive line and defense give you pause. But experts stress Prescott remains a gifted quarterback.
Projects
Jameis Winston, Buccaneers: He has the physical tools to be a rising star. But accuracy issues, decision-making and leadership need work. He also could benefit from organizational stability.
Teddy Bridgewater, Vikings: He’s solid, and could be even better, but health issues have held him in check. Bridgewater is stuck behind Keenum and will have to wait to resume his development.
Mitchell Trubisky, Bears: Good physical tools, but the first-round pick is playing sooner than he should be and could use a coaching/coordinator upgrade like Goff did. Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers: Everyone seems high on him, but how much of it is the Patriots’ shine? We’ll see starting Sunday in Chicago when he gets his first 49ers start. DeShone Kizer, Browns: Most feel for him that he’s in a horrible situation in Cleveland. Kizer has potential, but it’s hard to say how much.
Brett Hundley, Packers: Some hoped he would’ve matured more from three years behind Rodgers. But he has shown flashes and could become solid.
Jacoby Brissett, Colts: He hasn’t done a bad job filling in for Andrew Luck. He shined in spot duty while surrounded by a quality Patriots team.
Geno Smith, Giants: He was 12-18 with the Jets, throwing 28 touchdown passes and 36 interceptions. But he probably played before he was ready. He will start Sunday in place of 36-year-old Eli Manning.
Conclusion
The group of poised-for-elite level passers is small. But there’s potential for that bunch to expand, the talent evaluators, former coaches and quarterbacks all agreed.
One former coach says the depth of the quarterback position in today’s NFL rivals that of the late 1990s and early 2000s and says the quarterback position, long term, is in good hands.
Two executives — one currently employed and another out of football — predict, however, that the 2018 draft will feature a bumper crop of future star quarterbacks. One predicted as many as five quarterbacks could go in the first round.
But one former quarterback, who serves as a mentor to a number of today’s young passers, worries about the future.
“The position is in trouble right now because of a couple things,” he said. “The college game not developing them. They sit in the gun, look at the sideline and have the plays called from there. They don’t know how to call plays in a huddle, not ready for pro style. And NFL coaches aren’t doing a good enough job developing in the NFL. They’re playing before they’re ready to play. The CBA cripples and hinders because March and April used to be crucial times to work with quarterbacks and help them make strides, and now you’re not allowed to work with them. So I worry for these kids.”