As the NFL Draft comes into focus, quarterbacks take center stage as the primary topic of conversation. Every team desires the elite signal-caller that can transform their franchise into a dynasty. It is time we rank NFL teams according to this crucial position to determine which teams are elite and which teams should be looking to snag a QB early.
32. New England Patriots – How the mighty have fallen! For the past couple decades, the Patriots have enjoyed elite QB play from the G.O.A.T., Tom Brady. The mastermind, Bill Bellicheck, looks to be asleep at the wheel this year as the Patriots place their hopes in the unproven, fourth round pick, Jarrett Stidham.
31. Washington Redskins – The Redskins have been a train-wreck at the QB position since losing Alex Smith to a gruesome broken leg. Although there are signs Smith is looking to make a return, it’s assumed Dwayne Haskins will be flinging the pigskin unless they grab a rookie in this draft.
30. Cleveland Browns – Prior to last season, Browns fans felt they hit a grand slam with Baker Mayfield. They loaded their offense with superstar wide receivers and watched their young QB fall flat in 2019.
29. Cincinnati Bengals – Andy Dalton has been incredibly inconsistent over the years. It looks like the Bengals are done with this partnership and will be looking for Burrow to change their fortunes in the future.
28. Los Angeles Chargers – Like the Patriots, the Chargers let their aging star quarterback walk with no apparent plan for the future. The journeyman, Tyrod Taylor, has been thrown into the gap to see if he can provide a spark to this underachieving club.
27. Chicago Bears – Mitchell Trubisky was a massive disappointment in 2019. In spite of Matt Nagy’s best efforts to dial back the offense and create easy completions, Trubisky was terrible. Chicago fans are already rethinking the number 2 overall pick from 2017. Nick Foles has been brought in to compete for the starting job.
26. New York Jets – Sam Darnold has shown flashes of being a solid starter in the NFL. However, the Jets offense was wildly inconsistent last year. They are hoping their young QB can start to turn the corner in 2020.
25. New York Giants – Daniel Jones started his NFL career with a bang. He looked to be the next young superstar. However, as the season wore on, Jones began to struggle. Giants fans are hoping the moments of brilliance from last year become the norm for Jones in 2020.
24. Los Angeles Rams – Jared Goff took a major step back last year after leading the Rams to the Super Bowl. Goff looked inaccurate and confused much of 2019. The highly-talented receiving corps sputtered much of the year due to Goff’s inconsistency. Rams fans are hoping the high-powered offense of 2018 will return in 2020. Otherwise, they may start eyeballing QBs in the 2021 draft.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars – After Foles was lost in week one to a broken collarbone, Minshew mania took hold of Jacksonville. The young QB showed plenty of grit, the ability to extend plays, and throw with accuracy. The team hopes Gardner and his mustache can continue to grow in 2020.
22. Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins and Fitzpatrick should probably be lower on this list. However, no team wants to play against Fitz-magic when he gets hot. Ryan Fitzpatrick can play terribly one week and follow it up with a game that looks like he should be enshrined in Canton, OH. All signs point to Miami selecting a QB early as the club is tired of Ryan’s roller-coaster ride. However, Chiefs fans will be forever grateful.
21. Las Vegas Raiders – Derek Carr and the Raiders started off well in 2019. Gruden’s offense was humming with a barrage of short passes that limited Carr’s downfield tosses and sack total. As teams began to adjust, the Raiders offense stalled. It seems Gruden is getting tired of Carr’s underwhelming play. They brought in Marcus Mariota to challenge for the job.
20. Buffalo Bills – Josh Allen’s most dangerous weapon is his legs. He has done an effective job providing a little spark to the Buffalo offense. However, Allen looked lost playing against tougher competition in the playoffs. This year, the Bills hope Allen will take another step forward. They have also provided some receiver help by adding the disgruntled Stefon Diggs from Minnesota.
19. Carolina Panthers – Teddy Bridgewater has flown under most team’s radars. He was a solid starter for the Saints when Brees went down with a hand injury. Carolina is banking that Bridgewater can turn their team around after letting injury prone star, Cam Newton, walk.
18. Indianapolis Colts – The Colts have been on the rise with young talent and were stunned when Luck suddenly retired. The management made the baffling decision to bring in an aging Philip Rivers who has clearly lost velocity on his throws. Apparently, the coaches believe they are a Super Bowl contender now and are not willing to wait for a younger quarterback to develop. Yet, it is highly unlikely that Rivers can take them to the Promised Land with his frequent interceptions.
17. Arizona Cardinals – Kyler Murray was a solid starter for the Cardinals in 2019. While he struggled at times, the rookie showed he possesses difference-making ability. DeAndre Hopkins could bring out his best in 2020.
16. Atlanta Falcons – Matt Ryan has been an enigma over the years. The former NFL MVP has been highly inconsistent in the latter part of his career. At times, the star powered offense is anemic while other times it looks unstoppable.
15. Tennessee Titans – Many argue the offensive production has been solely due to their stud running back, Derek Henry. However, it is clear that the Titans’ fortunes changed when Ryan Tannehill took over as quarterback. It seems the Titans coaches believe that Tannehill still has plenty of upside.
14. Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford has been a solid QB through the years. He is good enough to win tough games but lacks the dynamic playmaking ability to make Detroit a contender.
13. Denver Broncos – Drew Lock looked outstanding in his rookie year with a 4-1 record. His only loss was to the Super Bowl MVP in a messy snow game. If Lock can continue to develop in 2020, the Broncos could start to challenge the Chiefs stranglehold on the division.
12. Minnesota Vikings – Kirk Cousins has been a high-priced commodity that struggles under the bright lights. He needs to become more consistent in big games if the Vikings want to take the next step.
11. Philadelphia Eagles – Carson Wentz has been special at times when healthy. He was able to rally an injury-plagued team to the playoffs last year. The question is whether or not Wentz, himself, can stay healthy in 2020.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers – Ben Roethlisberger has been an excellent QB over the years. Assuming his elbow is healthy, Ben could have a couple solid seasons left in him.
9. San Francisco 49ers – Jimmy Garoppolo was a quality QB in 2019. Many commentators have thrown him under the bus for his errant deep pass in the Super Bowl. However, he has been a consistent player who has helped turn the 49ers into a winner.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The ageless Tom Brady has taken his talents to Florida. Only time will tell if the Patriots offense struggled due to Tom’s age or the lack of receiving talent. Either way, the G.O.A.T. deserves the benefit of the doubt and belongs in the top ten.
7. Dallas Cowboys – Dak Prescott has been a solid starter for the Cowboys. However, he wants to get paid as the best player in football. He possesses high talent but struggles to convert on crucial downs. Jerry may not want to pay a cap crushing salary to a player that isn’t elite, but chances are he will.
6. Green Bay Packers – Aaron Rodgers has been an amazing talent for years. Although it seems some of his skills are beginning to diminish, he still has plenty in the tank to be a difference maker in the NFL.
5. New Orleans Saints – Drew Brees has simply been one of greatest to ever play the game. He continues to put up dazzling numbers as he approaches forty. As long as Brees is under center, the New Orleans offense remains one of the most dynamic in the league.
4. Baltimore Ravens – Lamar Jackson was sensational in 2019. His ability to run is jaw-dropping and his passing skills have improved. Jackson struggled when it mattered in the playoffs, but has proven he is a game-wrecking talent.
3. Houston Texans – Deshaun Watson has been solid in spite of baffling management and coaching. His elite ability to extend plays and throw downfield with accuracy places him ahead of Jackson.
2. Seattle Seahawks – Russell Wilson has been dynamic for four seasons. He is one of the most accurate and versatile QBs in the game. Seattle is always a contender with Wilson playing QB.
1. Kansas City Chiefs – Last year was a down year for Mahomes. Yet, in spite of injuries plaguing him all season, he wrecked opposing defenses with apparent ease. In two years starting, he has earned league MVP, a Super Bowl trophy and a Super Bowl MVP. It looks like the envy of the league is just getting started.
