NFL 32: 2018 Training Camp Edition

It’s almost time for another great NFL season to commence! As we begin to inhale the scent of fresh-cut training camp grass, how about we take a look at the signal callers that will be in command of the thirty-two squads preparing for a thrilling season ahead. We have seen how important this position is and how having one of the top guys can automatically put you in the driver's seat to win a championship.

Last season, we saw Philadelphia Eagles QB Nick Foles take the reins from projected MVP Carson Wentz in a Week 14 thriller against the Rams when he tore his ACL diving for the endzone. Subsequently, Foles went 6-0 as a starter and ultimately lead the Eagles to their first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history. On the opposite end, Andrew Luck missed the entire season with a surgically repaired right shoulder. The Colts had to scramble and make a trade for Jacoby Brissett who didn’t spent a single second with Indy during training camp or the preseason. The result: a 4-12 season and tied for last place in the AFC South.

For my selections, I will rank the quarterbacks based on three criteria: last year’s performance, win/loss record, and overall importance to their team. This list can be pretty fluid. Not every quarterback on this list played all sixteen games in 2017. Some quarterbacks like Luck or Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill didn’t even play a snap last season. Lastly, the rookies like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold haven’t taken an NFL snap. These players will be more of a projection but I will attempt to keep it subjective as possible.

*Stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference*

1. Tom Brady, Patriots

2017 Regular Season stats: 4,577 yards passing, 32 TDs, 8 INTs

Patriots 2017 Record: 13-3

Why he is at #1: There is not much that I need to say to justify this spot. Tommy Terrific has shown no signs of hitting the proverbial “over-40” wall. He claims that he can play into his mid-40s at a high level. I wouldn’t bet against him. Despite a losing effort, Brady had arguably one of his best career games in a 41-33 defeat to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl. As long as Brady is behind center, the Patriots will be AFC favorites and in the driver’s seat to hoist yet another Lombardi Trophy.

2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers

2017 stats: 1,675 yards passing, 16 TDs, 6 INTs (Seven games)

Packers 2017 Record: 7-9

Why he is at #2: While the Packers missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2008 season, it’s not in spite of Rodgers. Obviously, the 2X NFL MVP was lost for the season due to a broken collarbone suffered in Week 6 vs Minnesota. He attempted to come back in a late-season defeat to Carolina before being placed on IR when the Packers were mathematically eliminated from postseason contention.

Green Bay has failed to build a complete team, hoping that A-Rod will be enough to get them back in the Big Game. They realize how much impact he has on the team and it shows negatively when he is not in action. Brett Hundley played adequately but Rodgers’ superhuman abilities cover up many of the flaws that were exposed last year. With all this said, when healthy, Rodgers remains at the top of his class.

3. Drew Brees, Saints

2017 stats: 4,334 yards passing, 23 TDs, 8 INTs

Saints 2017 Record: 11-5

Why he is at #3: The Saints had a monster revival after consecutive seasons of placing at 7-9. The reason why? Drew Brees had to do LESS. It’s not that he wasn’t capable of putting up another 5,000 yard, 35 passing TD year but he had balance on the offense for the first time since the days of Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. At age 39, Brees’ may be able to continue playing at an elite level and extend his career as long as this offense stays balanced with Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram.

4. Russell Wilson, Seahawks

2017 stats: 3,983 yards passing, 34 TDs, 11 INTs; 586 yards rushing, 3 TDs

Seahawks 2017 Record: 9-7

Why he is at #4: Wilson does more with less and that’s why he remains a top five quarterback. Some people may say he is “overrated” but I beg to differ. A porous offensive line and lackluster rushing attack have forced Seattle to become one dimensional. Even with the pressure on Wilson, he is still able to keep his team afloat in every game. I am interested to see Seattle in 2018 and see if they can be in the playoff conversation even without the likes of Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, possibly Earl Thomas III on defense for support. If so, Wilson will no doubt earn the utmost respect from pundits across the nation.

5. Carson Wentz, Eagles

2017 stats: 3,296 yards passing, 33 TDs, 7 INTs (Thirteen games)

Eagles 2017 Record: 13-3

Why he is at #5: I honestly don’t believe it would have mattered if Nick Foles or Carson Wentz were quarterbacking all of last season. Doug Pederson’s roster was set up to succeed even if Johnny Manziel had to be under center. With that said, Wentz’s underrated mobility in the pocket and significant improvement in Year Two was remarkable to witness. In my eyes, he was the 2017 NFL MVP even with the injury. Virtually no one thought Philly would be hoisting the hardware in Minnesota. From Division II to a top five NFL gunslinger in just two years? I’d call that a giant success.

6. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers

2017 stats: 4,251 yards passing, 28 TDs, 14 INTs (Fifteen games)

Steelers 2017 Record: 13-3

Why he is at #6: Is this Big Ben’s last year in the NFL? It seems that the Steelers are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Roethlisberger continues to play at an extremely high level but Pittsburgh’s championship window may be on the mend. Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster is the core that Big Ben needs to make one last run on Pittsburgh’s “Stairway to Seven” campaign. With New England at the top of the AFC and Jacksonville on the rise, it’s now or never for ring number 3.

7. Matt Ryan, Falcons

2017 stats: 4,095 yards passing, 20 TDs, 12 INTs

Falcons 2017 Record: 10-6

Why he is at #7: 28-3 jokes aside, Ryan is an amazing quarterback. Week in and week out, he is consistently elevating the play of his teammates. He had a drop off from his 2016 MVP campaign but he was still able to finish strong and get Atlanta to the Divisional Round. In fact, out of all active QBs, Ryan has the highest passer rating according to Ryan Michael, a Pro Football Analyst on Twitter. The Falcons look primed for another deep run this year with Matty Ice under center.

8. Cam Newton, Panthers

2017 stats: 3,302 yards passing, 22 TDs, 16 INTs; 754 yards rushing, 6 TDs

Panthers 2017 Record: 11-5

Why he is at #8: Newton isn’t a typical top ten quarterback. He wouldn’t be here because of his passing skills alone. I think we all know that. He has only thrown for over 4,000 yards ONCE in his entire career. However, his niche has always being a dual-threat on the ground and through the air. The Panthers entire offense revolves around Newton so it’s no surprise that when Cam is on point, so is Carolina. If OC Norv Turner can help Cam take the “layup” passes with Christian McCaffrey out of the backfield and improve his completion percentage, expect Newton to enter back in the MVP chase.

9. Philip Rivers, Chargers

2017 stats: 4,515 yards passing, 28 TDs, 10 INTs

Chargers 2017 Record: 9-7

Why he is at #9: Rivers is my first quarterback in my top ten whose team hasn’t been to a Super Bowl. If his teams never do, he will fall behind in the 2004 NFL Draft conversation with Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning, both with two rings. It’s kinda disappointing to see Rivers’ passion for the game and high octane passing mixed with San Diego/Los Angeles incompetence at times. On the bright side, the Chargers are relevant again and have a shot to make a dent in the AFC. Some people even see the Bolts as a surprise team to make it to Atlanta. It would be quite the story and well deserved if it happened.

10. Matthew Stafford, Lions

2017 stats: 4,446 yards passing, 29 TDs, 10 INTs

Lions 2017 Record: 9-7

Why he is at #10: Can Stafford take the next step and take down some elite teams? When Calvin Johnson announced his retirement in 2016, it forced Stafford to spread the ball around. It has undoubtedly made Stafford a better QB. For the Lions, they are in a tough spot. They are always around the seventh through ninth seed in the NFC. That is still pretty solid but they can’t seem to crack the list of top tier NFC teams and make a championship run. Stafford has failed to win a playoff game in his career which is why I can’t place him higher than tenth on this list.

11. Jared Goff, Rams

2017 stats: 3,804 yards passing, 28 TDs, 7 INTs

Rams 2017 Record: 11-5

Why he is at #11: I’ll admit it. I was 100% wrong about Jared Goff. I wrote him off way too quickly. He exceeded just about everyone’s expectations, leading Los Angeles to the three seed in the NFC, a difficult feat to pull off. Now, I am one of Goff’s biggest supporters. I knew LA’s season was going to be special after a Thursday Night Football showcase where Goff demonstrated his laser-sharp accuracy by throwing an absolute beauty to Sammy Watkins on the sideline. I know the season ended sour for this young team but the future couldn’t be much brighter for Sean McVay’s bunch.

12. Deshaun Watson, Texans

2017 stats: 1,669 yards passing, 19 TDs, 8 INTs; 269 yards rushing, 2 TDs (Seven games)

Texans 2017 Record: 4-12

Why he is at #12: Midway through last season, Watson may have played the best football of any quarterback in the league. He had more passing TD’s in that stretch (Week 2-Week 8) than any other QB in the league. In that same stretch, excluding Week 2, the Texans scored at least 30 points in every game. Unfortunately, in Watson’s three losses, their D gave up 36, 42, and 41 points to the Patriots, Chiefs, and Seahawks respectively. Based on the half-season that he did play, he looks to ascend into the stratosphere this season. Houston only managed one win following his untimely injury. With him in the lineup, expect the Texans to be a top contender in the AFC.

13. Andrew Luck, Colts

2017 Stats: N/A

Colts 2017 Record: 4-12

Why he is at #13: It’s pretty hard to rank a guy in which we haven’t seen play since Week 17, 2016. This is where my first projection comes in. I think a healthy Luck will have a decent season but he will be hard pressed to ascend his team to a winning record. Outside of T.Y. Hilton, there is few little to be excited about. Backup QB Jacoby Brissett was the most sacked QB in 2017, hitting the turf fifty-two times. Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson was a crucial pickup in Round One for the struggling o-line. Indy can only go up from their 30th ranked offense from last year. That being said, TE Jack Doyle and RB Marlon Mack look pretty promising. Rookie RB Nyheim Hines out of NC State and receivers Daurice Fountain and Deon Cain will help to booster Luck’s chances at success.

14. Marcus Mariota, Titans

2017 Stats: 3,232 yards passing, 13 TDs, 15 INTs; 312 yards rushing, 5 TDs (Fifteen games)

Titans 2017 Record: 9-7

Why he is at #14: The Titans were supposed to take off in 2017. Even though they made the playoffs, Mariota was the weak link many times during last season. Something must have changed in the playoffs though as Super Mariota exploded against the Chiefs in the Wild Card and played decently against New England in the Divisional. If I was basing this off just last year, Mariota would be hovering the bottom of the list. However, he did lead his team to a winning record and won games when he needed to the most in Week 17 vs Jacksonville and against KC. For now, the former Oregon Duck remains on the top-half of QBs.

15. Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers

2017 Stats: 1,560 yards passing, 7 TDs, 5 INTs (6 games)

49ers 2017 Record: 6-10

Why he is at #15: Garoppolo is the next Tom Brady, right? Not so fast. While I have little doubt that the 49ers will improve in 2018, some of the hype is simply unwarranted. I’m somewhat concerned with his supporting cast. Guys like Marquise Goodwin and Jerick McKinnon are solid but none truly stand out as dominate forces. There was rumors that Bill Belichick wanted to keep Garoppolo and phase out Brady. The 49ers are beginning to see why. Garoppolo has all the tools of becoming the next superstar quarterback. If he can elevate his teammates like Brady can, expect the 49ers to rise again.

16. Kirk Cousins, Vikings

2017 Stats: 4,093 yards passing, 27 TDs, 13 INTs

Vikings 2017 Record: 13-3

Why he is at #16: Statistically, Capt’ Kirk has been pretty consistent the last three years, averaging 4,392 yards, 27 TD’s and 12 INT’s. Do you like that? Yes, those stats will get you to the Pro Bowl but I’m sure Minnesota would like another bowl instead. Most people assume that with a “better” quarterback in Cousins, the Vikings will take the next step to the Super Bowl. It’s not that easy. The problem with Cousins is many are unsure that he is “built for the moment.” That means coming through with clutch plays in the biggest moments. If everything goes to plan, Diggs, Thielen, and Cook should be enough for the Vikes to hit Atlanta in 2019.

17. Alex Smith, Redskins

2017 Stats: 4,042 yards passing, 26 TDs, 5 INTs; 355 yards rushing, 1 TD

Redskins 2017 Record: 7-9

Why he is at #17: Smith finally changed his game and the results showed during a career year in KC where he passed for over 4,000 yards. For Washington, they hope they will be getting the 2017 version of Alex Smith and not the early San Francisco one. The problem with Smith has been his “ceiling.” Everyone knows he’s “good” but can he be “great?” I’m kinda confused with what the Redskins did. They had a choice between a younger, more expensive player (Cousins) or an older, cheaper player in Smith. As you can see, I have them ranked sixteenth and seventeenth respectively so was it really worth it? Time will tell.

18. Derek Carr, Raiders

2017 Stats: 3,496 yards passing, 22 TDs, 13 INTs

Raiders 2017 Record: 6-10

Why he is at #18: What happened to Derek Carr? The Raiders looked like they were ready to make some noise in the AFC last year but quickly sputtered to a losing record and out of the playoffs. Part of that may have been a lack of running game but it’s a team sport for a reason. Oakland experienced some of the highs like the last-second TD pass to Michael Crabtree against the Chiefs and also some lows like the fumble at the pylon during the Dallas game. A team that won eight games in 2016 by one possession or less struggled to match that as that number dropped to four. I’m not sure if firing Jack Del Rio after one mediocre season was warranted but with a Las Vegas move on the mend, maybe Gruden can give them a spark before their emotional final season in Northern California.

19. Blake Bortles, Jaguars

2017 Stats: 3,687 yards passing, 21 TDs, 13 INTs; 323 yards rushing, 2 TDs

Jaguars 2017 Record: 10-6

Why he is at #19: Too high? Haters are gonna hate but Bortles does enough to keep his team competitive in just about every game. One thing that impressed me about Bortles is he made “no-name” receivers look competent. Keelan Cole and Jaydon Mickens. WHO? When Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson were lost due to injury, Bortles was still efficient. Sometimes, it’s not about putting up prolific stats. Sometimes, it’s simply doing your job and that is what Blake Bortles does.

20. Dak Prescott, Cowboys

2017 Stats: 3,324 yards passing, 22 TDs, 13 INTs; 356 yards rushing, 6 TDs

Cowboys 2017 Record: 9-7

Why he is at #20: I’m not completely sold on Dak Prescott quite yet. He had a slight regression from his rookie season as he threw nine more interceptions in 2017. In addition, seven of sixteen games played by Prescott last year, Dallas failed to score over 20 points. That simply will not cut it in 2018. Dak usually plays it safe but sometimes like Alex Smith, it can be a detriment to the team. Dallas made the right call replacing Romo with Prescott but now it is up to Dallas to put some weapons in place to let Dak be Dak and let it fly.

21. Case Keenum, Broncos

2017 Stats: 3,547 yards passing, 22 TDs, 7 INTs (15 games)

Broncos 2017 Record: 5-11

Why he is at #21: Although the Vikings season came to a crashing halt in NFC Championship game, Keenum was a big reason why they made it that far in the first place. He has always showed signs of being a solid starter in Houston and Los Angeles but it wasn’t until he met the right system before he excelled for an entire season. The Broncos are hoping that lightning strikes twice and Keenum can get Denver back into the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

22. Andy Dalton, Bengals

2017 Stats: 3,320 yards passing, 25 TDs, 12 INTs

Bengals 2017 Record: 7-9

Why he is at #22: The Red Rifle seemed to catch a second wind in the final stages of last year, knocking out Detroit and Baltimore out of the playoffs in seemingly meaningless games for Cincinnati. I don’t think the Bengals are that far off from going back to the postseason. Four of their losses last year were one possession games. Turn those into wins and you have a postseason berth. With WR John Ross basically being redshirted in his rookie year, they will hopefully add another dimension to an offense chalk full of potential. I’m not sure if Dalton will become much better than what we’ve seen but just a slight improvement can make all the difference in the AFC playoff chase.

23. Joe Flacco, Ravens

2017 Stats: 3,141 yards passing, 18 TDs, 13 INTs

Ravens 2017 Record: 9-7

Why he is at #23: The writing is on the wall for Mr. Elite. It seems like only yesterday when Flacco was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in the heart of New Orleans. Half a decade later, it seems as if the Ravens are on the verge of rebuild mode. Flacco has progressively regressed and Baltimore has taken notice. Expect him to get the entire season to prove himself. If he succeeds, he could earn another contract. If not, the Lamar Jackson era will commence and Flacco will be looking for a new home.

24. Jameis Winston, Buccaneers

2017 Stats: 3,504 yards passing, 19 TDs, 11 INTs

Buccaneers 2017 Record: 5-11

Why he is at #24: This is a make-or-break year for Winston in my opinion. His 2018 campaign hasn’t started off on the right foot as he was served a three-game suspension by the NFL for assaulting an Uber driver. The Buccaneers have to be disappointed that they have a playoff-caliber roster but a quarterback that continues to make the same mistakes. Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Cameron Brate, and O.J. Howard is plenty for Winston to succeed. I don’t think Tampa Bay makes the postseason but if Winston can have a statistic efficient season and avoid forcing passes, it will put this organization at ease for another year at least.

25. Sam Bradford/Josh Rosen, Cardinals

2017 Stats: Bradford: 382 yards passing, 3 TDs (2 games); Rosen: N/A

Cardinals 2017 Record: 8-8

Why they are at #25: “...Because when Sam is healthy and is on the field and has talent around him, he's a top-10 quarterback," said Patrick Peterson. Are you sure about that buddy? The team understands that Josh Rosen is their future. They also know that Bradford is an injury waiting to happen. Both quarterbacks will get their chance...believe me. Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk should be a nice tandem for this emerging offense. Oh yeah...do-it-all back David Johnson returns. I believe that in a tough NFC, 2019 is a more realistic goal for this team as they retool the defensive side of the ball. However, if Rosen is as good as he claims he is, you never know what could happen.

26. Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins

2017 Stats: N/A

Dolphins 2017 Record: 6-10

Why he is at #26: I’m not really sure on what to think about Tannehill. The light seemed to turn on in 2016 for Miami until the injury bug knocked Tannehill out for the 2016-17 NFL Playoffs and all of 2017. Now, this is a “prove-it” year for the Texas A&M product. The Dolphins stripped him of a lot of talent with Jarvis Landry and Jay Ajayi sent away to greener pastures. Like Luck, it is a difficult challenge to evaluate him. How will he bounce back from a long injury layoff? Couldn;t tell ya. To help him, RB Kenyan Drake demonstrated his three-down back potential in a couple of breakout games. Just in case, veteran Frank Gore will be around to shore things up. With low expectations for Tannehill and the Fins’, it sets up perfectly for redemption in the Sunshine State.

27. Eli Manning, Giants

2017 Stats: 3,468 yards passing, 19 TDs, 13 INTs

Giants 2017 Record: 3-13

Why he is at #27: Does Manning have one more Super Bowl season in him? Eli has progressively declined statistically since 2015. In addition, the Giants are preparing for the future, developing Davis Webb and rookie Kyle Lauletta as Manning’s time in New York winds down. However, It’s not all doom and gloom for Big Blue. The Giants have great talent on the offensive side of the ball to help Manning with TE Evan Engram, WR Odell Beckham Jr, and RB Saquon Barkley to lead things. I’m thrilled to see how this trio of stars will be incorporated into this offense together. Don’t plan Eli’s retirement conference quite yet. He may just have one more trick up his sleeve.

28. Mitchell Trubisky, Bears

2017 Stats: 2,193 yards passing, 7 TDs, 7 INTs (Twelve games)

Bears 2017 Record: 5-11

Why he is at #28: Don’t be surprised if Trubisky takes a huge leap in Year 2. This is officially his first training camp as the unquestioned starter. That means more reps and an offense geared towards Trubisky’s skill set. If he just played the AFC North, the Bears would be Super Bowl champions...Remember that Trubisky was the starter for just thirteen games during his time with the Tar Heels. This will be his first full season in college or the pros so expect more growing pains but also gradual improvement as well. If Chicago does it right, a balance between the running game with Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen mixed in with the play action pass to FA pickups Taylor Gabriel and Allen Robinson should be dynamic. The Windy City should be thrilled for what is on the horizon.

29. Josh McCown/Sam Darnold/Teddy Bridgewater, Jets

2017 Stats: McCown: 2,926 yards passing, 18 TDs, 9 INTs (Thirteen games); Darnold: N/A; Bridgewater: N/A

Jets 2017 Record: 5-11

Why they are at #29: I put the McCown/Darnold tandem this low simply because I’ve never seen Darnold take a snap in the NFL...and either has anyone else. McCown has stuck in the league for a reason. He had one of his best years with the Jets, turning WR Robby Anderson into a breakout player in 2017. Last but not least, rumor has it that Teddy looks as good as any quarterback in OTA’s and could push for a starting spot. My guess with this group is that if Bridgewater balls out during the preseason, he gets traded for a mid-round pick. As for the other two, McCown will start with Darnold cleaning up the season if and when the Jets fall out of the playoff picture.

30. Patrick Mahomes II, Chiefs

2017 Stats: 284 yards passing, 1 INT (One game)

Chiefs 2017 Record: 10-6

Why he is at #30: I’m super excited to see what Patrick Mahomes II can do with KC. Alex Smith is a solid quarterback no doubt. However, Mahomes brings an X-Factor that also gives the Chiefs new possibilities in the playbook. The Havok Trio: Hunt, Hill, and ‘Homes ft. guest star TE Travis Kelce. Sounds good doesn’t it? He’s probably better than the thirtieth ranked QB but since he has only started in one game, I have no choice but to put Mahomes here for now.

31. Tyrod Taylor/Baker Mayfield, Browns

2017 Stats: Taylor: 2,799 yards passing, 14 TDs, 4 INTs; 427 yards rushing; 4 TDs

Browns 2017 Record: 0-16

Why they are at #31: Tyrod Taylor isn’t a bad quarterback at all. However, the Browns know that he can only take them but only so far. Otherwise, why would’ve Baker Mayfield be drafted at number one? It’s safe to say that Taylor won’t make the killer mistakes that Deshone Kizer did last year. Cleveland has done everything they can to make sure their quarterbacks succeed this fall with WR Jarvis Landry & Josh Gordon, TE David Njoku, and RB Carlos Hyde becoming offensive staples for the Dawg Pound. We’ll see if all this positive change translates to wins in 2018.

32. Josh Allen/AJ McCarron/Nathan Peterman, Bills

2017 Stats: Peterman: 252 yards passing, 2 TDs, 5 INTs; Allen: N/A; McCarron: 66 yards passing

Bills 2017 Record: 9-7

Why they are at #32: The Bills made the playoffs for the first time in the 21st Century! Yay! Their reward? A rookie and a career backup lead their QB competition. Peterman became infamous for breaking an NFL record in his first game with 5 INTs. There is a reason why McCarron hasn’t been a full-time starter yet. Meanwhile, Allen will need time to grow. I think he has Pro Bowl potential but he CANNOT be forced into action in Week 1 or else it will get bad very quickly. Add in the fact that the Bills’ supporting cast is in the league’s bottom tier...sorry Kelvin Benjamin. Enough said about this group. It’s simply a disaster and it’s not looking great right now.