This is not a measurement of how well quarterbacks are playing on a week to week basis. This is not a valuation of what a quarterback has done for their franchise, or throughout their career. This is a measurement of the skills and tools a quarterback has and can take with them anywhere they want to go. It is an assessment of what an offensive coordinator can get from the quarterback and use to move the ball and score. I am only using only their NFL playing time as reference. Before you come at me (@SharkbaitShieff), please remember that Tom Brady is not going to be evaluated based on the defense his team fields, or the game plan that Billy B created. This doesn’t factor in the fact that he doesn’t ask for record-breaking contracts and it isn’t considering Super Bowl wins. For quarterbacks who have repeatedly displayed the ability to move the ball downfield while down one score in the fourth quarter, I created a bonus worth 5 points for clutch. You either have it or you don’t, so no partial points for that.
Finally, I’m not going to attempt to evaluate rookies. There just isn’t enough data on these guys to fully evaluate everything they bring to the table. Quarterbacks who have yet to start 16 career games will receive a Not Applicable rating. That also includes journeymen who have yet to appear in 16 games, a la Brandon Allen. We’ll see what they have next year (if they have a next year).
For the purposes of this list, I did a ranking of quarterbacks that are primed to be the starter for the remainder of 2019. If you think I’m wrong, let me know and feel free to share your rankings in the comment section below, or on Twitter.
So, without further ado, here is my 2019 quarterback rankings:
1. Seahawks: Russell Wilson
This one was pretty easy. Wilson is always making incredible plays for the Seahawks year after year. Banged up receiver corps? No problem. Bad offensive line? He’ll make it work. And while he’s doing it, he’ll make ridiculous throws that just don’t look possible. As long as he’s on the field, there’s a way for Seattle to win the game. To top it all off, he simply doesn’t have any weaknesses as a player.
Arm Strength: 7/10
Accuracy: 8/10
Ball Placement: 5/5
Touch: 5/5
Athleticism: 14/15
Pocket Presence: 9/10
Ball Security: 8/10
Consistency: 10/10
Improvisation: 10/10
Defensive Literacy: 13/15
Clutch Bonus: +5
Overall: 94
2. Packers: Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers is unique in a lot of ways. For everybody who sees his likeness in Patrick Mahomes, you should be reminded that Rodgers can do just about anything he can, without turning the ball over nearly as often. He’s still one of the best to play the game and it’s a treat for spectators every time he takes the field. He doesn’t get clutch points here though, as he’s only accumulated 22 game-winning drives since 2005. For perspective, Dak Prescott has 14 since 2016.
Arm Strength: 9/10
Accuracy: 8/10
Ball Placement: 5/5
Touch: 5/5
Athleticism: 11/15
Pocket Presence: 8/10
Ball Security: 9/10
Consistency: 9/10
Improvisation: 10/10
Defensive Literacy: 13/15
Overall: 87
3. Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes comes in behind Rodgers here because if there’s been one weakness to his game, it’s untimely turnovers. That’s to be expected from somebody who presses the ball downfield so often. That isn’t the case with Rodgers, however as he is one of the most turnover averse quarterbacks in the history of the game. Seriously, for as long as he’s been playing Rodgers still just committed 100 career turnovers (82 interceptions and 18 fumbles in 175 career games. 0.57 turnovers/game), whereas Mahomes is on pace to commit his 100th turnover in only 147 games (0.68 turnovers/game).
Arm Strength: 10/10
Accuracy: 9/10
Ball Placement: 5/5
Touch: 5/5
Athleticism: 13/15
Pocket Presence: 7/10
Ball Security: 6/10
Consistency: 9/10
Improvisation: 10/10
Defensive Literacy: 12/15
Overall: 86
4. Falcons: Matt Ryan
The Falcons may not be playing well, but it would be a mistake to blame that on Ryan, who has been consistently great since he came into the league.
Arm Strength: 8/10
Accuracy: 9/10
Ball Placement: 5/5
Touch: 5/5
Athleticism: 9/15
Pocket Presence: 8/10
Ball Security: 8/10
Consistency: 10/10
Improvisation: 5/10
Defensive Literacy: 13/15
Clutch Bonus: +5
Overall: 85
5. Texans: Deshaun Watson
Watson make get a boost on this list sometime in the near future. He simply hasn’t had enough opportunities to show he can consistently win with the game on the line. I expect that to be tested throughout the remainder of the year.
Arm Strength: 9/10
Accuracy: 8/10
Ball Placement: 5/5
Touch: 4/5
Athleticism: 13/15
Pocket Presence: 8/10
Ball Security: 6/10
Consistency: 8/10
Improvisation: 9/10
Defensive Literacy: 12/15
Overall: 82
6. Saints: Drew Brees
Brees is THE most accurate passer in NFL history. He’s one of the most consistent quarterbacks and he reads defenses like few before him. His game has never been to throw over the top of the defense and he makes it work without the cannon most other top quarterbacks possess.
Arm Strength: 5/10
Accuracy: 10/10
Ball Placement: 5/5
Touch: 5/5
Athleticism: 4/15
Pocket Presence: 9/10
Ball Security: 7/10
Consistency: 9/10
Improvisation: 5/10
Defensive Literacy: 15/15
Clutch Bonus: +5
Overall: 79
7. Patriots: Tom Brady
What can be said here that hasn’t been said in 10,000 articles before this? He’s just great. He does so many things so well. His lack of athleticism is his primary knock, but that doesn’t stop him from moving the ball at will. He’s the same guy every weak. If you protect him from the rush, he’ll get the ball out quickly and accurately to anybody. He doesn’t need to take the top off the defense to make them feel totally inept.
Arm Strength: 7/10
Accuracy: 9/10
Ball Placement: 4/5
Touch: 4/5
Athleticism: 3/15
Pocket Presence: 8/10
Ball Security: 10/10
Consistency: 10/10
Improvisation: 3/10
Defensive Literacy: 15/15
Clutch Bonus: +5
Overall: 78
T8. Eagles: Carson Wentz
Talent-wise, Wentz is right up there with Mahomes, Wilson, Watson and Rodgers. He just hasn’t been able to put everything together for a full season, and he doesn’t always show up when the team needs him most.
Arm Strength: 9/10
Accuracy: 7/10
Ball Placement: 4/5
Touch: 5/5
Athleticism: 13/15
Pocket Presence: 7/10
Ball Security: 6/10
Consistency: 5/10
Improvisation: 9/10
Defensive Literacy: 9/15
Overall: 74
T8. Raiders: Derek Carr
Carr’s gotten knocked pretty heavily the last few years because of his restraint with the deep-ball, but that tool has always been there. One thing that can’t be questioned is his propensity for coming up clutch, as he leads the league in game-winning drives since he was drafted in 2014.
Arm Strength: 7/10
Accuracy: 9/10
Ball Placement: 4/5
Touch: 5/5
Athleticism: 10/15
Pocket Presence: 6/10
Ball Security: 6/10
Consistency: 6/10
Improvisation: 4/10
Defensive Literacy: 12/15
Clutch Bonus: +5
Overall: 74
T10. Cowboys: Dak Prescott
Prescott is another player who has come up clutch for his team. His athletic ability is a big plus, and while he manages the game quite well, he brings more than just that as a passer.
Arm Strength: 6/10
Accuracy: 9/10
Ball Placement: 4/5
Touch: 3/5
Athleticism: 11/15
Pocket Presence: 6/10
Ball Security: 6/10
Consistency: 8/10
Improvisation: 4/10
Defensive Literacy: 10/15
Clutch Bonus: +5
Overall: 72
T10. Lions: Matthew Stafford
Stafford has some of the best arm-talent in the league and he’s showing a real gunslinger mentality. However, he is overly reliant on his throwing ability and that leads to turnovers that leave you scratching your head.
Arm Strength: 10/10
Accuracy: 7/10
Ball Placement: 4/5
Touch: 4/5
Athleticism: 9/15
Pocket Presence: 7/10
Ball Security: 4/10
Consistency: 8/10
Improvisation: 6/10
Defensive Literacy: 8/15
Clutch Bonus: +5
Overall: 72
12. Jaguars: Nick Foles
Foles has always had all the tools and he’s come up clutch in quite a few situations. His lack of consistency has been holding him back from being a true franchise quarterback.
Arm Strength: 8/10
Accuracy: 7/10
Ball Placement: 3/5
Touch: 4/5
Athleticism: 10/15
Pocket Presence: 6/10
Ball Security: 7/10
Consistency: 5/10
Improvisation: 4/10
Defensive Literacy: 11/15
Clutch Bonus: +5
Overall: 70
13. Chargers: Phillip Rivers
Rivers has had an admirable career, maybe even Hall of Fame worthy. But, it’s clear he’s running out of gas in the tank. He isn’t protecting the ball and it’s costing his team games.
Arm Strength: 9/10
Accuracy: 8/10
Ball Placement: 5/5
Touch: 5/5
Athleticism: 6/15
Pocket Presence: 7/10
Ball Security: 3/10
Consistency: 7/10
Improvisation: 7/10
Defensive Literacy: 11/15
Overall: 68
14. Colts: Jacoby Brissett
Brissett has surprised a lot of people with his play this year. He’s a guy that can win in the right situation, and that’s clearly what Frank Reich has given him. He’s had a few clutch plays, but not enough to call him clutch overall. The Colts are getting a lot better value out of him than Minnesota is getting out of their’s.
Arm Strength: 6/10
Accuracy: 6/10
Ball Placement: 4/5
Touch: 5/5
Athleticism: 8/15
Pocket Presence: 7/10
Ball Security: 8/10
Consistency: 7/10
Improvisation: 5/10
Defensive Literacy: 10/15
Overall: 66
15. Vikings: Kirk Cousins
He’s got all the tools and he can win if you give him weapons. A friend compared him to Alex Smith recently. He is a game manager, and he does struggle in clutch situations like Smith, but I see a much better arm and more willingness to take the defense deep. You could do worse, but if I had to guess, I think he gets extended in Minnesota after this season.
Arm Strength: 7/10
Accuracy: 9/10
Ball Placement: 3/5
Touch: 5/5
Athleticism: 9/15
Pocket Presence: 6/10
Ball Security: 4/10
Consistency: 4/10
Improvisation: 6/10
Defensive Literacy: 11/15
Overall: 64
16. Browns: Baker Mayfield
Baker can absolutely help a team win when he’s in the right situation. But, that clearly isn’t on this Freddie Kitchens offense. Last season he did well, playing off-script but teams have been taking that away from him. The worst thing is that he’s not playing well within the play before it breaks down.
Arm Strength: 8/10
Accuracy: 7/10
Ball Placement: 4/5
Touch: 5/5
Athleticism: 8/15
Pocket Presence: 5/10
Ball Security: 3/10
Consistency: 6/10
Improvisation: 6/10
Defensive Literacy: 11/15
Overall: 63
T17. 49ers: Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy G has been winning games, but he’s only shown average abilities as a passer. His footwork is subpar, and his injury history makes him difficult to trust.
Arm Strength: 7/10
Accuracy: 8/10
Ball Placement: 4/5
Touch: 4/5
Athleticism: 9/15
Pocket Presence: 5/10
Ball Security: 5/10
Consistency: 3/10
Improvisation: 5/10
Defensive Literacy: 10/15
Overall: 60
T17. Rams: Jared Goff
This isn’t fun for me. Goff looked like a bust his rookie year, but lived up to his draft pedigree in 2017 and 2018. His regression this year can be blamed, at least in part, on the offensive line, but he has shown zero ability to make things happen when the play breaks down.
Arm Strength: 8/10
Accuracy: 7/10
Ball Placement: 5/5
Touch: 5/5
Athleticism: 8/15
Pocket Presence: 6/10
Ball Security: 6/10
Consistency: 4/10
Improvisation: 2/10
Defensive Literacy: 9/15
Overall: 60
T19. Titans: Ryan Tannehill
I don’t know that Mariota would score much differently on this ranking, but Tannehill might be showing he has a clutch gene, with a few game-winning drives since taking over as starter.
Arm Strength: 6/10
Accuracy: 8/10
Ball Placement: 2/5
Touch: 2/5
Athleticism: 12/15
Pocket Presence: 5/10
Ball Security: 3/10
Consistency: 6/10
Improvisation: 6/10
Defensive Literacy: 6/15
Overall: 56
T19. Dolphins: Ryan Fitzpatrick
Fitzmagic will continue to turn heads for his highlight plays and his bonehead mistakes. At least he’s fun to watch.
Arm Strength: 4/10
Accuracy: 4/10
Ball Placement: 4/5
Touch: 3/5
Athleticism: 9/15
Pocket Presence: 6/10
Ball Security: 5/10
Consistency: 6/10
Improvisation: 7/10
Defensive Literacy: 8/15
Overall: 56
T19. Bills: Josh Allen
Allen’s physical tools are genuine. But he needs to learn some touch to be a complete passer, and even with that cannon, he’s struggling to connect on the deep ball. He was always going to be a project as a passer, but at least his athleticism is keeping his team in games.
Arm Strength: 10/10
Accuracy: 3/10
Ball Placement: 2/5
Touch: 1/5
Athleticism: 14/15
Pocket Presence: 3/10
Ball Security: 3/10
Consistency: 8/10
Improvisation: 5/10
Defensive Literacy: 7/15
Overall: 56
T22. Jets: Sam Darnold
The two men tied at 22 here are probably the most frustrating figures in the NFL right now (outside of Washington, but that’s another article). They are both supremely talented, but incredibly inconsistent. Darnold has room to grow and if he can get a better grasp of the mental game, he could someday move into the top 5. The same could be said of Winston, but the more I see, the less likely that seems.
Arm Strength: 7/10
Accuracy: 4/10
Ball Placement: 3/5
Touch: 4/5
Athleticism: 10/15
Pocket Presence: 4/10
Ball Security: 3/10
Consistency: 3/10
Improvisation: 7/10
Defensive Literacy: 6/15
Overall: 51
T22. Buccaneers: Jameis Winston
Arm Strength: 9/10
Accuracy: 7/10
Ball Placement: 3/5
Touch: 5/5
Athleticism: 8/15
Pocket Presence: 4/10
Ball Security: 1/10
Consistency: 1/10
Improvisation: 6/10
Defensive Literacy: 7/15
Overall: 51
24. Bears: Mitchell Trubisky
I never understood the Trubisky pick. Not one time did I see what the Bears front office did. Good for Mitch getting paid like a first-rounder while he could. Had he waited another year in college, he may not have even been drafted.
Arm Strength: 7/10
Accuracy: 4/10
Ball Placement: 2/5
Touch: 3/5
Athleticism: 10/15
Pocket Presence: 3/10
Ball Security: 3/10
Consistency: 2/10
Improvisation: 4/10
Defensive Literacy: 8/15
Overall: 46