5. Lamar Jackson (32nd Overall, 2018 — Ravens)
Stats: 12,209 yards (4,437 rushing), 101 TD (24 rush TD), 38 INT, 96.7 rate, 45-16 record (1-3 playoffs)
Jackson remains in flux due to his murky contact situation with the Ravens. When looking at the numbers, Jackson undoubtedly deserves to be paid as a superstar QB. The Ravens have won 66-percent of their games with Jackson at the helm — reaching the postseason in each of his first three seasons. While injuries have slowed him down a bit the last couple of years, Jackson is just entering his prime (26 years old) and is already a league MVP.
4. Justin Herbert (6th Overall, 2020 — Chargers)
Stats: 14,089 yards, 94 TD, 35 INT, 96.2 rate, 25-24 record (0-1 playoffs)
Justin Herbert was not supposed to be the Chargers’ starting quarterback so early as a rookie. Veteran Tyrod Taylor started the 2020 season as the No. 1 option, but a rib injury and subsequent trainer-inflicted injury sent Taylor to the bench. In his place, Herbert starred. The No. 6 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Herbert has special arm strength and poise beyond his years. While the Chargers’ record hasn’t been great with Herbert under center, there’s no doubt he will lead them to countless wins over the next decade.
3. Josh Allen (7th Overall, 2018 — Bills)
Stats: 18,397 yards (3,087 rush yards), 138 TD (38 rush TD), 60 INT, 92.2 rate, 52-24 record (4-4 playoffs)
Some may have written off Josh Allen after a shaky rookie campaign. Allen came into the league with serious concerns over accuracy and decision-making. However, Allen gradually ironed out his weaknesses and began developing rapidly. Year 3 marked his breakout — a second-place MVP finish after accounting for 45 total touchdowns. Allen’s game is pure power. He’s capable of dismantling defenses with his rocket arm or scrambling ability. Since 2020, no player has scored more total touchdowns (129) than Buffalo’s superstar quarterback.
2. Joe Burrow (1st Overall, 2020 — Bengals)
Stats: 11,774 yards, 82 TD, 31 INT, 100.4 rate, 24-17-1 record (5-2 playoffs)
Following a record-breaking campaign at LSU, some questioned if Joe Burrow’s elite play would translate to the NFL level. The cool-handed gunslinger has wasted no time silencing those concerns. Before sustaining a season-ending injury, Burrow was off to a great rookie season despite playing behind one of the league’s worst offensive lines. In 2021, Burrow started in 16 games and led the league in both completion percentage (70.4) and yards-per-attempt (8.9). In the playoffs, Burrow led the Bengals to the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance since 1988. Burrow followed that up by finishing fourth in MVP voting in 2022, proving the previous year’s Super Bowl run was not a fluke.
1. Patrick Mahomes (10th Overall, 2017 — Chiefs)
Stats: 24,241 yards, 192 TD, 49 INT, 105.7 rate, 64-16 record (11-3 playoffs, 2 SB)
There aren’t too many lists concerning NFL quarterbacks that doesn’t have Patrick Mahomes atop the board. It was a bit of a surprising move when the Chiefs moved up in the 2017 draft to select Mahomes with a capable starter in Alex Smith already on the roster. Mahomes didn’t get his first chance until Week 17 of his rookie year, but Year 2 put the league on notice. Mahomes went on to win league MVP in his first full season, and is now a two-time regular season MVP in addition to being a two-time Super Bowl MVP. Gifted with one of the strongest arms in the league, there is no throw that Mahomes is incapable of making.
