Updated Quarterback Ranks
Having participated in countless mock drafts at this point, it is appropriate to readjust our ranks as we approach the NFL season. Commentary is added next to those players who have significantly moved up or down in the Quarterback Ranks. Each player who has moved has a +/- next to his name indicating how many spots he moved.
Lamar Jackson, Ravens.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs.
Dak Prescott, Cowboys.
Russell Wilson, Seahawks.
Deshaun Watson, Texans.
Matt Ryan, Falcons.
Kyler Murray, Cardinals.
Jared Goff, Rams.
Carson Wentz, Eagles (+8). Following our article on offensive snap count data, it was apparent that this guy plays too many snaps to be any lower on this list.
Drew Brees, Saints.
Josh Allen, Bills.
Matthew Stafford, Lions.
Aaron Rodgers, Packers (-4). A lack of weapons outside of Davante Adams hurts him, especially after Devin Funchess opted out of the season. Also, based on our offensive coordinator series, I have little confidence in Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett.
Cam Newton, Patriots (+26). Going from a free agent to a starting quarterback did wonders for the former MVP’s rank.
Joe Burrow, Bengals (-1). Loses a spot in the ranks due to Newton’s signing. I’m still really excited about him, and think his rookie season will surpass Kyler Murray’s in terms of fantasy output.
Ryan Tannehill, Titans (-3). Moved down because I honestly wouldn’t take him ahead of Newton or Burrow. He was great last year, but he’s a prime regression candidate. The Titans’ TD rate was not sustainable.
Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (-1). Loses a spot just because of others around him getting bumped.
Daniel Jones, Giants.
Tom Brady, Buccaneers.
Gardner Minshew, Jaguars (+6). Vaults up six spots because of the Konami Code. Most fantasy managers aren’t aware of the value he brings with his legs because he didn’t score any rushing scores last year, but he did post 344 yards rushing without starting the entire season. Not too shabby.
Baker Mayfield, Browns (-1). Loses a spot because of Minshew’s rise, but don’t sleep on Baker. The former #1 pick has great weapons in Cleveland and could just be a post-hype sleeper.
Teddy Bridgewater, Panthers (+1). This is a bet on Joe Brady, DJ Moore, Curtis Samuel, and CMC more than it is Bridgewater. If you believe those guys are going to have a productive year, you have to believe Bridgewater is going to play an important role.
Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers (+2). Their opening schedule is S-O-F-T through the first five weeks. Jimmy GQ could help get your team off to a hot start, with games against the Cardinals, Jets, Giants, Eagles, and Dolphins.
Philip Rivers, Colts (-9). Rivers took quite a tumble down the board. I am worried about his age, lack of weapons, new team, and declining arm strength. Can he even get the ball to TY Hilton downfield?
Drew Lock, Broncos (-4). It wasn’t an intentional slight. There were just other guys I felt better about whom I moved ahead of him.
Sam Darnold, Jets (-4). See above entry.
Kirk Cousins, Vikings (-3). This one is going to make me look really foolish. I want to believe in the Gary Kubiak offense, but I just can’t find a way to get Cousins higher than this.
Derek Carr, Raiders (-1).
Justin Herbert, Chargers (-1).
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins (-1).
Dwayne Haskins, Washington Football Team (-1). I do have ever-so-slight concerns that he could lose the starting job to Alex Smith.
Mitch Trubisky, Bears (-1).
Nick Foles, Bears.
Marcus Mariota, Raiders.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dolphins.
Alex Smith, Washington Football Team (NR). Word broke earlier this week that Smith could challenge for the starting job now that he’s been cleared to return to the gridiron.
Jordan Love, Packers (-1).
Jameis Winston, Saints (-1).
Andy Dalton, Cowboys (-1).
Tyrod Taylor, Chargers (-1).
Jacoby Brissett, Colts.
Case Keenum, Browns.
Will Grier, Panthers.
Taysom Hill, Saints.
Jarrett Stidham, Patriots (-13). That’s what happens when you lose your starting job.
Kyle Allen, Washington Football Team.
Jake Fromm, Bills.
Jacob Eason, Colts.
Robert Griffin III, Ravens.
Brandon Allen, Bengals (NR).