Daubert’s 2023 NFL QB Tiers
I got most of my fantasy football content before the preseason got started. This was kinda the plan so that I can go through ranking positions leading up to the 2023 NFL Season. Yes, today we’re dropping the NFL QB Tiers and I’m sure it will spark some controversy.
Your comments are always welcome. Feel free to share your opinion. This is the way I would rank the quarterbacks heading into the season. It’s a mix based on resume and projection.
Blue Chip:
These guys are the elite of the elite. Will eventually go into the Hall of Fame and can be described as true franchise quarterbacks that can win Super Bowls.
I don’t think we need to spend too much time describing Allen, Mahomes, and Burrow. I think Hurts has proven he belongs as well after that Super Bowl run. There is something to be said about the way Hurts continues to improve year after year. He’s genuinely a good passer now and is the scariest power rushing threat the league has right now. Trevor Lawrence will be regarded as this player midway through this season. He’s going to explode this year and is only slightly behind thanks to Urban Meyer.
Red Chip:
The players grouped in this list represent high end starters. Each one of them has special traits but simply doesn’t stack up to the elite list.
Justin Herbert could be on the elite list but 6.8 yards per attempt last year is far from elite. The air yards per attempt number was even worse. He just does too many stupid things to be on tier one. Tua Tagovailoa is an ace with accuracy and might even be on tier one but the injury stuff and lack of pure arm power prevents that.
Again, Deshaun Watson could be on tier one but you can’t put him there based on all of the legal stuff. Plus, Watson still needs to prove he can perform with the Browns. Easier said than done. Aaron Rodgers was on tier one two years ago. I can’t put him there at age 40 in a league that requires more mobility out of the position.
The Bryce Young one is all projection but he’s awesome. Yes, he’s small but it won’t take him long to look and feel like a franchise quarterback.
Capable Starter:
This one is pretty self explanatory. Will have good days. Will have bad days. Never going to be an embarrassment and will keep the team relevant. We know this tier. Dak Prescott has been doing this forever. Ditto Kirk Cousins and Derek Carr. Never going to win the big game. If you put a good team around him, you can convince yourself that you’re close.
I’d move Justin Fields up a tier but I don’t think he gets there in this environment. I think Kenny Pickett has a chance to be this based on how stable Pittsburgh is. Green Bay took care of Jordan Love and expect him to prove that he’s capable. Mac Jones will be better this year now that a defensive coordinator isn’t calling offensive plays.
Below Average Starter:
Matthew Stafford would be moved way up this list but it’s impossible to trust him right now. The elbow injury feels very real. The Rams just tried to trade him. He’s aging fast and isn’t one of these mobile movers. We’re much closer to the end here.
As I talked about in one of my fantasy posts, I’m not buying the Geno Smith comeback story. We can revisit this a year from now when I’m proven right. Same with Daniel Jones. The Titans are clearly trying to replace Ryan Tannehill soooooo.
Needs To Prove It:
This is the group that needs to define themselves. They don’t have enough tape to suggest where exactly they’re out so I won’t be unfair and do it too early. If you have been reading this site, you know which ones I like more than others.
Cancers:
This is your Russell Westbrook tier. AKA the guys who make way too much money that you would be better off having a nobody and tanking. This is toxic territory. Where uneducated fans think they have a chance while fans in reality know they’re screwed and won’t bother.
Some are in this range for different reasons. Kyler Murray has a ridiculous amount of talent. He’s also the guy that doesn’t get it, which is a shame.
Lamar Jackson is the Rudy Gobert of quarterbacks and I’m not going any further so that this blog doesn’t become a 30 minute read. Here is your link if you’re just joining us for the first time. One of many.
I hate Russell Wilson. I don’t know how you can’t, at this point.
Stinks:
Baker Mayfield stinks. I think more people understand that now. I’ve also been telling you that for years.
Desmond Ridder stinks too. People just haven’t figured that part out yet but will.
I might have one regret. Trey Lance probably belongs here. When the 49ers finally give up on him, he will go in this spot. Until then, I’m not willing to do it.
