With 2025 NFL training camps on the horizon, league insiders—executives, coaches, and scouts—have weighed in to rank the best quarterbacks heading into the new season. ESPN’s sixth annual positional ranking survey collected over 70 ballots, backed by extensive interviews and film breakdowns to identify this year’s elite QB corps.
How the Rankings Came Together
Voters submitted their top 10 quarterbacks, with final rankings determined through vote frequency, average positioning, and expert consultations, including analysis from ESPN’s Matt Bowen. Rather than projections or career achievements, this evaluation pinpoints the best performers entering 2025. This year’s list proves more selective, with only 12 quarterbacks receiving serious consideration—a stark contrast to previous years’ larger pools. That exclusivity leaves several high-paid QBs on the outside looking in.
A generational shift stands out: four quarterbacks from the 2020 draft class have risen as dominant forces. Also striking is that for the first time since these rankings began, Aaron Rodgers doesn’t crack the top 10, with youth taking over—Matthew Stafford remains the lone QB over 30 in the rankings.
The Elite Four: A Golden Generation
The top four quarterbacks form an exceptionally talented tier, all aged 28-29, sharing five NFL MVP awards between them. While chasing Patrick Mahomes’ legacy, this group continues closing the gap.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Mahomes holds onto the top spot, though his grip has loosened slightly—capturing about 60% of first-place votes compared to near-unanimous support in previous years. His 2024 numbers (3,928 yards, 26 TDs, 11 INTs) represented a dip by his lofty standards, yet he still leads the league in key passing metrics since becoming the starter in 2018. He topped third-down efficiency rankings last season.
Some critics note Mahomes’ slightly reduced “fear factor” among opponents, though a healthier supporting cast in 2025 could spark a resurgence. Voters still value his every-down impact and clutch gene, with a few ranking him lower purely due to recent performance trends.
2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Allen’s ranking journey has seen its share of peaks and valleys, with turnover concerns reaching a crescendo in 2023. But his 2024 campaign—nearly 4,300 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just six interceptions—solidified his elite status once again.
His dual-threat capability shines brightest under pressure, where he led in QBR while maintaining an impressively low sack rate despite his aggressive pocket style. While his off-target pass rate remains problematic, his evolving decision-making shows a more measured approach.
3. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Burrow lit up the league in 2024 with career-high marks of 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns, earning his second Comeback Player of the Year award. His pinpoint accuracy—70.6% completion on a league-leading 652 attempts—and minimal off-target throws positioned him as the premier precision passer.
Scout evaluations rave about his footwork, pocket presence, and pre-snap reads, plus underrated mobility. Burrow’s individual excellence shone through despite roster limitations and defensive struggles.
4. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Jackson remains among the NFL’s most electrifying quarterbacks. He nearly captured a third MVP award in 2024, earning first-team All-Pro recognition and posting NFL-first achievements including 40+ passing touchdowns with fewer than five interceptions in a season.
Leading the league in Total QBR and yards per dropback, he showcased growth as a pocket passer while maintaining his status as the NFL’s top rushing QB. His unique blend of efficiency and explosiveness puts him in a class by himself.
Rising Stars and Veteran Stalwarts
5. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Daniels made waves as a rookie, ranking fourth in QBR and excelling in crucial third- and fourth-down spots. His ability to lift a struggling franchise to the NFC title game generated confidence that he’ll climb even higher. Voters praise his football IQ, accuracy, and dynamic running ability, with expectations to reach at least the top three next year if he maintains this trajectory.
6. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
At 37, Stafford stands as the oldest QB in the top 10 but keeps defying Father Time with his toughness and clutch playmaking. Known for thriving under pressure and exceptional play-action passing, he’s guided the Rams to remarkable playoff runs despite roster challenges. His high off-target pass rate gets balanced by unmatched pocket poise and durability.
7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Herbert maintains his upper-tier status thanks to his rare combination of accuracy, arm talent, and athleticism. Though he adapted to a run-heavy offense last year that limited his passing volume, he posted the lowest interception rate among qualified QBs. Evaluators view him as underrated and believe he has room to climb with a more QB-friendly scheme.
8. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Goff’s ascent into the quarterback upper echelon has been remarkable over recent years, now recognized as a top pure passer with improved ball security and arm strength. His efficiency on play-action and ability to reset under pressure mark him as a quarterback who has transcended his early career limitations.
9. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Hurts is a proven winner with elite rushing ability, holding the NFL’s longest streak for rushing TDs by a QB. He improved his ball security in 2024 and showed growth as a passer. While he thrives in big moments, some voters question how much higher he can rise based purely on pocket passing in a less run-heavy system.
10. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mayfield’s resurgence exemplifies potential career revivals at quarterback. After signing a modest deal, he led Tampa Bay to the playoffs twice while showing marked improvement in efficiency and touchdown production. He earns praise for leadership, mobility, and an aggressive style reminiscent of Brett Favre’s gunslinger mentality.
Just Outside the Top 10
- C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans: After a stellar rookie year, Stroud’s sophomore campaign hit roadblocks, largely due to inadequate team support. Expectations remain high for a bounce-back in 2026.
- Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers: Showed flashes of brilliance in late 2023 before a knee injury stunted his progress. With a full offseason under Matt LaFleur, he’s positioned to climb higher.
- Others receiving votes include Kyler Murray, Brock Purdy, Dak Prescott, Aaron Rodgers, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bo Nix.
This year’s quarterback landscape blends proven superstars, rookie phenoms, and resilient veterans, defining a compelling golden age for NFL QBs entering the 2025 season.
