National Football League

NFL 2017: Quarterback depth chart power rankings

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:58 p.m. ET

Fansided, Randy Gurzi/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

Depth is important at all positions, but the quarterback spot often gets overlooked if the starter is solid. Ranking the QB depth charts of all 32 teams/

The most important position for any team in the NFL has to be the quarterback position. Each and every year, this is the most debated position and the 2017 NFL season will be no different. While many concerns about how a team looks at that spot revolves around who the starter is, it's also important to have guys behind him that are able to help if ever needed.

In 2016 this was seen in a couple of instances. The New England Patriots had to start the first quarter of the season with starter Tom Brady suspended for four games. They were able to go 3-1 in that time, and even proved their depth to be great when backup Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a shoulder injury and they had to turn to their third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

The Dallas Cowboys had a more pressing problem as their starting quarterback — Tony Romo — went down with a broken bone in his back. He was expected to miss the majority of the season, and the loss of backup Kellen Moore to a broken leg looked to doom them. Instead, rookie quarterback Dak Prescott stepped up and led them to their best season in years.

Had the Patriots and Cowboys not done all they could to land players they trusted at the position, their seasons may have been very different than they turned out. So which teams have done the best job of securing a trustworthy stable of signal-callers? That's exactly what this power ranking aims to answer.

Apr 10, 2017; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff addresses the media at press conference at Cal Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

32. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Goff, Sean Mannion

The Los Angeles Rams are in the unenviable position of praying that second-year quarterback Jared Goff makes huge leaps after a disastrous rookie season. He was unable to usurp Case Keenum for most of the season, then went 0-7 as a starter once he did. He had the lowest quarterback rating and completion percentage of any rookie to log significant snaps in 2016.

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Behind him is a relative unknown in Sean Mannion. Currently the Rams have no third quarterback after cutting Aaron Murray. This is a mistake as they need to reach out and find a way to get some veteran experience on this roster.

31. Cleveland Browns: Cody Kessler, Brock Osweiler, DeShone Kizer

The Cleveland Browns barely edge the Rams out and land at number 31. The difference for them is Cody Kessler outplayed Goff last year and although he struggled mightily in Houston in 2016, they do have aa veteran in Brock Osweiler that has won some big games in his career. DeShone Kizer isn't likely to develop into a star, but at least they have more than two quarterbacks.

30. New York Jets: Josh McCown, Christian Hackenberg, Bryce Petty

Christian Hackenberg is still an unknown and will probably have to sit behind veteran Josh McCown until he can prove he's a starter in this league. Bryce Petty showed a few flashes, but overall was rather unimpressive during his brief appearance last season.

May 12, 2017; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) works out during rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

29. Chicago Bears: Mike Glennon, Mitch Trubisky, Mark Sanchez

Mike Glennon's career as a starting quarterback led to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owning the worst record in the league and the number one overall pick — which was used to replace him. He wasn't terrible, but he also isn't worth the $45 million over three years Chicago gave him. They hope Mitch Trubisky can be the guy, even though the move up one spot to grab him was odd. Mark Sanchez rounds things out as an experienced number three.

28. Buffalo Bills: Tyrod Taylor, Cardale Jones, Nathan Peterman

The Buffalo Bills almost made the biggest mistake in the offseason when they considered cutting Tyrod Taylor. Sure, he's not a franchise guy but he's a capable starter. Behind him though Cardale Jones is only average and Nathan Peterman has potential, but won't surprise as a rookie.

27. Houston Texans: Tom Savage, Deshaun Watson, Brandon Weeden

Tom Savage is apparently going to be the starter for the Houston Texans, which is ridiculous. He's not very good and has struggled with health, despite only playing sparingly thus far in his career. Brandon Weeden is a better option than Savage, but that's not saying much. The real top guy should be rookie Deshaun Watson. He has the best arm, mind and poise for the position. Which means, if we know the Texans, he won't play at all.

May 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterbacks Stephen Morris (6), Chad Henne (7), Blake Bortles (5) and Jake Waters (9) warm up during OTAs at the Florida Blue Health and Wellness Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

26. Jacksonville Jaguars: Blake Bortles, Chad Henne, Brandon Allen

The starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars has been up and down to say the least. The team still seems to believe in Blake Bortles though because they picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. Still, he throws way too many picks and the guys behind him aren't great either. Chad Henne has starting experience, but hasn't won many of those starts. Brandon Allen is still raw, but could develop into something.

25. San Francisco 49ers: Brian Hoyer, Matt Barkley, C.J. Beathard

The San Francisco 49ers raided the Bears 2016 depth chart by signing Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley. Hoyer is underrated, but struggles with health. Barkley showed flashes, but has bounced around the league for a reason. C.J. Beathard was a dark horse for a lot if scouts in the 2017 NFL Draft, and some believe he can become a starter.

24. New York Giants: Eli Manning, Davis Webb, Geno Smith

Eli Manning loves throwing to the wrong team. Davis Webb wasn't very good in college. Geno Smith is just awful. There's not a lot to love about the Giants quarterbacks, but Manning's ability to perform in the clutch is up there with the best. The team just has to hope he never gets hurt — which to his credit, he never does — because the two behind him are just bad.

Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

23. Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco, Ryan Mallett, Dustin Vaughan

There's a constant debate about whether or not Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is elite. It's like when you're into someone, if you have to question over and over if they feel the same way — they don't. If no one can say definitively that Flacco is elite, there's your answer. He did play that way in the team's Super Bowl run, but he's been so-so since. Ryan Mallett can't wake up on time to get to practice, so he isn't real reliable. Dustin Vaughan has great taste in sweaters, but hasn't stuck with one team for very long.

22. Kansas City Chiefs: Alex Smith, Patrick Mahomes, Tyler Bray

The future could be bright for the Kansas City Chiefs after selecting Patrick Mahomes tenth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. They just won't be ready to turn to him yet apparently and their starter — Alex Smith — has been ragged on for years for his inability to push the offense forward. Tyler Bray has a rocket for an arm, but hasn't seen the field outside of the preseason.

21. Denver Broncos: Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch, Chad Kelly

Trevor Siemian was a game manager as a starter for the Denver Broncos, but he had a winning record. Paxton Lynch was a first-round pick, and could be an upgrade if he takes coaching in. Mr. Irrelevant — the last pick in the 2017 NFL Draft — was Chad Kelly, the nephew of Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly. He won't be as good as his uncle, but Chad has a shot to develop into a player.

November 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) and quarterback Carson Palmer (3) warm up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

20. Arizona Cardinals: Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton, Blaine Gabbert

Carson Palmer is still really good for the Arizona Cardinals, but there's some concern as he has had some injury issues in the recent past. He's also not getting any younger, and this could be his last year. Behind him is Drew Stanton, who has a terrible completion percentage. There's also Blaine Gabbert, who was one of the bigger busts ever in the first round back in 2011.

19. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, Jake Rudock, Brad Kaaya

Matthew Stafford is a good quarterback, and is inching towards one of the best on the league. The problem is behind him is two big question marks in Jake Rudock and Brad Kaaya. If Stafford ever went down, so to would the Lions.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Sam Bradford, Case Keenum, Taylor Heinicke — Teddy Bridgewater

Let's preface this with saying Sam Bradford's great passing percentage from 2016 was all smoke and mirrors. It didn't matter if it was first-and-10, second-and-2, or third-and-15 — Bradford was throwing a three-yard check down. He has a career losing record, never has had a winning season and really is average at best. Case Keenum is a capable backup, while Taylor Heinicke is an unknown and of course Teddy Bridgewater is there too. If healthy, he should start; but that's a big if according to reports.

Aug 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks Scott Tolzien (16), left, and Andrew Luck (12) on the sidelines in the first half during their game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

17. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, Scott Tolzien, Stephen Morris

Andrew Luck is a top-10 talent in the NFL. The problem is the Indianapolis Colts have done a poor job of building around him. He's had to do too much on his own and the bad offensive line especially hurts him as it leads to injuries. With Scott Tolzien and Stephen Morris as the only other options, that's not good.

16. Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota, Matt Cassel, Alex Tanney

The Tennessee Titans have a great starter in Marcus Mariota, but Matt Cassel is only average behind him. The last time he played extensive snaps was a disaster for the Dallas Cowboys. Alex Tanney is a decent third-string guy though. He gained fame for a trick shot video and has since bounced around the league, but has a decent arm and is rather mobile;

15. Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott, Kellen Moore, Cooper Rush

The Dallas Cowboys lucked out with Dak Prescott, but they need to hope he remains healthy. Behind him is the underwhelming Kellen Moore and undrafted rookie Cooper Rush. Don't be surprised if they keep an eye on the waiver wire for a veteran option because that's not a lot of talent behind the 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

May 26, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) gestures as quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) looks on during organized team activities at Charger Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

14. Los Angeles Chargers: Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemens, Mike Bercovici

Philip Rivers is another one of those guys that just always plays. Even when he tore his ACL many years ago, he just wrapped his knee and played in the postseason. The Los Angeles Chargers do have a capable reserve still with Kellen Clemens. They also have former ASU quarterback Mike Bercovici, who looked great in relief in college, but struggled in his final season as the main guy.

13. Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson, Trevone Boykin, Jake Heaps

Russell Wilson is a good enough quarterback that he gets his team moved up pretty high in these rankings despite there being some questions behind him. Second-year backup Trevone Boykin is more of an athlete than true quarterback and Jake Heaps is just a depth guy for now. They do need to hope that Wilson stays healthy, though.

12. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Joe Webb

Cam Newton was the 2015 NFL MVP and despite having a subpar season last year, he should rebound. He still has one of the better arms in the game and is a natural winner. There's a lot of experience behind Newton with Derek Anderson who has been a starter in this league before. Them there's Joe Webb who has bounced from receiver to quarterback in his career.

Dec 11, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (right) celebrates with Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore (left) after defeating the Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

11. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore, Brandon Doughty

The Miami Dolphins saw how important it is to have a backup quarterback they could turn to in 2016. Starter Ryan Tannehill had finally started to play like a franchise guy in 2017, but then went down with an injury at the end of the season. They turned to backup Matt Moore, who has been a starter in Miami as well as in Carolina in the past. By no means is he going to lead a team to a Super Bowl, but he could keep them afloat in the regular season.

Brandon Doughty was a practice squad guy last year, and most likely holds the same title during the 2017 NFL season.

Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) passes in front of Washington Redskins nose tackle Ziggy Hood (90) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

10. Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz, Nick Foles, Matt McGloin

The Philadelphia Eagles were one of the two teams who had to go to extreme lengths to rid themselves of the stench left behind by Sam Bradford's mediocre ways. The first two teams he played for — the Rams and Eagles — moved up in the 2016 draft and took Jared Goff and Carson Wentz. So far the Eagles look to have made the much smarter pick.

They also have two of the better backups in the game in Nick Foles and Matt McGloin. Both have starting experience, and the Eagles remember when Foles threw 27 touchdowns and two picks for them when he was their starter.

Sep 29, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) talks with quarterback Andy Dalton (14) at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 22-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Andy Dalton, A.J. McCarron, Jeff Driskel

Andy Dalton gets destroyed for the fact that he has never won a playoff game in his career. That short-sighted thinking doesn't take into account that there's 53 men on a roster. Dalton has been a Pro Bowl selection and would be a free agent for about five minutes if ever released.

Behind him is A.J. McCarron, who has been pretty good in his brief appearance. Like Dalton, he was unable to win in the pos season when he made his lone start, but reports were that there was a lot of interest in him from other teams — but the Bengals wouldn't budge. Jeff Driskel is number three, but some were really high on him after his career at Florida and Louisiana Tech.

Aug 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and quarterback Colt McCoy (16) on the bench against the Detroit Lions during the second half at FedEx Field. The Washington Redskins won 21 – 17, Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

8. Washington Redskins: Kirk Cousins, Colt McCoy, Nate Sudfield

Sure, the Washington Redskins don't think highly enough of Kirk Cousins to pay him the big money, but he is a franchise guy that is on the heels of two-straight 4,000-yard passing seasons. He's about to be tested with the departure of both DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon at wide receiver, but if he excels that's even more reason to pay him.

Colt McCoy is a great backup. He has won plenty of games in this league and knows how to run an offense. Nate Sudfield may just be a training camp and potential practice squad guy.

Dec 24, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) greets teammates in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Griffin

Jameis Winston is one of the best young guys in the league — although he does need to tone down on the picks. He throws a lot of passes up for grabs as he fully trusts wide receiver Mike Evans to come down with it. The addition of wide out DeSean Jackson and rookie tight end O.J. Howard will only improve his stats.

The recent signing of Ryan Fitzpatrick was smart. He left a bad taste in people's mouths because of the way he played last year with the Jets. However, he was a winner in the previous two seasons and is a trustworthy backup. Ryan Griffin spent time with the Saints and may not make the final roster.

Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

6. Oakland Raiders: Derek Carr, E.J. Manuel, Connor Cook

Derek Carr turned the Oakland Raiders around and in 2016 he led them to their first winning season since 2002. Then he suffered a broken leg to end the year and had to watch their rookie Connor Cook start in their lone post season game. Carr is a legitimate MVP candidate and was in the discussion for the performance he turned in. Cook on the other hand was a fourth-round pick that wasn't ready to play. He looked in over his head, but they can do much worse as a project third-string quarterback.

E.J. Manuel was picked up this offseason, and was a first-round pick of the Bills. He ended up being a bust for where he was picked, but offers an upgrade at backup to Cook and 2016's second string guy, Matt McGloin.

Jul 26, 2016; De Pere, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12), quarterback Joe Callahan (6) and quarterback Brett Hundley (7) participate in drills during training camp at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

5. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers, Brett Hundley, Joe Callahan

Aaron Rodgers is hands down one of the top two-or-three signal-callers in the game. He is the lone reason the Packers are rated this high. He can single-handedly win games for his team and his durability is among the best in the game.

That's a good thing because behind him is Brett Hundley — a fifth-round pick who is 2-of-10 in his career with one interception — and Joe Callahan, who bounced from Green Bay to New Orleans to Cleveland and back to Green Bay as an undrafted rookie in 2016.

Aug 22, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Garrett Grayson (18) throws as quarterback Drew Brees (9) watches before a preseason game against the New England Patriots at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

4. New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees, Chase Daniel, Garrett Grayson

The New Orleans Saints have one of the best in the business in Drew Brees. He's also incredibly durable as missed games are few and far in-between for the 38-year old gun slinger. He's fresh off yet another 5,000-yard season and he completed 70 percent of his passes.

If he ever did have to miss time, Chase Daniel is a more than capable replacement. There would surely be a drop in talent, but Daniel can lead them to some wins. Garrett Grayson is entering his third season and, as a Round 3 pick, he is pretty solid as a last resort.

Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack (51), quarterback Matt Ryan (2), cornerback Brian Poole (34), and quarterback Matt Schaub (8) run onto the field prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

3. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub, Matt Simms