In case you missed it, our NFL Nation reporters had some fun imagining what all 32 franchise's rosters would look like if every player were released from their contracts and re-drafted to new teams. They went four rounds (the rest of the roster was assumed average-level talent) with the goal of building a foundation that would contend for a Super Bowl within five years.
One of the picks was a mandatory quarterback selection. That QB requirement gave us a unique look at how the NFL's quarterbacks stack up.
To be clear, what follows is not my ranking of the top quarterbacks in the league. Instead, it is my thoughts on each quarterback selected in the re-draft and how I consider his draft spot to fall in line with his on-field ability, with age and injury concerns rolled in. Let's take a deeper look at how the quarterbacks came off the board, which picks were too high or too low and in which areas each of the 32 re-draft QBs excel.
See more re-draft content:
Our 32-team, 128-pick re-draft | Experts react
1. Patrick Mahomes
Selected No. 1 overall in the NFL re-draft by Ben Baby to the Bengals
A slam-dunk choice to kick off the quarterback run, as the reigning Super Bowl MVP checks off every desired box. Mahomes' prodigious ability encompasses terrific accuracy, endless arm strength, exceptional mobility, football awareness and high character. He is the only quarterback in NFL history to win the MVP and Super Bowl MVP before the age of 25.
2. Russell Wilson
Selected No. 2 overall in the NFL re-draft by John Keim to the Redskins
The pillar of stability, Wilson is a wizard on the field. He has never missed a single game, which eases any concerns about his performance at the end of this five-year window when he will be 36. Wilson's field vision and awareness is unmatched, as he has rare ability to keep plays alive and deliver unscripted lasers from outside the pocket.
3. Lamar Jackson
Selected No. 3 overall in the NFL re-draft by Michael Rothstein to the Lions
The most electrifying player in the league causes defensive staffs to lose sleep in the week leading up to playing him. Jackson's MVP campaign in 2019 was just the beginning; he'll continue to grow even further as a passer after making remarkable strides from his rookie season. And there is, of course, no more dangerous runner in the open field. Jackson is the only player to ever throw for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in a single season.
4. Deshaun Watson
Selected No. 4 overall in the NFL re-draft by Jordan Raanan to the Giants
Perhaps no quarterback finds a way to make something out of nothing quite like Watson, who has no "give up" in him at all. The 24-year-old is an exceptional downfield thrower and has Houdini-like moments eluding the rush in the pocket. He has averaged more than five yards per rush in each of his first three seasons and has a big-game mindset that cannot be ignored.
5. Drew Brees
Selected No. 8 overall in the NFL re-draft by Josh Weinfuss to the Cardinals
This is the first pick likely to drum up conversation. While Brees has a shot to be an MVP in 2020, he's also entering his age-41 season. He has previously stated he believes he can play until the age of 45, but that's uncharted waters for a quarterback at an elite level. That being said, the next two years should bring elite Brees, and there is no QB with better precision. He owns five of the six best completion percentages within a single season in NFL history.
6. Dak Prescott
Selected No. 9 overall in the NFL re-draft by Mike DiRocco to the Jaguars
Dak's contract negotiations have been something of a Rorschach test for your feelings on the player. I'm of the simple mind that Prescott is an ascending, unquestionable franchise quarterback. He's 26, has completed over 65% of his career passes, throws well on the move, has averaged over five rushing touchdowns per season and is an incredible leader. He has never missed a game, either. Prescott is going to age well.
7. Carson Wentz
Selected No. 11 overall in the NFL re-draft by Rich Cimini to the Jets
We already know the ceiling for Wentz, as he flexed it back during the 2017 season. He can be the MVP of the NFL (he likely would have been if not for a December ACL tear that season). Wentz's accuracy, ability to keep plays alive and creativity inside the pocket are all exceptional. He's a player who has shown himself capable of raising the level of play of others around him. There's just one question, which is durability: While the Eagles have been to the playoffs for three straight years, Wentz has not been on the field at the end of any of their final playoff games within those seasons.
Mike Greenberg expects Sam Darnold to take a big leap forward this season and become one of the league's top quarterbacks.
8. Aaron Rodgers
Selected No. 12 overall in the NFL re-draft by Paul Gutierrez to the Raiders
I'm not particularly concerned about age with Rodgers, as he'll be 41 by the conclusion of this window but became a starter later than most quarterbacks. Thus, he has less wear and tear on his body than one might expect for a 36-year old signal-caller. No quarterback is better at protecting the football, as Rodgers has just six picks over the past two seasons, and Rodgers' innovation on the field is still such a joy to watch. His completion percentage has been a bit of an eyebrow raiser over the past two seasons (62.0% and 62.3%, respectively), but he's still such a cold-blooded star that it's hard to bet against him.
9. Joe Burrow
Selected No. 13 overall in the NFL re-draft by Mike Wells to the Colts
Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians likes to say "no risk it, no biscuit." So, in my mind, Team Wells is influenced by Arians, with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner as its gunslinger. Burrow's demeanor, accuracy, quick-processing mindset and mobility are all major pluses. This is a projection exercise at its core, so betting on Burrow comes with risk -- we've yet to see him take an NFL snap. But in many ways, he seems like a strong bet to prove everyone right.
10. Tom Brady
Selected No. 14 overall in the NFL re-draft by Jenna Laine to the Buccaneers
Brady has long stated his goal to play until the age of 45, so we'll likely see at least three of the five years in this window with TB12 under center. He is the greatest quarterback to ever play the game, mixing a meticulous approach in his preparation with unmatched ability to process the game and deliver the football with accuracy. History has shown us that a quarterback's physical regression can come suddenly rather than gradually, but Brady has broken a lot of molds, so I'm not one to count out his chances of sustaining major success.
11. Drew Lock
Selected No. 15 overall in the NFL re-draft by Jeff Legwold to the Broncos
The sample size is small, but the returns on Lock were promising as a rookie in Denver. The ability to drive the football with confidence won't be an issue for Lock, who has a swagger about him that can be contagious when things are going well. All of this being said, if I were to stack the best available quarterbacks at this pick, there were other options that feel closer to sure things to me. It's a bit early on Lock, but he has a chance to prove me wrong with a really good cast of weapons this season.
12. Matt Ryan
Selected No. 16 overall in the NFL re-draft by Vaughn McClure to the Falcons
Ryan's career is an intriguing one. He has a shot to finish in the top five of passing yards and the top 10 of other major passing categories, but he's perhaps not often talked about enough with the other top-tier players at this position. But Ryan is extremely durable and a gifted thrower, and he has shown little in the way of age-related decline. He's just an excellent, rock-solid, dependable player.
13. Kyler Murray
Selected No. 17 overall in the NFL re-draft by Todd Archer to the Cowboys
While we've seen just one year of Murray to this point, this feels like the possible steal of the draft. Murray is in line for a mammoth second season and is a blue-chip prospect to build Team Archer around. With sensational accuracy and limitless athletic ability, Murray will evolve into one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the league. This is a great pick.
14. Teddy Bridgewater
Selected No. 18 overall in the NFL re-draft by Brooke Pryor to the Steelers
There isn't any concern on age with Bridgewater, and there is an abundance of leadership he'll bring as the foundation of Team Pryor. At this point of the draft, the most obvious highest-ceiling passers are off the board, so the calculation becomes whether to roll the dice on a less-proven player with more potential or the surer thing in Bridgewater, whose solid accuracy, protection of the ball and football sense will stand out.
15. Jimmy Garoppolo
Selected No. 19 overall in the NFL re-draft by Jeff Dickerson to the Bears
Playing with an incredible defense and for a brilliant offensive mind has its pros and cons. One of the pros is that you win (like the 49ers did last season). One of the cons is that your work can go underappreciated. Garoppolo stands tall in the pocket, has good accuracy at all levels and is a steadying presence whom teammates flock to. He's a solid veteran quarterback.
16. Baker Mayfield
Selected No. 21 overall in the NFL re-draft by Tim McManus to the Eagles
If we conducted this exercise last season, Mayfield likely is off the board much sooner. That is a good reminder that his ceiling remains extremely high: Mayfield has electric playmaking skills and a contagious confidence. He must make better decisions with the football and be a more consistent force, though. If he reaches that level, this will be a great value pick.
17. Sam Darnold
Selected No. 23 overall in the NFL re-draft by Mike Reiss to the Patriots
Few quarterbacks feel as ready to make a massive leap in 2020 as Darnold, who enters his third season in the NFL with much better circumstances around him (a better offensive line and the same coaching staff from the year before). He has virtually every trait to be a star in this league -- the chops to make all throws accurately, nifty in-pocket movement and more. He must rein in his turnovers, but this could be a steal for Team Reiss.
18. Ryan Tannehill
Selected No. 25 overall in the NFL re-draft by Courtney Cronin to the Vikings
Tannehill's career arc reversed course last season, as he catapulted into potential star again with Tennessee after being traded away to become its backup to begin the year. Tannehill is a terrific deep-ball thrower, moves and throws well on the run and is an even-keeled personality. However, he must prove that 2019 was not an aberration and instead the start of another strong run.
19. Matthew Stafford
Selected No. 28 overall in the NFL re-draft by Jamison Hensley to the Ravens
There's little about Stafford's game that I don't love. He's exceptional. He has crazy arm ability, is tough and can be mobile enough. And did I mention his toughness? He's probably a bit overshadowed by other quarterbacks because of his lack of team success with him under center, but I'm bullish on the player and him being a building block. Another value I really like here.
20. Tua Tagovailoa
Selected No. 30 overall in the NFL re-draft by Rob Demovsky to the Packers
Less than a year ago, #TankForTua was one of the most popular football hashtags going. The skill set is remarkable: a lefty with a certain ease in which he is able to drive the football that screams upside. Other than the incumbent caveat for any rookie -- we haven't seen it yet -- questions linger about Tagovailoa's overall long-term health outlook. All signs for now remain positive, so it's hard to quibble with this selection.
21. Cam Newton
Selected No. 36 overall in the NFL re-draft by Turron Davenport to the Titans
Newton is one of the most enjoyable players to watch play quarterback. At his apex, opponents had to hope their defenses were reactive and athletic enough to keep up with his innovation. He can be so dynamic. Health questions linger -- that's why he's presently unsigned in the real world -- but if he's right and the offensive system allows Cam to be unleashed, he's still a game-changer.
22. Josh Allen
Selected No. 43 overall in the NFL re-draft by Marcel Louis-Jacques to the Bills
Allen has the chance to stay in Buffalo in this scenario, which is the best possible location for him. The intrigue for Allen is obvious: ultra-competitive and a rocket arm with excellent escapeability and movement, plus a toughness that teammates love. He made strides as a passer in 2019, and ultimately that's what will define his long-range outlook. Can Allen make the leap from a 58.8% completion percentage (where he was in 2019) to a much more consistent thrower?
23. Justin Herbert
Selected No. 55 overall in the NFL re-draft by Jake Trotter to the Browns
It's hard to find quarterbacks with Herbert's combination of frame (6-foot-6) and athleticism, something that intrigued the Chargers during the pre-draft process this spring. The ceiling for Herbert is a franchise player, but there were some who weren't as enamored with his long-range outlook leading up to the draft. Time will tell, but we're at the largely betting-on-upside portion of the quarterback selections.
24. Kirk Cousins
Selected No. 69 overall in the NFL re-draft by Cameron Wolfe to the Dolphins
You know what you're getting with Cousins -- durability (he doesn't miss games), leadership and accuracy (66.9% completion percentage for his career). Here's the reality in judging Cousins: Because of the monumental contracts that he has played under, we are always valuing him compared to his success in monumental games. I'm higher on the player than most, but the fact that he lasted this far is a reflection that he still has clutch production to prove.
25. Daniel Jones
Selected No. 70 overall in the NFL re-draft by Kevin Seifert to the Chargers
My sense is that this pick could look quite smart one year from now, as despite some very #rookie moments from Jones, he dazzled at times after replacing Eli Manning as the Giants' starter. There is an effortlessness to some of the throws that Jones makes, and he's a really good athlete too. He can hurt you outside of the pocket. I'm banking on his development and find this a really strong value.
26. Jarrett Stidham
Selected No. 71 overall in the NFL re-draft by David Newton to the Panthers
Stidham has some serious natural talent. He throws darts and has extreme mental toughness. What has been elusive for him has been stability, though. He went from committed to Texas Tech to playing at Baylor for two years, then two years at Auburn (in a system ill-fitted for his strengths). Now he has a chance to prove himself on a stage that there is hardly a playbook for: replacing the greatest quarterback ever. It's an interesting dice roll for Team Newton.
27. Jared Goff
Selected No. 84 overall in the NFL re-draft by Lindsey Thiry to the Rams
Sometimes I think the criticism and skepticism of Goff lingers too far. Then in other moments, I watch him and leave wanting to see so much more. Goff excels off of play-action with an arcing touch on throws down the field that is simply surgical. But avoiding avoidable errors is an area to improve upon, as he has 28 interceptions over the past two seasons, along with 16 fumbles. But it's a good value here with upside.
28. Derek Carr
Selected No. 90 overall in the NFL re-draft by Sarah Barshop to the Texans
It's often that we are highlighting a quarterback's need to reel things in a bit ... take fewer chances and live to see another down. Carr is the inverse. There's a lot that he does really well (he completed over 70% of his passes in 2019), but one thing I'd love to see more of is calculated risks. Drive the football down the field more and chase field-flipping plays. With the right cast, Carr can be a more than steady starter (he'd have DeAndre Hopkins in this exercise).
29. Ben Roethlisberger
Selected No. 91 overall in the NFL re-draft by Brady Henderson to the Seahawks
At his healthy best, Big Ben is outstanding. But there are a couple of questions to ask. How healthy is he entering this upcoming season? The Steelers assert confidence he will be fine. How well will he hold up over time? He's 38 years old and plays a style in which he is always willing to keep a down alive and withstand the impact that may come with that. Is a five-year window realistic?
30. Jameis Winston
Selected No. 95 overall in the NFL re-draft by Nick Wagoner to the 49ers
Wild card! I'm very excited to see Winston get immense tutelage from Sean Payton and Drew Brees, which should provide a chance to get his career right back on track. Stating the obvious, but Winston must curtail mistakes. He simply cannot devalue the football in the way that he has so frequently. But factoring his age and skill set, this is a more than worthwhile hedge.
31. Tyrod Taylor
Selected No. 97 overall in the NFL re-draft by Adam Teicher to the Chiefs
This is an appropriate slot for Taylor, a player who is good enough to be a bridge to your next quarterback but not a player you know for a fact will be the catalyst behind sustained success. He takes incredible care of the football and is an excellent runner. As a thrower, he is conservative but still a difficult threat to defend because of his ability to create space and extend plays. Given that he was taken with Teicher's fourth pick, this makes sense.
32. Philip Rivers
Selected No. 105 overall in the NFL re-draft by Mike Triplett to the Saints
Rivers is another quarterback who may not play the full five-year window, but it's important to keep in mind that he was the fourth selection for Team Triplett. So that roster is stacked with three elite players already. Rivers might look like a much different player behind an excellent Indianapolis offensive line this season, as playing under duress led to too many errors in 2019. But he can be a problem for defenses with time to operate.
Who missed the cut?
A few stand out: Dwayne Haskins Jr. and Gardner Minshew II from the young/developmental ranks, and Andy Dalton and Nick Foles from the veteran group. I believe Dalton would have been an excellent Round 4 selection for those who decided to wait on quarterback until the final selection. While he's the unquestioned backup in Dallas, he -- if pressed into action -- would be in a spot to be successful with the Cowboys given the talent around him. But none of the "missed the cut" quarterbacks is a complete and overwhelming shock.