The quarterback position historically isn’t drawn up to be an overly entertaining and mesmerizing position. That was usually designated to wide receivers, running backs and special teams. Over time, the lead position on the football field has become less conservative and now, it’s downright liberal with quarterbacks free to add their flare to the position.
While quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, and Aaron Rogers are still elite quarterbacks, there’s a new era on the horizon and it’s approaching rapidly. We’re not talking about black quarterbacks that are just mobile, baby – we’re talking about quarterbacks that are, or have shown the ability to be dual-threats.
The NFL hasn’t seen anything like this. 2019 is a monumental year for the black quarterback. There are already plenty of active QBs at the forefront of the NFL’s landscape. Patrick Mahomes is the reigning MVP, Cam Newton is a former MVP, Russell Wilson is the highest-paid player in NFL history, the current No. 1 overall pick is another black quarterback in Kyler Murray, and two other quarterbacks, Dak Prescott, and Deshaun Watson are in line for lucrative contract extensions in the ballpark of $100 million.
A few members of the Suave Report staff ranked the quarterbacks that are already stars or rising quickly.
Patrick Mahomes
Height: 6’3 | Weight: 230| Throwback QB with a a little flashiness.
Patrick can pretty much do it all and that was on display last season. He can complete passes in the most unorthodox ways, he has some of the gaudiest stats the NFL has ever seen, all while doing the unthinkable, like completing no-look passes like he’s a point guard. He’s only 23 so this is just the beginning.
He’s the youngest player to win an MVP since Dan Marino did it in 1984. Considering the star-studded roster surrounding him, it doesn’t seem like he’ll be slowing down anytime soon, either. Mahomes has the perfect team and perfect coach to be great, and we believe he will be.
“Man, you want to see the future of the league, just go look over there [in the Chiefs’ locker room],” Pro Bowl safety Devin McCourty told The Undefeated. “No disrespect to anyone else, and there are some really good, young quarterbacks out there, but this guy…man.
“It wasn’t like anything was a surprise. It’s all right there on film. We know how to prepare and we knew what to expect. But he just keeps the pressure on you. There are a few guys [who] you know are just gonna keep coming. He’s one of them.”
Russell Wilson
Height: 5’11 | Weight: 215 | High IQ, OG dual-threat QB of this list.
Russell Wilson started his career as an underdog. He went rather unnoticed in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft, but his athleticism, work ethic, and heart have pushed him to be one of the best quarterbacks of this generation.
He emerged from the third round of the 2012 NFL draft due to concerns about his height. He then became a starter during his rookie season, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback by 2014 and the league’s richest player with an annual salary of $35 million.
Wilson is undoubtedly the most physically skilled and the smartest QB on this list.
Deshaun Watson
Height: 6’2 | Weight: 215 | Athletic, but a prolific pocket passer.
Watson’s rookie season was cut short prematurely due to a knee injury, but he rebounded quite well last season, leading the Texans to the AFC South title. He’s sharp, he’s a proven winner, and he can throw a beauty of a deep ball. His poise under pressure is one of his most underrated attributes on the field.
Unfortunately, Watson came from the same draft class as Mahomes, who’s number one on this list, for obvious reasons. If not for Mahomes, everyone would be talking about Watson being the future of the NFL at his position but couldn’t they both be?
Dak Prescott
Height: 6’2 | Weight: 235 | Dropback passer, gets the job done.
Prescott wasn’t supposed to be on this list. He’s the most surprising player on this list because he was the 135th player chosen in the 2016 draft. That usually translates into being a backup at his position, at best.
After winning the 2016 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award, he’s maintained and done just enough to keep the Cowboys at a playoff level. At just 26 years old, Prescott serves as a veteran leader in the Cowboys locker room.
Although Prescott isn’t as accurate as Mahomes, or as fast as Watson, he’s led the Cowboys to a (32-16) record and two playoff appearances.
Lamar Jackson
Height: 6’2 | Weight: 212 | Typical dual-threat QB
Like Prescott, Jackson had an impressive rookie season in 2018. He took over for Joe Flacco late in the season and led the Ravens to an improbable playoff birth after a slow start. After just one year, the Ravens felt confident enough in Jackson to send Flacco, a former Super Bowl MVP packing.
There’s a microscope on Jackson this year. His has a full season to show what he can do, and if he played this full season like he did to end last season, he’ll jump this list quickly.
Former University of Oklahoma quarterback and Arizona’s No. 1 pick Kyler Murray could gain access to this group depending on how his rookie season goes, but one thing is obvious: the future of the NFL quarterback are black quarterbacks. No, I didn’t say “fast,” “athletic” quarterbacks, I’m talking all-around quarterbacks of all kind. Some gunslingers, some rushers, some brilliant, some dual-threats. The future is here, and it’s starting with this list.
