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http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300...worth-the-risk


Top 5 transcendent NFL QBs; is Tua Tagovailoa worth the risk?

Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. The topics of this edition include:

-- Is QB prospect Tua Tagovailoa worth the risk?
-- The offseason move that could put the Saints over the top.

But first, a look at the top transcendent quarterback talents in the NFL right now ...
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As the 2020 NFL Draft draws closer, we will hear several executives, general managers and head coaches express their desire to find a franchise quarterback in this draft. Although most evaluators hope their QB1s are transcendent talents capable of thriving in any situation or circumstance, there are only a handful of signal-callers with the skills to perform at an exceptional level without an elite supporting cast or specific scheme.

That's why grades on quarterbacks differ despite what production and win-loss records might suggest. The transcendent superstars at the position erase organizational mistakes, coaching flaws and personnel shortcomings to excel in their current situations. These players can step in as the QB1 on Day 1 without the coaching staff needing to radically overhaul its playbook or dramatically upgrade its personnel on the perimeter or in the trenches. The transcendent quarterbacks in the league don't require much to succeed and their performances stand out in every situation.

With that in mind, here's my list of the top five transcendent QB talents in the NFL today:


Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs:

The reigning Super Bowl MVP has captivated the football world with his off-platform throws and no-look passes, but the scouting community is smitten with his rare talent as an electrifying playmaker inside and outside of the pocket. Mahomes has shown exceptional athleticism, balance, body control and arm strength whipping the ball while moving to and away from his targets. In the pocket, No. 15 shows outstanding discipline, poise and awareness when he opts to pick apart a defense with an assortment of timely rhythm throws. Although some observers have suggested that Mahomes benefits from playing with a track team on the outside featuring All-Pro-caliber playmakers (Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce), we've seen the Chiefs' offense surge after he replaced Alex Smith as the team's QB1. The creative mind of Andy Reid has certainly helped enhance No. 15's game, but watching his work as a collegian under another NFL head coach (Kliff Kingsbury) suggests that he would thrive in any situation.

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks:

In the Pacific Northwest, the "Let Russ cook" movement is sparked by the 12s who appreciate Wilson's skills as a magical playmaker. Wilson has grown from unheralded game manager to an annual Pro Bowler during an eight-year run that's seen him chalk up eight winning seasons and seven playoff berths, including a Super Bowl win. Most impressively, he has done it by elevating an offense anchored by an assortment of cast-offs, misfits and undrafted free agents on the perimeter. Skeptics have argued that he's benefitted from playing with one of the best defenses in NFL history, but No. 3 has shown the football world his capacity to carry the team by compiling a 100:23 TD-to-INT ratio over the past three seasons while enduring a roster upheaval. Given the Seahawks' enduring commitment to the run-heavy offensive philosophy, Wilson will continue to earn high marks for his ability to do more with less in Seattle.

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers:

The two-time MVP has relinquished his title as the unconquerable force at the position, but he remains one of the most feared players in the game. Rodgers' unique combination of athletic arrogance, A+ arm talent and dazzling improvisational skills drives defenders crazy, but it's his high football IQ that torments defensive coordinators. No. 12 has shown the football world his capacity to win games in a variety of different ways and his quick assimilation into Matt LaFleur's system showcased the diversity of his game. Although Rodgers has lost a little bit of the magic that put him in the G.O.A.T. conversation, he still dominates the game when needed.

Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans:

The fourth-year pro has led the Texans to back-to-back division titles while displaying a remarkably polished game as a dual-threat quarterback. Watson has carved up defenses with surgical precision despite playing in an ill-fitting scheme that doesn't necessarily suit his talents. Although Bill O'Brien briefly installed a collegiate-like scheme that helped the Texans light up the scoreboard like a pinball machine during No. 4's rookie season, the two-time Pro Bowler has spent most of his time overcoming poor play calls and personnel gaffes (see: Duane Brown trade) from the Texans' football czar. With the team electing to trade away one of the NFL's best pass catchers in DeAndre Hopkins this offseason, the football world will get another chance to see Watson work miracles in H-Town.

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions:

You can roll your eyes and snicker at the sight of the 12th-year pro being included on this list, but the Lions' QB1 is a fantastic talent who rivals some of the elites at the position. Stafford has the arm talent to make every throw in the book, and he has a catalog of off-platform throws that is on par with the top guy on the list (Mahomes). While some point to Stafford's sub-.500 record (69-79-1) as an indictment of his game, No. 9 has shown clutch ability (28 fourth-quarterback comeback wins) and resilience while thriving without a premier running back or consistent running game throughout his career. Considering Stafford has also had to overcome the constant turnover of the coaching staff, it is not a surprise that the Lions' record hasn't matched their QB1's talent.

What about Lamar Jackson?

The 2019 NFL MVP is unquestionably one of the most electrifying playmakers to enter the league in years, and defensive coordinators are enduring sleepless nights while attempting to come up with game plans to slow down the Ravens' QB1. As an explosive athlete with dynamic running skills and playmaking ability, Jackson has taken the league by storm as an option quarterback with potent passing skills. That said, No. 8 isn't a perfect fit for every offense, and the Ravens' radical overhaul of their offensive system was needed to accommodate his unique set of skills. That certainly doesn't diminish Jackson's accomplishments, but it's why I don't currently view him as a transcendent quarterback. He's not a perfect fit for every system -- some traditional offensive coordinators would have a tough time crafting game plans that would fit his talents as a mobile playmaker.