The Athletic: 2020 Quarterback/Wide Receiver Tiers

[FalconsIn2012]

I see Rodgers, Watson & Big Ben still getting a bit too much respect.  And I’ll still take Ryan over Stafford

 

2020 Quarterback Tiers: 50 coaches and evaluators rank the NFL starters

 

Fifty NFL coaches/evaluators ranked 35 veteran QBs. No rookie QBs were included. QBs are voted by tiers (ex. Aaron Rodgers received 46 tier 1 votes, and four tier 2 votes).

Tier 1:

1. Patrick Mahomes (unanimous tier 1)
2. Russell Wilson (unanimous tier 1)
3. Aaron Rodgers
4. Drew Brees
5. Deshaun Watson

Tier 2:

1. Tom Brady
2. Lamar Jackson
3. Ben Roethlisberger
4. Matthew Stafford
5. Matt Ryan
6. Carson Wentz
7. Dak Prescott
8. Phillip Rivers

Tier 3:

1. Kyler Murray
2. Kirk Cousins
3. Jared Goff
4. Jimmy Garoppolo
5. Ryan Tannehill
6. Cam Newton
7. Derek Carr
8. Baker Mayfield
9. Josh Allen
10. Teddy Bridgewater
11. Sam Darnold
12. Daniel Jones
13. Nick Foles

Tier 4:

1. Marcus Mariota
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick
3. Tyrod Taylor
4. Drew Lock
5. Gardner Minshew
6. Mitchell Trubisky
7. Dwayne Haskins
8. Jarrett Stidham
9. Kyle Allen

 

 

[FalconsIn2012]

Now compare to 2019’s list.  They say Lamar Jackson is best suited as a backup...lol

Tier 1: Team Wins Because of Him

1. Aaron Rodgers

2. Tom Brady

3. Drew Brees

4. Patrick Mahomes

5. Andrew Luck

6. Philip Rivers

7. Ben Roethlisberger

8. Russell Wilson

Tier 2: Has a Hole or Two in his Game

1. Matt Ryan

2. Carson Wentz

3. Matthew Stafford

T-12. Deshaun Watson

T-12. Jared Goff

1. Baker Mayfield

Tier 3: Needs Strong Running Game and/or Defense to Win

1. Cam Newton

2. Kirk Cousins

3. Dak Prescott

4. Nick Foles

5. Jimmy Garoppolo

6. Derek Carr

7. Joe Flacco

T-22. Andy Dalton

T-22. Jameis Winston

1. Eli Manning

2. Mitchell Trubisky

3. Marcus Mariota

4. Sam Darnold

Tier 4: Unproven or Best Suited as Backup

1. Lamar Jackson

2. Josh Allen

3. Ryan Fitzpatrick

4. Case Keenum

5. Josh Rosen

[FalconsIn2012]

NFL Poll Of Executives, Coaches and Players Says League’s No. 1 Wide Receiver Is Obvious...Not Close

There are several elite wideouts within the NFL. But league executives believes there’s a clear choice for the best receiver in the league heading into 2020.

There are a few contenders for the top receiver in the league. Michael Thomas, Tyreek Hill, DeAndre Hopkins and Mike Evans are a few that come to mind. But none of them have the abilities of Falcons WR Julio Jones.

A poll, made up of league executives, coaches, players and scouts, voted Jones the No. 1 receiver in the NFL right now. According to the results, the voting wasn’t all too close.

Julio Jones is entering his 10th year in the NFL, but his rising age isn’t slowing him down whatsoever. The Falcons WR caught 99 passes for 1,394 yards and six touchdowns last year. Remarkably, his 2019 production was his worst since the 2013 season in which he had 41 receptions for 580 yards and two touchdowns in just five games.

Jones will need another big season in 2020 if the Falcons aim to make a playoff push. The NFC South is one of the toughest divisions in football. The Saints may be the best team in the league while the Buccaneers added Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to the mix this off-season.

Jones’ 2020 season could be his best if he and Matt Ryan stay healthy this year.

 

 

 

 

 

[direwolf]

Wondering what the hole is in Ryan's game that they cite by putting him in Tier 2. He can make all the throws he needs to make, is extremely intelligent, more mobile than people give him credit for being, and has been incredibly durable. His career can best be described to date as wasted by incompetent coaching decisions - hardly his fault. 

He does throw the occasional ill-advised INT, but so does every QB and when you're scrambling all the time due to horrible line play, that's going to happen.

[FalconsIn2012]

4 minutes ago, direwolf said:

Wondering what the hole is in Ryan's game that they cite by putting him in Tier 2. He can make all the throws he needs to make, is extremely intelligent, more mobile than people give him credit for being, and has been incredibly durable. His career can best be described to date as wasted by incompetent coaching decisions - hardly his fault. 

He does throw the occasional ill-advised INT, but so does every QB and when you're scrambling all the time due to horrible line play, that's going to happen.

Cause he is boring...it’s the only logical answer.

[Jpg428gggg]

36 minutes ago, FalconsIn2012 said:

Cause he is boring...it’s the only logical answer.

This is the truth. People don't see the splash plays where he runs in circles for 10 seconds and throws across his body to an open receiver. If you look at his career, he has had one coordinator who would be called a top offensive mind (Shanahan). Besides that, he has had Sark, Murlarkey, and Koetter. Murlarkey and Koetter went on to be head coaches but did not have the same success without Ryan.

Ryan is a QB who elevates everyone around him including the coaches. The guy has performed well every year no matter the supporting cast, lack of offensive line, or terrible coaching. In one season, we saw what he was capable of with a strong offensive line, running game, and coaching staff.

I don't know how anyone who knows and watches football could put him behind guys like Brady, Brees, Ben, and Stafford at this stage of their careers. The Saints in most cases won despite Brees and Brady did not look much better.

He is the Rodney Dangerfield of QB's...

[Vandy]

30 minutes ago, Jpg428gggg said:

This is the truth. People don't see the splash plays where he runs in circles for 10 seconds and throws across his body to an open receiver. If you look at his career, he has had one coordinator who would be called a top offensive mind (Shanahan). Besides that, he has had Sark, Murlarkey, and Koetter. Murlarkey and Koetter went on to be head coaches but did not have the same success without Ryan.

Ryan is a QB who elevates everyone around him including the coaches. The guy has performed well every year no matter the supporting cast, lack of offensive line, or terrible coaching. In one season, we saw what he was capable of with a strong offensive line, running game, and coaching staff.

I don't know how anyone who knows and watches football could put him behind guys like Brady, Brees, Ben, and Stafford at this stage of their careers. The Saints in most cases won despite Brees and Brady did not look much better.

He is the Rodney Dangerfield of QB's...

Good post.

To be fair, Matt had an off Year himself last season ...worst since 2015 IMO.

[MilleniumFalcon]

What TheAthletic Wrote:

Tier 1 votes: 4 | Tier 2 votes: 38 | Tier 3 votes: 8 | 2019 Tier: 2

Ryan’s 2016 MVP season pushed him to the fringes of the top tier at that time, but he has lost ground every year since and now has almost the exact same vote distribution as he had in 2015. What changed more, Ryan or what the Falcons put around him, including former coordinator Kyle Shanahan?

“He can carry a team sometimes,” an offensive coordinator said. “He handles pure pass in doses but he really needs the play-action game to make him good, and I just think he is aging a little bit. The protection thing has gotten him a little bit skittish, but I like the guy.”

Ryan lived a relatively stress-free life during his MVP season, attempting a career-low 13 fourth-quarter passes while trailing. That figure surged to 102 last season, second-most in the league behind Andy Dalton and one off Ryan’s previous career high.

“You don’t see the command, him putting the team on his back to go win the game,” a defensive coordinator who gave Ryan a Tier 3 vote said. “You see the first-round picks of Julio (Jones) and (Calvin) Ridley, but you don’t see him win the game. it is very systemized and he can throw it good, but he is not a command Tier 2 quarterback”

Voters are interested in seeing whether newcomers Hayden Hurst and Todd Gurley can make a difference.

“We played him a lot over the years and if he didn’t have certain assets, he couldn’t do it,” an exec said. “When our D-line handled their O-line, he was a mess. He could have some amazing games and then some where you are just, wow, this-guy-is-not-a-starter type games. I do think he’s a two, but the game is changing and his lack of mobility shows up.”

[Spts1]

2 hours ago, FalconsIn2012 said:

Cause he is boring...it’s the only logical answer.

Brady is boring...that is not the answer...

[Spts1]

48 minutes ago, MilleniumFalcon said:

What TheAthletic Wrote:

 

“You don’t see the command, him putting the team on his back to go win the game,” a defensive coordinator who gave Ryan a Tier 3 vote said. “You see the first-round picks of Julio (Jones) and (Calvin) Ridley, but you don’t see him win the game. it is very systemized and he can throw it good, but he is not a command Tier 2 quarterback”

Voters are interested in seeing whether newcomers Hayden Hurst and Todd Gurley can make a difference.

“We played him a lot over the years and if he didn’t have certain assets, he couldn’t do it,” an exec said. “When our D-line handled their O-line, he was a mess. He could have some amazing games and then some where you are just, wow, this-guy-is-not-a-starter type games. I do think he’s a two, but the game is changing and his lack of mobility shows up.”

Pretty much sums up what defensive coordinators think about Ryan...

[Tribal Chief]

I know I'm legally blind but am I overlooking the WR's?

[FalconsIn2012]

32 minutes ago, Spts1 said:

Brady is boring...that is not the answer...

17 division titles, 13 AFCCG appearances and 6 rings skew the narrative

[FalconsIn2012]

28 minutes ago, ya_boi_j said:

I know I'm legally blind but am I overlooking the WR's?

It’s in the 3rd post.  For some reason I can’t find the tier...all it says is Jones voted #1 and it’s not close

[FalconsIn2012]

1 hour ago, MilleniumFalcon said:

What TheAthletic Wrote:

Tier 1 votes: 4 | Tier 2 votes: 38 | Tier 3 votes: 8 | 2019 Tier: 2

Ryan’s 2016 MVP season pushed him to the fringes of the top tier at that time, but he has lost ground every year since and now has almost the exact same vote distribution as he had in 2015. What changed more, Ryan or what the Falcons put around him, including former coordinator Kyle Shanahan?

“He can carry a team sometimes,” an offensive coordinator said. “He handles pure pass in doses but he really needs the play-action game to make him good, and I just think he is aging a little bit. The protection thing has gotten him a little bit skittish, but I like the guy.”

Ryan lived a relatively stress-free life during his MVP season, attempting a career-low 13 fourth-quarter passes while trailing. That figure surged to 102 last season, second-most in the league behind Andy Dalton and one off Ryan’s previous career high.

“You don’t see the command, him putting the team on his back to go win the game,” a defensive coordinator who gave Ryan a Tier 3 vote said. “You see the first-round picks of Julio (Jones) and (Calvin) Ridley, but you don’t see him win the game. it is very systemized and he can throw it good, but he is not a command Tier 2 quarterback”

Voters are interested in seeing whether newcomers Hayden Hurst and Todd Gurley can make a difference.

“We played him a lot over the years and if he didn’t have certain assets, he couldn’t do it,” an exec said. “When our D-line handled their O-line, he was a mess. He could have some amazing games and then some where you are just, wow, this-guy-is-not-a-starter type games. I do think he’s a two, but the game is changing and his lack of mobility shows up.”

LOL at Ryan getting 8 Tier 3 votes

Its tough to take over when you don’t run the ball and can’t pass protect

[Jpg428gggg]

1 hour ago, MilleniumFalcon said:

What TheAthletic Wrote:

Tier 1 votes: 4 | Tier 2 votes: 38 | Tier 3 votes: 8 | 2019 Tier: 2

Ryan’s 2016 MVP season pushed him to the fringes of the top tier at that time, but he has lost ground every year since and now has almost the exact same vote distribution as he had in 2015. What changed more, Ryan or what the Falcons put around him, including former coordinator Kyle Shanahan?

“He can carry a team sometimes,” an offensive coordinator said. “He handles pure pass in doses but he really needs the play-action game to make him good, and I just think he is aging a little bit. The protection thing has gotten him a little bit skittish, but I like the guy.”

Ryan lived a relatively stress-free life during his MVP season, attempting a career-low 13 fourth-quarter passes while trailing. That figure surged to 102 last season, second-most in the league behind Andy Dalton and one off Ryan’s previous career high.

“You don’t see the command, him putting the team on his back to go win the game,” a defensive coordinator who gave Ryan a Tier 3 vote said. “You see the first-round picks of Julio (Jones) and (Calvin) Ridley, but you don’t see him win the game. it is very systemized and he can throw it good, but he is not a command Tier 2 quarterback”

Voters are interested in seeing whether newcomers Hayden Hurst and Todd Gurley can make a difference.

“We played him a lot over the years and if he didn’t have certain assets, he couldn’t do it,” an exec said. “When our D-line handled their O-line, he was a mess. He could have some amazing games and then some where you are just, wow, this-guy-is-not-a-starter type games. I do think he’s a two, but the game is changing and his lack of mobility shows up.”

These criticisms are applicable to every QB on the list. QB's need guys to get open and they need protection. Look no further than the 16-0 Patriots. They had a juggernaut of an offense that broke all sorts of records. In the Super Bowl, their offensive line was dominated by the Giants defensive line and Brady did not look good.

[Atl Falcon]

A case can be made for the above...but MR’s had several shotty OL and some pretty bad defenses as well. I honest think if he had better he would be rated higher in many categories. It’s not his fault he’s not wearing a ring. Throw coaching in there too

Edited July 28, 2020 by Atl Falcon

[Jesus]

Not a starter type guy.

50,000 yards later. I'm sure who ever said that gushes over Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold.

[Vandy]

What has Deshaun Watson done to be ranked a Tier 1 QB?

Talented yes. But so are other QBs (i.e. Ryan) ranked lower who have accomplished more in their careers (so far).

[Atlantafan21]

2 hours ago, MilleniumFalcon said:

What TheAthletic Wrote:

Tier 1 votes: 4 | Tier 2 votes: 38 | Tier 3 votes: 8 | 2019 Tier: 2

Ryan’s 2016 MVP season pushed him to the fringes of the top tier at that time, but he has lost ground every year since and now has almost the exact same vote distribution as he had in 2015. What changed more, Ryan or what the Falcons put around him, including former coordinator Kyle Shanahan?

“He can carry a team sometimes,” an offensive coordinator said. “He handles pure pass in doses but he really needs the play-action game to make him good, and I just think he is aging a little bit. The protection thing has gotten him a little bit skittish, but I like the guy.”

Ryan lived a relatively stress-free life during his MVP season, attempting a career-low 13 fourth-quarter passes while trailing. That figure surged to 102 last season, second-most in the league behind Andy Dalton and one off Ryan’s previous career high.

“You don’t see the command, him putting the team on his back to go win the game,” a defensive coordinator who gave Ryan a Tier 3 vote said. “You see the first-round picks of Julio (Jones) and (Calvin) Ridley, but you don’t see him win the game. it is very systemized and he can throw it good, but he is not a command Tier 2 quarterback”

Voters are interested in seeing whether newcomers Hayden Hurst and Todd Gurley can make a difference.

“We played him a lot over the years and if he didn’t have certain assets, he couldn’t do it,” an exec said. “When our D-line handled their O-line, he was a mess. He could have some amazing games and then some where you are just, wow, this-guy-is-not-a-starter type games. I do think he’s a two, but the game is changing and his lack of mobility shows up.”

This literally the dumbest statement I’ve ever heard. Do that with every QB and they’re gonna suck. Even a magician like Russel Wilson got thrown around like a rag doll a few years ago against the Rams when their o-line got dominated. 

[Jesus]

5 minutes ago, Vandy said:

What has Deshaun Watson done to be ranked a Tier 1 QB?

Talented yes. But so are other QBs ranked lower who have accomplished more in their careers (so far).

Dude was sacked 106 times in the last two years. He's lucky to be walking.

[Vandy]

4 minutes ago, Jesus said:

Dude was sacked 106 times in the last two years. He's lucky to be walking.

LOL J...Matt or Deshaun? 🙃

[falcons007]

Lol nothing new. Almost all of his 12 years in NFL he was tier 2 or tier 3. Yet he and Manning are the only QB with 50 K yards and 300+ TD in first 12 years. 
 

No need to get worked up folks. I hope Dyan continues being tier 3 QB ranked and breaking records and gets a ring or two.

[FalconsIn2012]

58 minutes ago, Vandy said:

LOL J...Matt or Deshaun? 🙃

People overlook Ryan playing under constant duress.  Most hit QB since 2011

2019: 50sacks (2nd), 142 QB hits (1st)

2018: 42 sacks (12th), 102 QB hits (6th)

 

2017: 24 sacks (27th), 87 QB hits (15th)

2016: 37 sacks (11th), 106 QB hits (6th)

2015: 32 sacks (23rd), 89 QB hits (17th)

2014: 31 sacks (19th), 89 QB hits (13th)

2013: 44 sacks (10th), 100 QB hits (5th)

2012: 28 sacks (25th), 83 QB hits (8th)

2011: 26 sacks (27th), 84 QB hits (7th)

[Vandy]

33 minutes ago, falcons007 said:

Lol nothing new. Almost all of his 12 years in NFL he was tier 2 or tier 3. Yet he and Manning are the only QB with 50 K yards and 300+ TD in first 12 years. 
 

No need to get worked up folks. I hope Dyan continues being tier 3 QB ranked and breaking records and gets a ring or two.

Dyan was never 3rd tier bro.😈.
 

And she got at least one ring (Mrs Cary Grant). 

[FalconsIn2012]

26 minutes ago, falcons007 said:

Lol nothing new. Almost all of his 12 years in NFL he was tier 2 or tier 3. Yet he and Manning are the only QB with 50 K yards and 300+ TD in first 12 years. 
 

No need to get worked up folks. I hope Dyan continues being tier 3 QB ranked and breaking records and gets a ring or two.

What’s sad is he got twice as many tier 3 votes as tier 1