Predicting 10 best NFL quarterbacks in 2016

It’s definitely nearing the end of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees’ career, though how soon it really comes is hard to say. However, while Brees had been one of the most productive and effective quarterbacks in the NFL for many years, the last few seasons have begun to show at least a little decline in his ability.

You have to wonder as well how losing Jimmy Graham will play into his production. That’s a question for 2015 though, and should be settled by 2016.

In fact, a lot of things will be settled by 2016, enough to where I see Brees continuing as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL for that season. The key will, of course, being adjusting the offense this year for the lack of Graham, but it also hinges upon the development of players like Brandin Cooks and Nick Toon.

Both players will be vital to the continuing production of this offense and Brees’ success. It will also be important that running back Mark Ingram continues to show what he did last year and remain an effective part of the offense.

Cooks and Toon have both had moments in 2014. Cooks had more before he broke his thumb in Week 10, while Toon is a year behind having missed his rookie season with a pre-season foot injury. Continuing improvement is important from both of them, especially with Marques Colston aging and his production in decline.

Ingram, on the other hand, has to know that his leash is short. While he’s the lead back, this is a backfield by committee, and if he reverts back to mediocrity others will take his carries.

If the backfield and younger receivers can continue to improve, Brees should still be effective and productive—he just won’t be carrying it by himself anymore.

Next: Tom Brady