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NFL: Ranking the Next 5 Elite Quarterbacks

By Evan Massey

Oct 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 26, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass during the second half of the game between the Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium. The Lions defeated the Falcons 22-21. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass during the second half of the game between the Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium. The Lions defeated the Falcons 22-21. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have been very happy with the progress that Matthew Stafford has made over the past couple of seasons, and he is definitely one of the top candidates to make the jump to elite in the next couple of seasons. He has a very talented offense, with both Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate being big targets for him. Stafford needs to do some work before he’s considered elite, but he isn’t too far away.

Stafford has played in all eight regular season games so far this year, throwing for 2,216 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Those numbers aren’t too terribly impressive, but he will improve as he continues to learn more decision-making and gets more experience.

There haven’t been too many seasons to cheer about for Lions’ fans in recent history, but Stafford has led them to a 6-2 record and first place in the NFC North. He has taken big steps forward since first joining the Lions, and leads one of the NFL’s more powerful and talented offenses. Once his best target gets back on the field, you can expect to see his numbers begin rising again.

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