NFL quarterback power rankings: Patrick Mahomes takes No. 1

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 30: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts prepares to throw a pass against the Tennessee Titans for a touchdown during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders in action during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

17. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders

Jon Gruden jumped from the broadcast booth back to the sidelines after the 2017 season. The Oakland Raiders came calling and offered him an enormous deal to come back and serve as the team’s head coach.

Fans were excited as Gruden accepted. The idea of him with guys like Amari Cooper, Khalil Mack and Derek Carr left an optimistic feeling around the 2018 Raiders. Optimism turned to pessimism as Gruden traded Mack and Cooper, in what was a complete roster overhaul.

Carr survived the purge, as the line was probably drawn at trading away MVP-caliber quarterbacks. Although, at the same time, Carr leaves this unfulfilling feeling, like he has another level to get too but just can’t get there.

The former Fresno State quarterback has always been known for his arm, which is reflected in his stats. He has thrown for an average of around 3,747 yards per season, with one 4,000-yard year and two other campaigns where he was about 100 yards off that mark.

Even with that, Carr has only thrown for over 30 touchdowns once. However, describing him as ‘overrated’ would be unfair. He is still one of the better signal callers in the NFL, but he seems to get rated higher than his actual play.

With a career record of 32-46, and a contract worth $125 million, this is a big year for Carr to prove he is one of the top quarterbacks in the league and to jump into the upper echelon.

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