KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 30: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts following the Bengals 27-24 overtime win against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
We're less than a month away from the NFL Draft, but I don't expect that will change the AFC Quarterback rankings much, at least not on week 1 (looking at you Steelers). Free agency however, has changed things significantly. Tua scored a Cheetah, Patrick's got a Tik Tik influencer, and Joe's new O-line just to name three. Plus we've got some new faces in the AFC so we'll see how they fare come this fall. The arrival of Russell Wilson has set Mile High on fire.
So, because it's our job to speculate, let's take a look at how the AFC is setting with their QB1's.
Elite
Patrick Mahomes
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 30: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs fires up the crowd after the team was introduced before in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
According to Statmuse, "Patrick Mahomes has a passer rating of 103.1 with 1,737 yards, 8 touchdowns and 1 interception in 5 games without Tyreek Hill in his career."
Josh Allen
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills attempts a pass during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 07, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Josh got the NFL to change the rules just so we can watch him play more.
Joe Burrow
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball during the first half of Super Bowl LVI against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Once that new O-Line gels, it's gonna get real interesting on what this team can do.
Russell Wilson
ENGLEWOOD, CO - MARCH 16: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos poses with his jersey after speaking to the media at UCHealth Training Center on March 16, 2022 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Too early to tell how it's gonna work out - but it's still Russell. Is it possible it was an upset Seattle fan that set Mile High on fire? Probably not.
Very Good- Not Yet Elite
Justin Herbert
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to throw against the Las Vegas Raiders during their game at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 35-32 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Every time I see him play it's "almost great". This year might be the year he goes elite.
Deshawn Watson
BEREA, OHIO - MARCH 25: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns is introduced by general manager Andrew Berry (L) and head coach Kevin Stefanski during a press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on March 25, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Still not sure how this will play out, but the Browns run game will give Deshawn the time he needs to fit in.
Derek Carr
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 15: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders against the Cincinnati Bengals during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
I love Derek Carr but the Raiders need to get just a little bit better. Almost there.
Lamar Jackson
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 12: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball during warm-up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 12, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
He's still dealing with that ankle, hopefully he's at 100% by fall because Lamar is a lot of fun to watch.
Old-Steady-Good
Matt Ryan
We shall see.
Ryan Tannehill
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 22: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans runs against the Cincinnati Bengals during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Nissan Stadium on January 22, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
When their offense is clicking they are unstoppable. But sometimes, it's like..... huh?
Good- But more to prove
Tua Tagovailoa
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 09: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins waves to fans as he leaves the field after the 33-24 win over the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
He's got the weapons now. Time to show us what you can do.
Mac Jones
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots looks to pass during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Still not sure which direction his career will go.
Trevor Lawrence
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - JANUARY 09: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars attempts a pass during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field on January 09, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
The talent is there, we'll see what happens next.
Yet to Prove It
Zach Wilson
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 09: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets scrambles against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at Highmark Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
It's the Jets. Ya know?
Mitch Trubisky
If Pittsburgh doesn't get that O-line working it doesn't really matter who's under center.
Starter- But not the long term answer
Davis Mills
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 09: Davis Mills #10 of the Houston Texans scrambles with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
