NFL Quarterback Power Rankings: Who is Patrick Mahomes biggest competition?
Tier 6: The Bottom Tier (25-32)
This tier is comprised of teams that recently drafted a young quarterback that is likely to go through some growing pains or has a veteran starting that most expect to be replaced soon.
32. Bo Nix / Jarrett Stidham - Denver Broncos
Jarrett Stidham is not viewed as a starting-caliber NFL quarterback and most people felt that Bo Nix was a big reach in the first round of the draft. So the Broncos are either starting a backup-caliber player this season or turning the reigns over to Nix. Either way, expectations shouldn't be high.
31. Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young wasn't good as a rookie. You can certainly argue that he was set up for failure by his coaching staff and lack of weapons, but you can also argue that there is no guarantee that those same things will be much better this season.
30. Gardner Minshew / Aidan O'Connell - Las Vegas Raiders
As a rookie Aidan O'Connell wasn't awful, but he looked like a guy that could start if you need him to, but should probably be more of a high end QB2. Then they went out and signed Gardner Minshew in the offseason who's the type of quarterback that can start if you need him to, but should probably be more of a high end QB2.
29. Jacoby Brissett / Drake Maye - New England Patriots
I went back and forth on who to rank higher between Brissett and Maye and the Minnesota Vikings duo who is at 28. I actually like the Patriots guys slightly better as players, but I think the supporting cast for the Vikings is so much better that I gave them the nod because they're set up for success.
28. Sam Darnold / J.J. McCarthy - Minnesota Vikings
I went back and forth on who to rank higher between Darnold and McCarthy and the Patriots duo who is at 29. I actually like the Patriots guys slightly better as players, but I think the supporting cast for the Vikings is so much better that I gave them the nod because they're set up for success.
27. Daniel Jones - New York Giants
This is Jones last stand to prove he should be a starter in the NFL. Jones has played average at times in his career, but it feels like the Giants are just biding time until they replace him. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Drew Lock is given the keys to the offense at some point this season.
26. Will Levis - Tennessee Titans
I'm not a big believer in Will Levis, but he did show flashes last season once he took over as the starter. The Titians have given his some weapons to work with too, so he has a chance to prove he should be higher in these rankings.
25. Derek Carr - New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr is certainly the most experienced and "proven" of the starting options in this bottom tier, but it feels like his time as a starter in the NFL is nearing its end. While the Saints don't have a better option for this season, don't be surprised if they give Spencer Rattler a shot late in the season if they're out of the playoff hunt.
Now we move to the "opposite directions"" tier.