One of the more anticipated quarterback ranking every offseason is The Athletic’s Mike Sando’s tier list. The tier list is created completely from opinions of high level people around the NFL as 50 NFL coaches and executives have their say in Quarterback Tiers each summer. The panel this year consisted of seven general managers, eight head coaches, 12 coordinators, 12 executives, eight assistant coaches and three involved in coaching/analytics.
Coming in tied for fifth and just outside of tier 1 was Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. While Stafford received 21 tier 1 votes, he still managed to come in below Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen. Said one voter,
“When people put their top 10 quarterbacks together, he is always eight or nine, but he is better than anyone thinks. So consistent, so strong, reads defenses so well, can do anything with his arm talent. He is the reason that team is so good.”
Stafford also came in just below Lamar Jackson in tier 2. Added an NFL general manager,
“The guy delivers. He handles pure pass probably as well as anybody. He won a Super Bowl. He consistently brings his team back. I have no problem with a 1 on him.”
A spot tied for fifth is certainly not disrespectful to Stafford by any means. ESPN did a similar styled rankings list earlier in the offseason in which NFL coaches and executives ranked quarterbacks. Stafford came in fifth on that list as well. Last year, the Rams quarterback consistently made throws that showed that he is on another level than other players around the league. His ability to change arm angles, maneuver the pocket, and unlock every area of the field is key to the Rams offense.
Sando did note that some fear Stafford could be winding down physically at 36. It’s possible that the Rams have some concerns there as well. While the two sides eventually got a deal done before training camp, they are taking it one year at a time. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Rams draft a quarterback to sit behind Stafford next offseason.
As long as Stafford continues to perform at a high level, the Rams will be able to compete. When those around the league still consider him a top-5 quarterback, that should be a good sign.
