As we’re deep into the off-season with the draft behind us and training camp still some time away, it’s the perfect opportunity to rank all the position groups in the NFC North. Let’s start with the most crucial position in football: quarterback. In this article, I aim to be as objective as possible in my rankings. I’ll be using specific criteria to evaluate each player, which will help guide my rankings across each position.
- NFL Production
- Potential
- X-Factor(s): Unique skills or qualities that make the player stand out.
- Floor
- Intangibles: Leadership, work ethic, etc.
- Physical Traits
Here are my quarterback rankings for the NFC North heading into the 2024 season.
1. Jared Goff
Putting Jared Goff at number one was tough for me because I believe both Jordan Love and Caleb Williams have higher potential. However, Goff’s productivity throughout his career, especially since joining Detroit, is undeniable. Last season, he racked up 4,575 passing yards (2nd in the NFL), 30 touchdowns (4th), 12 interceptions, and a QBR of 60.3 (11th). As the first overall pick in 2016, Goff has lived up tp expectations and seems to be hitting his stride at 29 years old. The Lions share this belief, as they recently awarded him a massive contract worth over $200 million.
2. Jordan Love
As a Bears fan, it pains me to acknowledge this, but Jordan Love had an impressive “rookie” season. His year began slowly and was rocky at times, but he finished strong. Love threw for 4,159 yards (7th in the NFL), 32 touchdowns (2nd), 11 interceptions, and had a QBR of 62.1 (9th). These numbers were pretty insane, and Love also looked great on the field. Despite being the second youngest team in the NFL, the Packers managed to secure a playoff win over the Dallas Cowboys as well. It was a fantastic start for Love in Green Bay, and it seems they are just getting started.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
3. Caleb Williams
Caleb has yet to play a snap in the NFL, but he’s already a household name. As the league’s first NIL superstar, he’s entering one of the biggest markets in the NFL. Many compare him to Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers, and that’s why I believe he’ll soon claim the top spot in the NFC North. He possesses all the qualities you want in a QB prospect, and it’s up to the Bears to develop him. Although the organization hasn’t excelled in this area before, the strong supporting cast around him in his first year is a promising start.
4. J.J. McCarthy
Ah, J.J. McCarthy. National Champion and Michigan legend. I’m very high on McCarthy, perhaps more so than most. He’s stepping into an ideal situation for a rookie quarterback in Minnesota. Just having the opportunity to throw to the best wide receiver in football, Justin Jefferson, should help his performance. While it’s hard to predict McCarthy’s ceiling, I believe he has the potential to be very good in this league. The NFC North is currently stacked with talented quarterbacks, all under 30, and all with the potential to be outstanding in the NFL. The division should be very fun to watch over the next few seasons.
