Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford ranked 6th by scouts, according to ESPN
Even though he’s a former top high school recruit and number one overall pick in the draft, Super Bowl winning quarterback Matthew Stafford has received more backhanded compliments than the typical NFL star. Whether it was for a lack of playoff wins as a member of the Detroit Lions or a difficult season the year after winning the Super Bowl, Stafford has usually heard that he’s too injury prone, erratic, and inconsistent to be an elite quarterback.
It seems like NFL execs, coaches, and scouts have turned a corner for one of the oldest remaining starters in the league. Per ESPN’s ranking of each position group, Stafford is the sixth-ranked quarterback in the NFL headed into training camp:
Highest ranking: 4 | Lowest ranking: unranked Age: 37 | Last year’s ranking: 5
Why does he remain so high in the rankings each year?
“Cause he’s tough as s—,” an NFL coordinator said. “Elite poise and toughness in the pocket. The ability to throw with timing and location while he’s about to get hit in the chin is among the best.”
Although he did drop a spot in the rankings from 2024, it could have been worse as Stafford posted his lowest touchdown total (minimum 10 games) since 2012.
Stafford had 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions, but the 37-year-old could see his numbers rebound in 2025 if Puka Nacua is healthy and Davante Adams integrates well into the offense immediately.
The top-5 was Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Jayden Daniels.
The last-4 in the top-10 was Justin Herbert, Jared Goff, Jalen Hurts, and Baker Mayfield.