DEPTH CHART: Quarterbacks

Chris Simmons - NextPlay Sports
Based off of my list of 10 Do's and Don'ts, I want to give you my rankings for the quarterback position based on the value of the pick. Don't get stuck on a name or try to predict the next Cam Newton, just keep it simple stupid. 

TIER ONE - CAN'T MISS

1. Cam Newton - #1 Pick

• We all saw last year why Cam Newton was so highly revered for his off the charts fantasy potential. This year will be an encore performance that will not disappoint. His dynamic rushing ability and gaining his top receiver back after missing him all of last year will put him leading the charge to several fantasy wins. 

2. Russel Wilson - First Round

• The numbers show that Wilson was actually better on the field without Marshawn Lynch. Now that Beastmode retired, Wilson will show us that he's more than a facilitator or game manager. I believe that Wilson will rival Cam this year for the #1 spot. 

TIER TWO - STARTER

3. Andrew Luck - First Round

• Yes, he went through a rough year last season but Andrew Luck has shown us way too much promise to not be great. This season will be an example of how well Luck can perform when he has at least two or more players working on the offensive line for him.

4. Tom Brady - Anywhere within Round 1 to Round 3

• Brady is still Brady. The 4 game suspension is the only down side to drafting #12. Can you imagine the drive that Tom will display in order to be standing on that stage hoisting the Lambardi trophy in the presence of Goodel? I would be comfortable taking Tom at nearly any point in the draft behind Newton. Even commit the biggest no-no by selecting back to back quarterbacks. It's worth it. 

5. Aaron Rodgers - Second Round

• After taking all the heat that he has taken because of his brother on The Bachelor... Scratch that thought. However, Rodgers does seem due for another one of his legendary runs. Low Key: Rodgers is the lowest on this tier because I believe the Packers could have a highly disappointing season. Don't be surprised if Rodgers has the same type of season Brees had last year, a couple wow moments but 6 or so duds. 

TIER THREE - DON'T FALL FOR IT

I have zero trust for these 3 quarterbacks this season. Someone will draft them at an early round, but don't worry, it's their loss. 

A. Drew Brees

• Brees is on a bad team and honestly is on his way out on to a nice retirement. He's had a heck of a run, but I believe his days as a fantasy star are behind him.

B. Eli Manning

• Copy and paste the description on Brees and put it here. Manning very well could prove me wrong and have a standout year, but in my estimation that Giants as a whole could finish last in their division.

​C. Carson Palmer

• The Cardinals are going to be a heavy running team this season, meaning their quarterbacks and wide receivers will struggle. Palmer is still capable of doing a bang up job, but the problem is that he has no one to throw to.

TIER FOUR - VALUE STARTER

Here's the deal. I'm going to throw out the next 7 players that you should draft. I would not suggest taking these players before the 6th round. If you go with this approach, make sure you load your team up with 1 star wide receiver, 1 star running back, 1 star tight end, and 2 more solid wide receivers.

6. Tony Romo

• Romo is back. I believe that Romo will be opening eyes and leading the Cowboys to the coveted playoff win that they've been waiting for this season.

7. Blake Bortles

• Jacksonville is coming strong. Bortles threw too many interceptions last season but that will be fixed and his point totals on a weekly basis will take him to the second tier next season.

8. Andy Dalton

• Cincinatti was a near super bowl team last season, no reason to believe that Dalton can't produce again this season.

9. Tyrod Taylor

• Yes, Tyrod Taylor is the real deal. Picking him in the 6th round or later is a steal. Sammy Watkins and Tyrod will be best friends this season, leading to a not so bad offense for Rex Ryan.

10. Ben Roethlisberger

• ​Some thing about Big Ben won't let me pick against him. As much as I want to say he's too old and will probably have to play the second half of the season in a wheel chair, I just believe that his receivers do the heavy lifting and he will be able to hit them in stride. 

11. Ryan Fitzpatrick

• Now that his one year deal is signed, Fitz will be looking to prove to the entire NFL that he's a franchise quarterback. The Jets receiving core will help him with that. If you load up in other areas and just need a mid level quarterback, Fitzpatrick will exceed your expectations. 

12. Derek Carr

• The killer C's: Cooper, Crabtree, and Carr. Oakland will shock the entire NFL and Derek Carr will improve on his good performance last year. Having Carr as your starter is not risky at all, because free agent QB's can be found. But in my opinion, Carr is a better choice than Flacco, Stafford, and Cousins.