Aaron Rodgers Ranked Among Top 10 Quarterbacks, But Not Jared Goff

Aaron Rodgers is the only current NFL player who has won as many as four MVP awards, but he is no longer considered the best quarterback in the NFL. At least that’s assessment of ESPN’s survey of NFL executives, coaches, scouts and players, who churned out a top-10 least of quarterbacks heading into the 2023 season.

Rodgers, who starred at Cal in 2003 and 2004, was No. 1 in ESPN’s respected list a year ago, but he has dropped three spots to No. 4 heading into his first season with the New York Jets.

Another former Cal quarterback, Jared Goff, showed significant improvement in 2022, and we though he would be among the top-10 quarterbacks in ESPN’s rankings as well. But alas, Goff only made honorary mention as he seeks to get the Lions to playoffs in 2023.

Here are the ESPN rankings of the top 10 quarterbacks, followed by its comments on Rodgers and Goff.

1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs

2. Joe Burrow, Bengals

3. Josh Allen, Bills

4. Aaron Rodgers, Jets

5. Justin Herbert, Chargers

6. Jalen Hurts, Eagles

7. Lamar Jackson, Ravens

8. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars

9. Dak Prescott, Cowboys

10. Matthew Stafford, Rams

Honorable mention:

Deshaun Watson, Browns

Kirk Cousins, Vikings

Jared Goff, Lions

Derek Carr, Saints

Tua Tagovailoa

ESPN’s comments on Aaron Rodgers:

4. Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets

Highest ranking:

2 |

Lowest ranking:

8

Age

: 39 |

Last year's ranking

: 1

Despite pedestrian (for his standards) numbers in 2022, Rodgers brings elite quarterback play to the Jets.

"I'm so glad to have him out of the division," a coach from the NFC North said. "He's still one of the quarterbacks that you hate to face."

But after a historic two-year stretch that earned Rodgers two MVPs, his production dipped in yards (3,695), touchdowns (26) and interceptions (12), his worst total since 2008 as Green Bay broke in young receivers.

"I think everyone is afraid to say he's declined a little," an AFC scout said. "He's still a great thrower and sees it really well, but he's more like [ranked] eight to 12 for me."

Others are giving Rodgers a pass on the low production, maintaining the 39-year-old will experience a resurgence in his new home similar to Tom Brady in Tampa Bay and Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles.

Much will depend on whether the Jets can protect him. Over the past three seasons, Rodgers ranks 21st in QBR when pressured (17.0) vs. second when he's not (79.1).

"If you watch his tape, he still makes some beautiful throws," an AFC executive said. "It's hard when you don't have comfort level with receivers. That's probably undervalued that people don't necessarily take into account. It's not instant-make orange juice. You could see chemistry and timing was off early on. He might not have the same mobility to run, but he will have upgrades with the Jets' offense and will take advantage."

ESPN comments on Jared Goff:

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions: Goff rarely got a single vote over the past three seasons, but this year he appeared on nearly 25% of the ballots after leading Detroit to nine wins, thanks in part to a 29-7 touchdown-interception ratio.

He ranked third in the NFL in QBR against the blitz (81.6).

"He's always been a good thrower of the football. His issue, to me, was toughness, particularly in the pocket," an AFC scout said. "I thought he addressed a lot of that this year and stood tall."

The Lions emphasized the pocket toughness with Goff, who worked hard at it. He also has a strong trust with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, which was a big deal for him after the Rams unceremoniously moved on from him in the 2021 offseason.

Cover photo of Aaron Rodgers by John Jones, USA TODAY Sports

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