28. Tyrod Taylor, Houston Texans
- Average ranking: 28.6
- Highest ranking: 25
Tyrod Taylor had the same average ranking as Sam Darnold but ranked as high as 25th, giving him the edge to be ranked as the 28th-best quarterback in the league.
Taylor ranked multiple spots higher on the preseason version of this article last year and somehow finds himself lower. However, that is a testament to the quarterbacks who are coming into the league that are now ahead of him.
27. Zach Wilson, New York Jets
- Average ranking: 26.4
- Highest ranking: 24
To be completely transparent, I ranked Zach Wilson the lowest out of the group, ranking him as the 30th quarterback. While he has some impressive physical traits and has looked good in the preseason, I am still not buying in on him being a good starting quarterback, at least right away.
He has a lot to prove and if he has a great rookie season then he will find himself much higher on this list.
26. Teddy Bridgewater, Denver Broncos
- Average ranking: 26.2
- Highest ranking: 24
Teddy Bridgewater is just fine as a game-managing quarterback in 2021. If he played 15 years ago he definitely would have been in the better half of the league but in today's day in age, he is just fine.
He is definitely an improvement over Drew Lock and with all of the weapons in Denver, it would not be all that surprising if Bridgewater manages his way to a winning record, unfortunately for Justin Herbert and the LA Chargers.
25. Carson Wentz, Indianapolis Colts
- Average ranking: 26.0
- Highest ranking: 24
This is a massive make-or-break season for Carson Wentz. After being an MVP candidate in 2018 Wentz has quickly fallen off, turning into one of the bottom quarterbacks in the NFL.
If the momentum continues from the direction it has been heading then Wentz might not even be on this list next year. However, if he can turn back into the 2018 version of himself then he will secure a spot in the top 12 or so.
24. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
- Average ranking: 24.2
- Highest ranking: 23
Jared Goff has not had the highs that Carson Wentz has had but he has at least been consistent. He has been a mediocre quarterback who benefited from playing for Sean McVay.
Now, he finds himself on the Detroit Lions, who are primed to be one of the worst teams in the league. We will see where Goff's true value is this season and he can easily move up or down multiple spots.