“I feel about as confident as I do with Caleb Williams as I did with C.J. Stroud last year, as I did with Joe Burrow (in 2020), as I did with Patrick Mahomes (in 2017).” – Simms on ranking Williams No. 1

“I think in a lot of other years, Jayden Daniels is clearly the No. 1 pick in the draft.” – Simms on LSU QB Jayden Daniels

“The age thing is overblown. In a lot of ways, it’s a positive. He’s ready right now.” – Simms on Oregon QB Bo Nix

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 7, 2024 – NBC Sports’ Chris Simms discusses this year’s top quarterback prospects heading into the 2024 NFL Draft and unveiled his QB draft rankings on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast, listing USC’s Caleb Williams No. 1. In the episode, Simms ranks and analyzes Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Oregon’s Bo Nix, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, and North Carolina’s Drake Maye.

Simms, a third-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2003 NFL Draft who played eight NFL seasons, is joined by NBC Sports’ Ahmed Fareed on the podcast. The two offer in-depth breakdowns, rankings, and NFL comparisons for this year’s top quarterback prospects.

Simms has had recent success in projecting college wide receivers – including naming C.J. Stroud, who was named AP’s Offensive Rookie of the Year following his first season with the Houston Texans, as his top QB prospect in 2023. Additionally, Simms has named Patrick Mahomes as his most exciting prospect in 2017, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen as his top-two QBs in 2018, and Justin Herbert as his No. 2 QB in 2020.

In the lead up to April’s NFL Draft, Simms will rank and break down every position group, provide a list of sleeper prospects, and issue a final mock draft.

Simms’ Top Five QB prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft:

 

Tier 1: A Class of His Own
1.		Caleb Williams, USC
Tier 2: #1 in Other Years
2.		Jayden Daniels, LSU
Tier 3: Franchise Starting QB
3.	Bo Nix, Oregon
4.	Michael Penix Jr., Washington
5.	J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Tier 4: Talented Project
6.	Drake Maye, North Carolina

 

The following are highlights from Simms’ QB draft rankings:

No. 1: Caleb Williams, USC

“Caleb Williams is one of the greatest quarterback talents that I’ve ever evaluated coming out of the draft. He has got it all. I feel about as confident as I do with Caleb Williams as I did with C.J. Stroud last year, as I did with Joe Burrow (in 2020), as I did with Patrick Mahomes (in 2017) …This guy is an all-time thrower. Every time someone is open, BOOM, he hits him…The athleticism is phenomenal. The plays off-schedule are incredible. He is the most patient person in the pocket in the draft.”

No. 2: Jayden Daniels, LSU

“Washington Commanders, run to the podium as soon as Caleb Williams goes to Chicago. I think in a lot of other years, Jayden Daniels is clearly the No. 1 pick in the draft…He’s a machine throwing the football. Mechanically flawless…The running is elite. He’s going to come into the NFL and arguably be the second-best running QB right off the bat, because I’m still going to give Justin Fields No. 1 in the prime of his career, but he’s going to challenge Lamar (Jackson) as the No. 2. He runs like an elite NFL wide receiver when he breaks the pocket…He’s got some elite traits and is a big-time starting NFL quarterback.”

No. 3: Bo Nix, Oregon

“Maybe one of the most pleasant surprises of this process. He’s a really awesome athlete. He plays quarterback like an NFL quarterback, his ability to read the field and make quick decisions, throw the appropriate ball. His backyard playmaking ability is elite. Only Caleb Williams is better throwing the ball on the run than him. His body, front shoulder turn, balance on his feet is pretty perfect…Let me just say this too: (Broncos head coach) Sean Payton is going to draft Bo Nix if he’s there at No. 13. I sat there and watched him and thought, ‘Oh my god. Sean Payton is going to love Bo Nix’ … The age thing [24 years old] is overblown. In a lot of ways, it’s a positive. He’s ready right now.”

No. 4: Michael Penix Jr., Washington

“Seeing him in person, seeing the way the ball spins, seeing the way he can push the ball effortlessly down the football field is special….You’re not going to get a lot of outside-the-pocket type of plays with Michael Penix….But you’re going to get a lot of in-the-pocket throws that make you say, ‘Whoo, what a throw.’ That’s special instincts and feel right there.”

No. 5: J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

“It’s not easy to play the way he played. Hand the ball off, hand the ball off, hand the ball off, ‘Hey it’s 3^rd-and-13 can you throw a strike in rhythm?’…He has different arm angles. J.J. McCarthy can throw the ball sidearm, he can slide and still hit an in-cut and throw it sidearm between the guard and the tackle and do all that. Totally naturally, smooth, fluid motion with very good power in his arm. He does not get enough credit for how powerful his arm is. Michigan wasn’t a dink-and-dunk offense…He does it effortlessly…the mechanics are really good. He’s got great feet to pop and move and make people miss.”

No. 6: Drake Maye, North Carolina

“I think there’s potential here. That’s where it’s tough. There’s something where I go, ‘Yes.’ But I don’t think it’s anywhere near right around the corner. He needs to sit on the bench a bit, he needs to work on some real mechanical issues that he has. Going through reads, I don’t think he’s in the same class as the guys we’ve talked about. The guy has 70-yard touchdown runs in college football, he’s a good athlete. He just does not see the field as well as these other guys and that’s why he’s number six.”

-NBC SPORTS-

“He’s in the GOAT status and he’s arguably the most physically gifted quarterback we’ve ever seen in the history of football.”– Simms on Mahomes at No. 1

“Nobody plays traditional QB in the NFL better than Joe Burrow.” – Simms on Burrow at No. 2

“He’s the greatest one-man show in football, for better or for worse.”– Simms on Allen at No. 3

“All-time traits but still looking for his big moment.” – Simms on Herbert at No. 4

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 8, 2023 – Two-time Super Bowl MVP and two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, 2022 Pro Bowler Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, two-time Pro Bowler Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, and 2022 Pro Bowler Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers rank first through fourth in the final installment of Chris Simms’ countdown of the top 40 quarterbacks in the NFL, available now on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast and on “PFT Live.”

Simms’ quarterbacks ranked 1-40:

	The King	20.	Mac Jones, New England
1.	Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City	21.	Tua Tagovailoa, Miami
	Hall of Game	22.	Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas
2.	Joe Burrow, Cincinnati	23.	Justin Fields, Chicago
3.	Josh Allen, Buffalo	24.	Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay
	The Machine		Sophomore Supremes
4.	Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers	25.	Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
	The Leapers & Lamar	26.	Brock Purdy, San Francisco
5.	Lamar Jackson, Baltimore		Backup Supremes
6.	Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville	27.	Sam Darnold, San Francisco
7.	Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia	28.	Andy Dalton, Carolina
	Still a GOAT?	29.	Tyler Huntley, Baltimore
8.	Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets	30.	Davis Mills, Houston
	Still a Superstar?		What is Love? (Baby Don’t Hurt Me)
9.	Deshaun Watson, Cleveland	31.	Jordan Love, Green Bay
10.	Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams		Buzzworthy Backups
	What’s Your Ceiling?	32.	Jarrett Stidham, Denver
11.	Daniel Jones, New York Giants	33.	Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta
12.	Kirk Cousins, Minnesota	34.	Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis
13.	Dak Prescott, Dallas	35.	Mike White, Miami
	Clock’s Ticking		Rookies
14.	Russell Wilson, Denver	36.	Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis
15.	Geno Smith, Seattle	37.	CJ Stroud, Houston
16.	Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee	38.	Bryce Young, Carolina
17.	Jared Goff, Detroit		Show Me More, Sophomores
18.	Derek Carr, New Orleans	39.	Sam Howell, Washington
19.	Kyler Murray, Arizona	40.	Desmond Ridder, Atlanta
	Sh!t or Get Off the Pot

 

Simms, a third-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2003 NFL Draft who played eight NFL seasons, offers in-depth player breakdowns and rankings explanations on Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

Simms has had recent success in projecting quarterbacks – including those coming out of college by naming Patrick Mahomes as his most exciting prospect in 2017, listing Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen as his top-two QBs in 2018, and having Justin Herbert as his No. 2 QB in 2020.

With the rankings now concluded, Simms will release an #AskMeAnything episode on Monday, June 12, on the next installment of Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

The following are highlights from this week’s edition of Chris Simms Unbuttoned:

No. 4: Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

“All-time traits but still looking for his big moment. Probably the most consistent mechanics in the NFL. He has an all-time arm. One of the best in history. Unfortunately, he’s in an era with Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, who also have all-time arms…I call him ‘The Machine’ because he’s always in perfect position…I think he’s a little bit more of ‘lead by example.’ It’s a place where he can grow. He’s had some great moments in the NFL, but he hasn’t had that moment yet where you go, ‘They were outplayed but they won the game because Herbert did it.’ … That offense last year was a disservice to him. It was a little too basic…Because there’s a lack of flair, unlike Mahomes, he does not get the credit for the amount of unbelievable throws he makes.”

No. 3: Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

“He’s the greatest one-man show in football, for better or for worse. We’re talking about one of the most all-around gifted quarterbacks in NFL history. I’m not sure if there is any team more dependent on the QB’s playmaking ability to get a win than the Buffalo Bills…I think he got a little too reckless and aggressive this year…He has arguably the strongest arm in the history of the NFL. (John) Elway, (Aaron) Rodgers, (Brett) Favre, Mahomes – those are the guys in that category. Top-five running quarterback in the NFL, for sure. There’s way more touch in Josh Allen’s game than he gets credit for.”

No. 2: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

“Nobody plays traditional QB in the NFL better than Joe Burrow. He plays the position the way the position was intended (by coaches like) Bill Walsh, Joe Gibbs, Mike Shanahan, Mike Holmgren — a guy that diagnoses defenses and makes the appropriate throw as fast as anybody I’ve seen. It’s up there with the (Tom) Bradys and (Peyton) Mannings of the world. He’s even more mechanically awesome than (Justin) Herbert. Nobody works the offensive system more to their advantage than Burrow…It’s an incredible blend of system and one-on-one ball. He’s up there in the conversation for the best deep ball thrower in the NFL…I’m not sure any team believes in their quarterback more than Burrow other than the Chiefs and Mahomes. When your team can start to call it ‘Burrowhead Stadium,’ that’s when you know you have confidence. There’s a magic about him that’s palpable.”

No. 1: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

“(Mahomes’ last season) might be the best QB season in the history of the NFL. He’s got the blend of Burrow and Allen together where he can put five drives together and you go, ‘He’s surgical like Joe Burrow,’ then the next two drives it’s one backyard play after another like Josh Allen. It’s unreal…On the cusp of, ‘You’re going to get exposed this year without Tyreek Hill!’ What were people thinking that that was going to be the difference? … His decision-making and throwing were as good as I’ve ever seen him have in his career. He’s the king of making something out of nothing…His deep ball throwing can be improved on…He’s the human highlight reel. He’s the best scrambler ever. He’s arguably the greatest athlete in football. He’s in the GOAT status and he’s arguably the most physically gifted quarterback we’ve ever seen in the history of football.”

To listen to the full player breakdowns on Chris Simms Unbuttoned, click here.

-NBC SPORTS-

“We’re on the verge of superstardom here.”– Simms on Lawrence at No. 6

“I think you could argue that he’s the best leader in football right now [at] any position.” – Simms on Hurts at No. 7 (Up from No. 25 Last Year)

“He’s the best field general in football. There’s nobody at the line of scrimmage that is better at doing all the Peyton Manning stuff.”– Simms on Rodgers at No. 8

“Now that (the Ravens) got some receivers there, it’s going to open up everybody’s eyes to how good this guy actually is.” – Simms on Jackson at No. 5

Simms’ Top 40 QB Countdown Culminates With Top 4 this Wednesday, June 7; In-Depth Breakdowns for Each Ranking Weekly on Chris Simms Unbuttoned Podcast

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 5, 2023 – Four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl XLV MVP Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets, 2022 Pro Bowler Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars, 2022 Second-Team All-Pro Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles (who moved up from No. 25 on last year’s list), and 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens highlight the latest installment of Chris Simms’ countdown of the top 40 quarterbacks in the NFL, available now on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast and on “PFT Live.”

Simms’ quarterbacks ranked 5-40:

 

	The Leapers & Lamar	23.	Justin Fields, Chicago
5.	Lamar Jackson, Baltimore	24.	Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay
6.	Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville		Sophomore Supremes
7.	Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia	25.	Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
	Still a GOAT?	26.	Brock Purdy, San Francisco
8.	Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets		Backup Supremes
	Still a Superstar?	27.	Sam Darnold, San Francisco
9.	Deshaun Watson, Cleveland	28.	Andy Dalton, Carolina
10.	Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams	29.	Tyler Huntley, Baltimore
	What’s Your Ceiling?	30.	Davis Mills, Houston
11.	Daniel Jones, New York Giants		What is Love? (Baby Don’t Hurt Me)
12.	Kirk Cousins, Minnesota	31.	Jordan Love, Green Bay
13.	Dak Prescott, Dallas		Buzzworthy Backups
	Clock’s Ticking	32.	Jarrett Stidham, Denver
14.	Russell Wilson, Denver	33.	Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta
15.	Geno Smith, Seattle	34.	Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis
16.	Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee	35.	Mike White, Miami
17.	Jared Goff, Detroit		Rookies
18.	Derek Carr, New Orleans	36.	Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis
19.	Kyler Murray, Arizona	37.	CJ Stroud, Houston
	Sh!t or Get Off the Pot	38.	Bryce Young, Carolina
20.	Mac Jones, New England		Show Me More, Sophomores
21.	Tua Tagovailoa, Miami	39.	Sam Howell, Washington
22.	Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas	40.	Desmond Ridder, Atlanta

 

Over the course of a month, Simms unveils a group of quarterbacks on each Chris Simms Unbuttoned episode and discuss his rankings on “PFT Live” with Mike Florio, culminating this Wednesday, June 7.

Simms, a third-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2003 NFL Draft who played eight NFL seasons, will also offer in-depth player breakdowns and rankings explanations throughout each week on Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

Simms has had recent success in projecting quarterbacks – including those coming out of college by naming Patrick Mahomes as his most exciting prospect in 2017, listing Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen as his top-two QBs in 2018, and having Justin Herbert as his No. 2 QB in 2020.

The rankings will reach the top four this Wednesday, June 7, on the next episode of Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

The following are highlights from this week’s edition of Chris Simms Unbuttoned:

No. 8: Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets

“This is one of the greatest of all time. Is he still ‘greatest of all time’-caliber right now? We’re going to see this year…He’s way too conservative for the talent he still has. I don’t think anybody in the top 10 left more plays and yards on the field than Aaron Rodgers. Last year was the worst year of his career. I get that you’re an older quarterback and you want to preserve your body – I watched my dad at 38 years old do that. But Rodgers’ arm is still elite…He’s got the quickest release in football. He’s the best RPO thrower in the game. He’s the best field general in football. There’s nobody at the line of scrimmage that is better at getting his team’s plays, screwing over a defense if they show a hand too early, and doing all the Peyton Manning stuff. He still has that magic of when he walks into a locker room, the team goes, ‘We can win today. We got Aaron Rodgers.’”

No. 7: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

“The ultimate gamer. I think you could argue that he’s the best leader in football right now out of any position. When you watch him back, he makes the right decision almost every time he drops back to pass. He makes a lot of big-time throws and plays that are aggressive. He’s a game-changing runner…There’s another level he can go in the throwing department. His flaw was shown in the Super Bowl. It was a 10-point lead and they were the better team. A lot of quarterbacks, if they had been in that situation, would have been vilified…All in all, we got a guy going in the right direction.”

No. 6: Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

“A specimen who has it all. (Aaron) Rodgers’ arm is strong but it’s not as strong as Trevor Lawrence’s. His arm went to another level. He has great size and is a really good athlete. We’re on the verge of superstardom here. He’s Justin Herbert but Herbert isn’t as quick or as fast as Trevor Lawrence. His release rivals Rodgers, in terms of quickness. He went from ‘potential star’ to ‘elite.’ The calmness and what he did during the second half of that four-interception playoff game was special. Trevor Lawrence, Doug Pederson, Jaguars: Super Bowl contenders. I think their roster is of that caliber.”

No. 5: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

“I know Trevor Lawrence and Jalen Hurts had a better year, but I can’t erase the five years before that when the guy was in the MVP conversation. His passing is legit. His arm is elite in all areas. He’s phenomenal in the pocket. That’s where I think people need to give him a little more respect. He’s the second-best runner in the game other than Justin Fields…Now that (the Ravens) got some receivers there, it’s going to open up everybody’s eyes to how good this guy actually is. He’s still one of the biggest game-changers in the game. He maximizes his potential…The offense will finally set him up to make him look different to everybody else.”

To listen to the full player breakdowns on Chris Simms Unbuttoned, click here.

-NBC SPORTS-

Simms’ Top 40 QB Countdown Culminates on Wednesday, June 7; In-Depth Breakdowns for Each Ranking Weekly on Chris Simms Unbuttoned Podcast

Deshaun Watson (No. 9), Matthew Stafford (No. 10), Daniel Jones (No. 11), Kirk Cousins (No. 12), and Dak Prescott (No. 13)

“He is good at everything but not elite at anything.”– Simms on Prescott at No. 13

“(The Giants) could not have won and played the way they did without Daniel Jones’ skillset last year.”– Simms on Jones at No. 11

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 2, 2023 – Two-time Pro Bowler Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings, Daniel Jones of the New York Giants, Super Bowl LVI champion Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams, and three-time Pro Bowler Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns highlight the latest installment of Chris Simms’ countdown of the top 40 quarterbacks in the NFL, available now on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast and on “PFT Live.”

Simms’ quarterbacks ranked 9-40:

 

	Still a Superstar?	25.	Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
9.	Deshaun Watson, Cleveland	26.	Brock Purdy, San Francisco
10.	Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams		Backup Supremes
	What’s Your Ceiling?	27.	Sam Darnold, San Francisco
11.	Daniel Jones, New York Giants	28.	Andy Dalton, Carolina
12.	Kirk Cousins, Minnesota	29.	Tyler Huntley, Baltimore
13.	Dak Prescott, Dallas	30.	Davis Mills, Houston
	Clock’s Ticking		What is Love? (Baby Don’t Hurt Me)
14.	Russell Wilson, Denver	31.	Jordan Love, Green Bay
15.	Geno Smith, Seattle		Buzzworthy Backups
16.	Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee	32.	Jarrett Stidham, Denver
17.	Jared Goff, Detroit	33.	Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta
18.	Derek Carr, New Orleans	34.	Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis
19.	Kyler Murray, Arizona	35.	Mike White, Miami
	Sh!t or Get Off the Pot		Rookies
20.	Mac Jones, New England	36.	Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis
21.	Tua Tagovailoa, Miami	37.	CJ Stroud, Houston
22.	Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas	38.	Bryce Young, Carolina
23.	Justin Fields, Chicago		Show Me More, Sophomores
24.	Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay	39.	Sam Howell, Washington
	Sophomore Supremes	40.	Desmond Ridder, Atlanta

 

Over the course of a month, Simms unveils a group of quarterbacks on each Chris Simms Unbuttoned episode and discuss his rankings on “PFT Live” with Mike Florio, culminating Wednesday, June 7.

Simms, a third-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2003 NFL Draft who played eight NFL seasons, will also offer in-depth player breakdowns and rankings explanations throughout each week on Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

Simms has had recent success in projecting quarterbacks – including those coming out of college by naming Patrick Mahomes as his most exciting prospect in 2017, listing Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen as his top-two QBs in 2018, and having Justin Herbert as his No. 2 QB in 2020.

The rankings will continue Monday, June 5, on the next episode of Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

The following are highlights from this week’s edition of Chris Simms Unbuttoned:

No. 13: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

“He is good at everything but not elite at anything. More missed throws this past year than ever before. He played not his best football in some of the biggest moments. The Buccaneers playoff game was good, but the 49ers playoff game was horrible. That’s where Dak Prescott fell off just a little bit this year. They’re paying him like a superstar, and he has not come through in some of the superstar moments…A positive is that he’s a tremendous leader for their franchise. He’s one of the better leaders in football. His arm is good but it’s not in the upper crust of the NFL, same with his athleticism and his variety of releases. He’s a polarizing player and he gets more hate than he should, and I think that can lead to analysts giving him more love to squash that, but the truth is somewhere in between that.”

No. 12: Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

“He had a phenomenal year. Ridiculously quick defense reader and more aggressive than last season. Dak Prescott is a better athlete, but Dak Prescott could not hit the mark on some of the high-level throws as consistently as Kirk Cousins does. His aggression and their offense were more dangerous this year…He’s not a superstar but he’s one of the most underappreciated players in football. ‘Kirk Cousins is the reason the Vikings can’t get over the hump’? I don’t buy that. There’s not a sexiness about his style of play, but if you give him a system, he will tear you apart. There’s a certain formula in which he can exist and overcome, but he has limitations. He’s always the guy that everybody’s looking to blame or not give the credit to.”

No. 11: Daniel Jones, New York Giants

“He made more with less as much as anybody in football. Daniel Jones is in a small class of quarterbacks in the NFL where he can throw over the line of scrimmage. It keeps a variety of throws still available to him that are not available to most quarterbacks. It’s a short list – him, Justin Herbert, Trevor Lawrence, (Tom) Brady could kind of do that. It’s that kind of guy…He’s a high-level thrower of the football. Incredible control and accuracy. (The Giants) could not have won and played the way they did without Daniel Jones’ skillset last year. His running is in the upper echelon of runners in football. He’s right there with Josh Allen…He rarely put the team in bad situations. His ability to read coverages, like Kirk Cousins, is high-level.”

No. 10: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

“He’s still one of the 10 best quarterbacks in football. His arm is still all-time. Of all the top quarterbacks on this list, no one was under pressure more than Matthew Stafford. Other than (Patrick) Mahomes, he probably has more release (points) than anybody in football. His arm talent and his toughness are a gift and a curse. Sean McVay had to protect Stafford from himself…He makes some of the damndest throws you’ll ever see in your life. He moves really well in the pocket – (Dan) Marino-ish – but he’s probably the worst runner in football out of all quarterbacks…His ability to throw the football is up there with anybody in the game. He’s in the class of (Patrick) Mahomes, (Josh) Allen, Lamar (Jackson), and (Aaron) Rodgers where I go, they can have an awkward release and still be accurate and powerful.”

No. 9: Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns

“He’s a superstar who’s rusty and I’m betting on the superstar to come back this year. I still see a guy who has one of the best arms in football. He’s an incredible athlete. He’s one of the best scramblers in the sport…I could tell he wasn’t comfortable the whole year. He’s gotta knock some rust off and it won’t be perfect at first, but his talent is real. I’d be shocked if it doesn’t go right for him in Cleveland.”

To listen to the full player breakdowns on Chris Simms Unbuttoned, click here.

-NBC SPORTS-

Simms’ Top 40 QB Countdown Continues Today with Nos. 14-19 and Culminates on Wednesday, June 7; In-Depth Breakdowns for Each Ranking Weekly on Chris Simms Unbuttoned Podcast

Russell Wilson (No. 14), Geno Smith (No. 15), Ryan Tannehill (No. 16), Jared Goff (No. 17), Derek Carr (No. 18), and Kyler Murray (No. 19)

“You put (him) on the 49ers a few years ago instead of Jimmy Garoppolo? They’re the Super Bowl champions, period.”– Simms on Tannehill at No. 16

“He looked lost last year…Sean Payton is going to rebuild him.”– Simms on Wilson at No. 14

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 30, 2023 – Super Bowl XLVIII champion and nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos, three-time Pro Bowler Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions, and 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals highlight the latest installment of Chris Simms’ countdown of the top 40 quarterbacks in the NFL, available now on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast and on “PFT Live.”

Simms’ quarterbacks ranked 14-40:

	Clock’s Ticking	28.	Andy Dalton, Carolina
14.	Russell Wilson, Denver	29.	Tyler Huntley, Baltimore
15.	Geno Smith, Seattle	30.	Davis Mills, Houston
16.	Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee		What is Love? (Baby Don’t Hurt Me)
17.	Jared Goff, Detroit	31.	Jordan Love, Green Bay
18.	Derek Carr, New Orleans		Buzzworthy Backups
19.	Kyler Murray, Arizona	32.	Jarrett Stidham, Denver
	Sh!t or Get Off the Pot	33.	Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta
20.	Mac Jones, New England	34.	Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis
21.	Tua Tagovailoa, Miami	35.	Mike White, Miami
22.	Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas		Rookies
23.	Justin Fields, Chicago	36.	Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis
24.	Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay	37.	CJ Stroud, Houston
	Sophomore Supremes	38.	Bryce Young, Carolina
25.	Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh		Show Me More, Sophomores
26.	Brock Purdy, San Francisco	39.	Sam Howell, Washington
	Backup Supremes	40.	Desmond Ridder, Atlanta
27.	Sam Darnold, San Francisco

 

Over the course of the next month, Simms will unveil a group of quarterbacks on each Chris Simms Unbuttoned episode and discuss his rankings on “PFT Live” with Mike Florio, culminating Wednesday, June 7.

Simms, a third-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2003 NFL Draft who played eight NFL seasons, will also offer in-depth player breakdowns and rankings explanations throughout each week on Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

Simms has had recent success in projecting quarterbacks – including those coming out of college by naming Patrick Mahomes as his most exciting prospect in 2017, listing Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen as his top-two QBs in 2018, and having Justin Herbert as his No. 2 QB in 2020.

The rankings will continue Thursday, June 1, on the next episode of Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

The following are highlights from this week’s edition of Chris Simms Unbuttoned:

No. 19: Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

“This is still an incredible talent in the NFL — an incredible talent who has serious questions about his leadership and his ceiling versus top NFL defenses…His talent is better than No. 19…He can rise, he still has top-10 quarterback physical abilities, but we know that there’s more to that in being a quarterback. When you talk about the talent, he’s still one of the best runners in the sport. He has an incredibly strong arm still, there’s no doubt about that…Accuracy on big-time throws has definitely declined and I think there’s some mechanical things there.”

No. 18: Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints

“Smart, you know he’s going to attack the game with the right professional attitude…It was a down year for Derek Carr…He knows how to play the position — good, quick, tight release, good decisions, has good, quick feet in the pocket, has touch and anticipation…He is too safe of a decision-maker and also at times doesn’t want to throw the appropriate ball into some tough situations where I go, ‘No, you have to throw the heater right here and hit the guy right in front of the numbers.’ … I want more tight-window throw accuracy. He can do it, but it’s like he doesn’t trust himself at times…He doesn’t let downfield plays develop enough, that would be the other thing that’s a real negative to me.”

No. 17: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

“There’s no doubt that last season was his best season. He’s got a limited upside, but he’s more talented than he gets credit for. He has an underrated feel for the game…He’s fearless. He doesn’t have the sexiest release, he doesn’t throw great spirals, but he’s a good deep ball thrower. He can push the ball down the field with ease. He’s not going to carry your team, but he sees the field well, he understands the big picture of the game, and he makes more power throws than you think…He became dangerous and somewhat of a playmaker last year. It’s going to be a big year for Jared Goff.”

No. 16: Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans

“Tannehill is not the problem with the Titans. He is as consistent as it gets. I think you can win the Super Bowl with Ryan Tannehill. You put (him) on the 49ers a few years ago instead of Jimmy Garoppolo? They’re the Super Bowl champions, period…He’s one of the better maximizers of what an offense has to give. He’s fearless in the pocket. Mechanics are flawless. Never loses control of the ball…This is a guy who went to Texas A&M as a Division I wide receiver. He needs to run more. That’s where he could be better…Who did he have around him to make him look so good at receiver last year anyway? This guy is better than what stats say. If you put him in some different situations, he’d look a lot better.”

No. 15: Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks

“His arm strength and pocket movement wow me. With his feet hopping in the air like Aaron Rodgers, he can flick it and throw a 12-yard out-route. The biggest negative is, ‘I gotta see it again’…He leaves nothing on the field. He has great touch. He had a season (in 2022) that was one of the six or seven best at the quarterback position. He did a good job of not making bad situations worse, which I wouldn’t expect for as little as he has played. He broke the perception of him as a backup quarterback. The Seahawks like him. Pete Carroll likes him. They think he’s a good leader for their football team.”

No. 14: Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos

“He looked lost last year, but I still think he can turn it around. He didn’t trust what he was seeing. There were games where you went, ‘He left eight completions for 150 yards on the field here.’ Pocket presence and patience in the pocket all went backwards last year…He still has elite physical ability. My last draft had Geno (Smith) in front of Russell. But I kept thinking about it and went, ‘I can’t put Geno in front of Russell Wilson just because of one year.’ There were some things that worked in favor for Geno and worked against Russell. This is still an explosive arm. He’s got more releases than I give him credit for. (Head coach Sean Payton) is going to rebuild him and teach him things he didn’t know. He still has game-changing physical skills. Last year was more a collection of plays rather than running an offense, but he still has great touch and power and he’s a phenomenal deep ball thrower.”

To listen to the full player breakdowns on Chris Simms Unbuttoned, click here.

-NBC SPORTS-

Simms’ Top 40 QB Countdown Continues Today with Nos. 20-24 and Culminates with the Top Four on Monday, June 12; In-Depth Breakdowns for Each Ranking Weekly on Chris Simms Unbuttoned Podcast

Mac Jones (No. 20), Tua Tagovailoa (No. 21), Jimmy Garoppolo (No. 22), Justin Fields (No. 23), and Baker Mayfield (No. 24)

“Other than (Aaron) Rodgers, he’s the best RPO quarterback in football…but when you break it down, there are so many yards and plays left on the field.”– Simms on Tagovailoa at No. 21

“You know who else didn’t look good in Carolina last year that everybody thinks is awesome now? Christian McCaffrey. The team matters. We never give the quarterback the benefit of the doubt.”– Simms on Mayfield at No. 24

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 24, 2023 – 2021 Pro Bowler Mac Jones of the New England Patriots, 2022 NFL passer rating leader Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins, and 2021 first round pick Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears highlight the latest installment of Chris Simms’ countdown of the top 40 quarterbacks in the NFL, available now on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast and on “PFT Live.”

Simms’ quarterbacks ranked 20-40:

	Sh!t or Get Off the Pot		What is Love? (Baby Don’t Hurt Me)
20.	Mac Jones, New England	31.	Jordan Love, Green Bay
21.	Tua Tagovailoa, Miami		Buzzworthy Backups
22.	Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas	32.	Jarrett Stidham, Denver
23.	Justin Fields, Chicago	33.	Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta
24.	Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay	34.	Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis
	Sophomore Supremes	35.	Mike White, Miami
25.	Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh		Rookies
26.	Brock Purdy, San Francisco	36.	Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis
	Backup Supremes	37.	CJ Stroud, Houston
27.	Sam Darnold, San Francisco	38.	Bryce Young, Carolina
28.	Andy Dalton, Carolina		Show Me More, Sophomores
29.	Tyler Huntley, Baltimore	39.	Sam Howell, Washington
30.	Davis Mills, Houston	40.	Desmond Ridder, Atlanta

 

Over the course of the next month, Simms will unveil a group of quarterbacks on each Chris Simms Unbuttoned episode and discuss his rankings on “PFT Live” with Mike Florio, culminating Monday, June 12 with his top four quarterbacks.

Simms, a third-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2003 NFL Draft who played eight NFL seasons, will also offer in-depth player breakdowns and rankings explanations throughout each week on Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

Simms has had recent success in projecting quarterbacks – including those coming out of college by naming Patrick Mahomes as his most exciting prospect in 2017, listing Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen as his top-two QBs in 2018, and having Justin Herbert as his No. 2 QB in 2020.

The rankings will continue Tuesday, May 30, with numbers 19-15 on the next episode of Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

The following are highlights from this week’s edition of Chris Simms Unbuttoned:

No. 24: Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

“Baker Mayfield has an elite arm. It’s one of the stronger arms in the NFL. There are still a lot of starting caliber-type qualities from him…The Browns screwed him over as much as we’ve seen a starting quarterback get screwed over in recent history. Last year wasn’t good but you still saw a lot of good from Baker. You know who else didn’t look good in Carolina last year that everybody thinks is awesome now? Christian McCaffrey. The team matters. We never give the quarterback the benefit of the doubt…I think (Tampa Bay) can be an offense that fits him. His release is quick but it’s not lightening quick. He plays bigger than his size. For the most part, he’s a good decision-maker, but because of his big arm, he can have a tendency to look for more and lose control of the football…He’s got talent, we’ve seen him mature in front of our eyes, and he brings an edge in leadership to your football team.”

No. 23: Justin Fields, Chicago Bears

“He’s as dangerous as some of the best receivers and runners in the open field, but his throwing is a collection of great plays with no consistency. In fact, his overall quarterback game is that, and that’s why he’s No. 23 for me…His motion is still funky, and he has no confidence in his throwing. (The Bears) broke out the Wildcat offense and it translated to one win…His arm is not real strong and he’s afraid to step on the gas. He’s tough as hell, his running is insane, but you can tell (the Bears) don’t trust him. You can’t be a top quarterback in football if (your team) is scared to call the plays they want to call on third down…They’re going to try and fit the Jalen Hurts mold and run that offense and we’ll see if we get growth. The negativity is all throwing-based. There are too many open NFL receivers where the ball is not thrown or off-target and that’s where he’s really got to progress this year.”

No. 22: Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders

“Does he have superstar potential? No. Do I think if he plays his best football, he can be in the top 12 or 13? I do. He played some of his best football last year. Within that, and why he’s No. 22, he’s still good for one bad throw a game, and that’s hopefully one thing (Raiders head coach) Josh McDaniels can work out of him. I think the Raiders’ offense fits him better. There’s a little bit more leeway in the system for him to be comfortable there…He is absolutely fearless in the pocket. He’s a way-below average runner for the NFL, but like (Dan) Marino, he knows where to slide. …The Raiders want a tough guy to step in the pocket and not worry about anybody hitting them. They hold that in high regard, and I think he does have an advantage over Derek Carr and that’s why they were like, ‘We’re good with Jimmy G.’”

No. 21: Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

“He runs that offense to a T. He arguably has the quickest release in football. Other than (Aaron) Rodgers, he’s the best RPO quarterback in football. But his arm is below-average for an NFL starter. It doesn’t create much on its own. Nobody would watch Tua film and go, ‘It’s lasers.’ When you break it down, there are so many yards and plays left on the field…The variety of releases is awesome. He’s not a great runner but he’s a good athlete…He’s not durable. It’s been an issue his whole career. He plays small in the pocket, he loses control of power throws down the field, and when teams took away some of those trick plays, he couldn’t deliver…He’s the perfect fit for this offense. I would run those same things with Tua, too, but that doesn’t mean the 20 other guys in front of him can’t do it either and then some other stuff as well.”

No. 20: Mac Jones, New England Patriots

“Better than it seemed last year. Incredible decision-maker. Incredible anticipation and accuracy. The worst offensive coaching in football last year – it was the Patriots. Offense basic as hell. Which receiver on the Patriots were you scared of? You don’t think Mac would have looked different if he were on the Dolphins? … Even though his arm isn’t a ‘wow’ arm, it’s above-NFL average. He has a great ability to know the defense and what might be available…There’s a reason that the (Kyle) Shanahan’s and the McDaniels’ of the world like these guys. I’ve yet to hear a player or a coach around him who doesn’t think he’s a top-notch leader that brings edge and energy to the football team. The durability and the leadership aspect is the nudge that gave him the edge over Tua.”

To listen to the full player breakdowns on Chris Simms Unbuttoned, click here.

-NBC SPORTS-

Simms’ Top 40 QB Countdown Continues Today with Nos. 30-25 and Culminates with the Top Four on Monday, June 12; In-Depth Breakdowns for Each Ranking Weekly on Chris Simms Unbuttoned Podcast

Kenny Pickett (No. 25), Brock Purdy (No. 26), Sam Darnold (No. 27) Andy Dalton (No. 28), Tyler Huntley (No. 29), and Davis Mills (No. 30)

“There’s a reason they made him the starter because they have a coaching staff and a bunch of players who believe in him as a leader.”– Simms on Purdy at No. 26

“He’s at No. 27 but he has the potential to be someone greater than this. This 49ers offense is made for him.”– Simms on Darnold at No. 27

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 23, 2023 – 2022 first round pick Kenny Pickett of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers’ Brock Purdy, who last season became one of five rookie quarterbacks to ever start in a conference championship game, highlight the latest installment of Chris Simms’ countdown of the top 40 quarterbacks in the NFL, available now on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast and on “PFT Live.”

Simms’ quarterbacks ranked 25-40:

	Sophomore Supremes	33.	Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta
25.	Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh	34.	Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis
26.	Brock Purdy, San Francisco	35.	Mike White, Miami
	Backup Supremes		Rookies
27.	Sam Darnold, San Francisco	36.	Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis
28.	Andy Dalton, Carolina	37.	CJ Stroud, Houston
29.	Tyler Huntley, Baltimore	38.	Bryce Young, Carolina
30.	Davis Mills, Houston		Show Me More, Sophomores
	What is Love? (Baby Don’t Hurt Me)	39.	Sam Howell, Washington
31.	Jordan Love, Green Bay	40.	Desmond Ridder, Atlanta
	Buzzworthy Backups
32.	Jarrett Stidham, Denver

 

Over the course of the next month, Simms will unveil a group of quarterbacks on each Chris Simms Unbuttoned episode and discuss his rankings on “PFT Live” with Mike Florio, culminating Monday, June 12 with his top four quarterbacks.

Simms, a third-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2003 NFL Draft who played eight NFL seasons, will also offer in-depth player breakdowns and rankings explanations throughout each week on Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

Simms has had recent success in projecting quarterbacks – including those coming out of college by naming Patrick Mahomes as his most exciting prospect in 2017, listing Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen as his top-two QBs in 2018, and having Justin Herbert as his No. 2 QB in 2020.

The rankings will continue Wednesday, May 24, with numbers 24-20 on the next episode of Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

The following are highlights from this week’s edition of Chris Simms Unbuttoned:

No. 30: Davis Mills, Houston Texans

“C.J. Stroud’s talent and ability is much better than Davis Mills’. There’s a reason he’s a backup. He’s smart, he’s a good surveyor of the field…When he came out of Stanford, he was NFL-ready. He understood how to run a pro-style offense. He moves better than you think, but as an overall athlete, he’s less than average for the NFL in 2023. There’s a lot that he does that’s good but there’s nothing great. Not a real aggressive decision-maker. He wasn’t the problem – it’s a (Texans) offense that lacked playmakers – but he’s not the answer, either.”

No. 29: Tyler Huntley, Baltimore Ravens

“Tyler Huntley is damn good. I think he’s a fringe starting quarterback. He’s got a sneaky explosive arm. I wish he had less of a robotic motion, but the ball pops off his hands in power-type throws. We know his athletic ability is the real deal. He’s a pretty good decision-maker, too. He was a hair aggressive in trying to sneak a ball into a tight window this year, but (the Ravens) didn’t even take advantage of his running. He’s a runner who doesn’t look to run first, he wants to throw. I’m a believer. If you flip their situations, I think Tyler Huntley could have done better than what Davis Mills did for the Houston Texans. He can make game-changing throws with his arms, he can run the system, and he can play backyard football. That’s where he separates himself.”

No. 28: Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers

“Andy Dalton had a resurgence last year. To me, he was a different football player last year. He changed his motion. It led to a quicker release, and he rarely missed a target. He was aggressive and that’s where he really jumped up in my eyes. For an older guy, he still moves well. He’s still tough; he’s not afraid to tuck it and run for five or six yards. (Bryce Young’s) arm is not better than Andy Dalton’s. He’s not as big as Andy Dalton…I don’t expect Bryce Young to necessarily be the starter Week 1. This could be one where it takes a little bit to close the gap more than the Davis Mills/C.J. Stroud one.”

No. 27: Sam Darnold, San Francisco 49ers

“Sam Darnold is one of the tougher rankings in this whole thing. He has some physical abilities that are legit. Unbelievable feet in the pocket. One of the quicker releases in all of football. His arm is strong, he can push 50-yard posts like it’s nothing. I’m still a believer in Sam. You watch the end of last season and what he did with Carolina, and you see a lot of stuff where you go, ‘That’s NFL starting quality’ … It’s the feel of the game where he needs to get better at. That’s where I think him not being in the right situation has hurt him. He’s at No. 27 but he has the potential to be someone greater than this. This 49ers offense is made for him.”

No. 26: Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

“Him and Sam Darnold are very similar, but Darnold’s arm is better than Brock Purdy’s. But Brock Purdy is a good athlete, way better than we even think. He can still make a lot of game-changing throws and sees the field phenomenal. For a rookie quarterback, he was an unbelievable decision-maker. He’s got veteran eyes already. He’s not perfect yet – he does need to shorten his motion – but he can make all the throws. He sees the field better and has a better feel for the game overall than Sam Darnold right now, and that’s where I give him the edge. There’s a reason they made him the starter because they have a coaching staff and a bunch of players who believe in him as a leader.”

No. 25: Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers

“Kenny Pickett’s arm is better than Brock Purdy’s. His release is better. He’s also a better athlete and is bigger. Pickett’s ability to throw the ball into tight windows is phenomenal. (The Steelers) let him throw it 35-40 times a game during the season, that’s usually entrusted to a veteran quarterback…Those are signals that are telling me that they think this of him, and that’s where I think Kenny Pickett doesn’t quite get the credit he deserves. His arm isn’t a superstar arm but it’s damn good. He did a very good job for the situation he was thrown into…I’m still up in the air. There are some things I like but I’m not blown away. He’s got to get a little thicker and a little more muscle.”

To listen to the full player breakdowns on Chris Simms Unbuttoned, click here.

-NBC SPORTS-

Simms’ Top 40 QB Countdown Continues Today with Nos. 31-35 and Culminates with the Top Four on Monday, June 12; In-Depth Breakdowns for Each Ranking Weekly on Chris Simms Unbuttoned Podcast

Jordan Love (No. 31), Jarrett Stidham (No. 32), Taylor Heinicke (No. 33) Gardner Minshew (No. 34), and Mike White (No. 35)

“I’m thinking Jordan Love’s going to open up some eyes this year…I think the Packers are going to be revived.”– Simms on Love at No. 31

“He has an NFL power-type arm. It’s not Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, but it’s better than Kirk Cousins’.”– Simms on Stidham at No. 32

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 17, 2023 – 2020 first round pick Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers and a pair of QBs in their first seasons with new teams, Jarrett Stidham of the Denver Broncos and Gardner Minshew of the Indianapolis Colts, highlight the latest installment of Chris Simms’ countdown of the top 40 quarterbacks in the NFL, available now on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast and on “PFT Live.”

Simms’ quarterbacks ranked 31-40:

	What is Love? (Baby Don’t Hurt Me)
31.	Jordan Love, Green Bay
	Buzzworthy Backups
32.	Jarrett Stidham, Denver
33.	Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta
34.	Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis
35.	Mike White, Miami
	Rookies
36.	Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis
37.	CJ Stroud, Houston
38.	Bryce Young, Carolina
	Show Me More, Sophomores
39.	Sam Howell, Washington
40.	Desmond Ridder, Atlanta

 

Over the course of the next month, Simms will unveil a group of quarterbacks on each Chris Simms Unbuttoned episode and discuss his rankings on “PFT Live” with Mike Florio, culminating Monday, June 12 with his top four quarterbacks.

Simms, a third-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2003 NFL Draft who played eight NFL seasons, will also offer in-depth player breakdowns and rankings explanations throughout each week on Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

Simms has had recent success in projecting quarterbacks – including those coming out of college by naming Patrick Mahomes as his most exciting prospect in 2017, listing Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen as his top-two QBs in 2018, and having Justin Herbert as his No. 2 QB in 2020.

The rankings will continue Monday, May 22, with numbers 30-26 on the next episode of Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

The following are highlights from this week’s edition of Chris Simms Unbuttoned:

No. 35: Mike White, Miami Dolphins

“He’s got some abilities and skills where you go, ‘He could be a starter in the NFL.’ He’s bigger than people realize. He can push the ball with ease…but he can lose control of the football within pushing it as well. He has all the things to be good in the NFL, but I think it needs refining and improving in a few areas. He’s tough in the pocket…he takes some huge hits. That toughness is the reason maybe he’s not a fringe starter right now. He’s a below-average athlete for a 2023 quarterback but a damn good backup.”

No. 34: Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts

“I think Anthony Richardson will be the starter, but Minshew is your perfect backup. He doesn’t need a lot of reps to hit the ground running. He’s a very accurate thrower, especially in the short-to-intermediate game. He’s not a great athlete, but he’s really good with people around him in the pocket. I don’t know if he’ll ever be a starter…he’s not going to make a bunch of ‘wow’ throws. He brings a little pizzazz and leadership that some of the other guys don’t. For a backup quarterback, he’s got something where guys want to follow him.”

No. 33: Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta Falcons

“He’s the ultimate scrapper. I think he’s better than the guy they’re deeming the starter [Desmond Ridder]. Just like Minshew, he’s got a great feel for the game overall. Unlike Minshew, he’s a better athlete. Heinicke has a real ability to not only move in the pocket but get out of the pocket and be scary that way. He’s got a clutch ability that’s real and a little bit of that pizzazz and fire that people want to follow. My one problem with Heinicke is he misses some 10- and 12-yard throws where I go, ‘You can’t miss that, he’s wide open’ … I think that’s going to be a nice challenge with him and Desmond Ridder.”

No. 32: Jarrett Stidham, Denver Broncos

“Jarrett Stidham has NFL starting quarterback traits. A lot of them. His only thing is that not everybody’s seen it and he hasn’t gotten to play a lot. There’s a reason that Josh McDaniels got that job with the Raiders and got Jarrett Stidham right away. He’s another guy like Mike White who’s bigger than you think and has an NFL power-type arm. It’s not Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, but it’s better than Kirk Cousins’. His arm is legit and his ability to read and process the field is damn good, too. The athleticism is much better than people realize, too. Coming out of college, he reminded me of Tony Romo. If there was something to happen [to Russell Wilson], I think this is a guy who could make things very interesting.”

No. 31: Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

“I’m a believer in his ability. His arm is special…when he gets all of it and rips it, it moves through the air. He’s improved his mechanics, he’s comfortable in the offense, he’s a good athlete, he’s got very good size to see up over the line or throw through lanes – I’m thinking Jordan Love’s going to open up some eyes this year. He’s really watched (Aaron) Rodgers in a lot of ways. You watch his mechanics and it’s like, ‘You don’t have to be exactly like Rodgers. Be Jordan Love. You don’t have to have both feet off the ground.’ But he’s getting to the point where he can do it. I think the Packers are going to be revived because of Jordan Love.”

To listen to the full player breakdowns on Chris Simms Unbuttoned, click here.

-NBC SPORTS-

Simms’ Top 40 QB Countdown Kicks Off Today with Nos. 40-36 and Culminates with the Top Four on Monday, June 12; In-Depth Breakdowns for Each Ranking Weekly on Chris Simms Unbuttoned Podcast

Anthony Richardson (No. 36), CJ Stroud (No. 37), Bryce Young (No. 38), Sam Howell (No. 39), and Desmond Ridder (No. 40)

“It’s hard to think that the S2 [test] is real when you watch him on film. He makes very few bad decisions.”– Simms on Stroud at No. 37

“Anthony Richardson’s adjustment to the NFL is going to be easier than [Young’s and Stroud’s] because of his ability to run…We’ve never seen anyone like this..”– Simms on Richardson at No. 36

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 15, 2023 – Over the course of the next month, NBC Sports’ Chris Simms will unveil his list of the top 40 quarterbacks in the NFL on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast and on “PFT Live.” Highlighting Simms’ initial rankings are the first two overall picks of the 2023 NFL Draft, Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers and CJ Stroud of the Houston Texans, as well as the Indianapolis Colts’ fourth overall pick, Anthony Richardson.

Beginning the countdown, Simms unveiled his quarterbacks ranked 40-36 today:

	Rookies
36.	Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis
37.	CJ Stroud, Houston
38.	Bryce Young, Carolina
	Sophomore Question Marks
39.	Sam Howell, Washington
40.	Desmond Ridder, Atlanta

 

Beginning today and culminating Monday, June 12 with his top four quarterbacks, Simms will unveil a group of quarterbacks on each Chris Simms Unbuttoned episode and discuss his rankings on “PFT Live” with Mike Florio.

Simms, a third-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2003 NFL Draft who played eight NFL seasons, will also offer in-depth player breakdowns and rankings explanations throughout each week on Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

Simms has had recent success in projecting quarterbacks – including those coming out of college by naming Patrick Mahomes as his most exciting prospect in 2017, listing Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen as his top-two QBs in 2018, and having Justin Herbert as his No. 2 QB in 2020.

The rankings will continue Wednesday, May 17, with numbers 35-31 on the next episode of Chris Simms Unbuttoned.

The following are highlights from this week’s edition of Chris Simms Unbuttoned:

No. 40: Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons

“I think he’s very even-keeled, nothing really affects him. On the field, there were improvements from last year from what I saw in college…He’s on an upward trajectory. He’s throwing the ball with more authority. None of that is consistently good yet, though. That’s why he’s 40. He’s a rookie, in my eyes. There are some things there that need to be refined in his game and [the Falcons] obviously think he can do it.”

No. 39: Sam Howell, Washington Commanders

“He’s an aggressive decision-maker. I think he’s a better thrower than Desmond Ridder. There are some mechanical things that I wish he was better at. He’s got a little more pop in his arm than I gave him credit for coming out of college. He’s an underrated athlete; we talked about him being a bigger version of Baker Mayfield coming out, and he showed that in the preseason and in that [Week 18] game against the Cowboys. He never really gets his shoulder to the target, but the ball comes out of his hand clean, and he controls it pretty well…He’s got a good feel for the game overall that I really like.”

No. 38: Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

“There’s no doubt that every coach on [the Panthers] took the field this week and thought, ‘Man, he’s small.’ It’s uncharted waters. They didn’t take him No. 1 [in the 2023 NFL Draft] to sit on the bench. I think he’ll get every opportunity to be the starting quarterback. He’s slick, he’s a natural at the position, he’s got a lot of different releases, he’s extremely smart pre-snap or post-snap, so I think it’s just a matter of time. He would have to fail in a pretty big way for him not to be the starter in the preseason.”

No. 37: CJ Stroud, Houston Texans

“I love CJ Stroud. [Houston is] a great offense for him. He is just a pure bullseye thrower of the football. It’s hard to think that the S2 [test] is real when you watch him on film. He makes very few bad decisions. I think he can be a star. Like Bryce Young, he’s going to have a lot thrown on his plate and he’s not going to have the advantage of being on Ohio State’s football team…but I think he’ll clearly be the starter on Day 1. He’s just a better version of Davis Mills. He’s so mechanically smooth…I think he’s made for the NFL.”

No. 36: Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts

“Anthony Richardson’s adjustment to the NFL is going to be easier than [Young’s and Stroud’s] because of his ability to run. There’s going to be an easier developmental process and an easier ability to have success and affect on the football team right away. That helps his transition early on. Between that skillset, it does give him an advantage…That doesn’t mean it will necessarily translate throughout his career, but off the bat here I do think it makes it easier. We’ve never seen anyone like this.”

To listen to the full player breakdowns on Chris Simms Unbuttoned, click here.

-NBC SPORTS-

“They have a chance to get a guy here who fits the way Arthur Smith wants to play…He can be a better version of what Ryan Tannehill was when Smith was in Tennessee.” – Simms on Atlanta taking QB C.J. Stroud at No. 8

“It’s a draft in a year where there’s not a lot of superstar football players. He’s one of them.” – Simms on Philadelphia taking RB Bijan Robinson at No. 10

NBC Sports’ 2023 NFL Draft Coverage Continues This Week Across NBC Sports Platforms

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 25, 2023 – With the NFL Draft two days away, beginning this Thursday, April 27, NBC Sports’ Chris Simms has released his first-round mock draft on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast.

Simms, a third-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2003 NFL Draft who played eight NFL seasons, was joined by NBC Sports’ Ahmed Fareed on Simms Unbuttoned to offer evaluation, insight and analysis on the draft’s top prospects and each team’s needs heading into the draft. On draft night, Simms and Fareed will also record instant reaction videos to every pick in Round 1; the full podcast will be released overnight. A bonus draft recap/reaction episode of Simms Unbuttoned will be available Friday, April 28, at 7 p.m. ET.

For a Simms’ complete breakdown of his first-round mock draft, click here to watch the full episode of Simms Unbuttoned. In the week’s leading up to the draft, Simms has provided a position-by-position breakdowns of the top prospects. Click here for a full playlist of Simms’ positional rankings along with more NBC Sports NFL Draft analysis.

NBC Sports NFL Insider Peter King yesterday unveiled his 2023 first-round mock draft, projecting Alabama QB Bryce Young to go No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers. Click here for King’s mock draft.

Tomorrow at 6 p.m. ET on Peacock, NBC Sports NFL analyst and fantasy sports pioneer Matthew Berry, in his first draft season with NBC Sports, will look ahead to the impact draft picks will have on the fantasy football landscape next season on Fantasy Football Happy Hour.

During the draft, Berry, along with co-hosts Jay Croucher and Connor Rogers, will report from the Fantasy Football Happy Hour set in Stamford, will provide instant video analysis and reactions for select offensive player draft picks on the NBC NFL YouTube channel, NBCSports.com, and NBCSportsEDGE.com; their discussion will be also available as a podcast to be released overnight. A draft recap/reactions episode of Fantasy Football Happy Hour will tape the following Monday, May 1. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio will also offer video commentary on every pick in Round 1. For a more detailed schedule of NBC Sports’ NFL Draft content, see the schedule at the end of the release. NBC Sports’ full 2023 NFL Draft content schedule is below.

For more NFL coverage, Peacock offers daily programming on the NBC Sports channel for free, including Pro Football Talk at 7 a.m. ET every weekday, Chris Simms Unbuttoned, The Peter King Podcast, The Rich Eisen Show, Brother from Another, and The Dan Patrick Show. To learn more about the NBC Sports on Peacock channel and how to sign up, click here.

The following is Chris Simms’ first round mock draft:

 

1) Carolina: Alabama QB Bryce Young	17) Pittsburgh: Tennessee T Darnell Wright
2) Houston: Texas Tech EDGE Tyree Wilson	18) Detroit: Michigan DT Mazi Smith
3) Arizona: Alabama EDGE Will Anderson, Jr.	19) Tampa Bay: Oklahoma T Anton Harrison
4) Indianapolis: Kentucky QB Will Levis	20) Seattle: Georgia EDGE Nolan Smith
5) Seattle: Georgia DT Jalen Carter	21) LA Chargers: Boston College WR Zay Flowers
6) Detroit: Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon	22) Baltimore: Maryland CB Deonte Banks
7) Las Vegas: Ohio State T Paris Johnson, Jr.	23) Minnesota: Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker
8) Atlanta: Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud	24) Jacksonville: Clemson DT Bryan Bresee
9) Chicago: Northwestern G Peter Skoronski	25) NY Giants: Michigan CB DJ Turner
10) Philadelphia: Texas RB Bijan Robinson	26) Dallas: Minnesota C John Michael Schmitz
11) Tennessee: Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez	27) Buffalo: Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
12) Houston: Florida QB Anthony Richardson	28) Cincinnati: Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs
13) *NY Jets: Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey	29) New Orleans: Iowa EDGE Lukas Van Ness
14) New England: Georgia T Broderick Jones	30) Philadelphia: Iowa State EDGE Will McDonald IV
15) *Green Bay: Utah TE Dalton Kincaid	31) Kansas City: Clemson EDGE Myles Murphy
16) Washington: Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer
*Draft was released prior to Jets-Packers trade
On the 2023 NFL Draft Simms on how he compiled his mock draft: “I’m going more on the ‘who I think each team will take’ approach this year, more predictive is the game plan…It’s not necessarily going to be true to my board, but true more to things I heard, whatever the consensus is out there. It’s not necessarily what I would do in that instance.” Quarterbacks: Simms on Bryce Young to the Panthers at No. 1: “They’re comfortable with his size. They love his football brain and IQ and they feel like he’s a natural. They’re comfortable in the style of play they’re going to play with him.” On Will Levis to the Colts at No. 4: “He’s very smart and we know he’s got some big-time tools…They feel more comfortable with him and his potential than C.J. Stroud…He’s definitely less raw than (Anthony) Richardson is. He’s ready to play quarterback more.” On C.J. Stroud to the Falcons at No. 8: “They still have to have questions about Desmond Ridder. They have a chance to get a guy here who fits the way Arthur Smith wants to play…He can be a better version of what Ryan Tannehill was when Smith was in Tennessee. Great down the field thrower, underrated athlete. It’s not often you get a chance to get this type of quarterback.” On Anthony Richardson to the Texans at No. 12: “Great spot for him. I know he’s highly valued within their organization. You’ve got (offensive coordinator) Bobby Slowik who came from the 49ers, he’s going to know how to do some of the quarterback designed stuff. To me, that’s the other aspect too – he hasn’t played football. You’ve got to play him right away. Take your lumps. Do it the right way.” On Hendon Hooker to the Vikings at No. 23: “We all know this is Kirk Cousins’ last year there. They’ve got a chance here to build something with Justin Jefferson. They’ve got a guy here that’s ready right now, and I’m telling you, he’s, by a lot of people, viewed as way higher than the 23rd pick in the draft…To me, he’s got big-time starting quarterback potential and I would want him to have the option of the five years.” Running backs: On Bijan Robinson to the Eagles at No. 10: “I’ve got a pretty good feel that they like him. Bijan Robinson is, I think, universally a top-five player on most peoples’ boards. It’s a draft in a year where there’s not a lot of superstar football players. He’s one of them.” On Jahmyr Gibbs to the Bengals at No. 28: “Gibbs is just so special…You put that guy in that West Coast offense with that quarterback and those receivers and they’re going to put you in a bind. I think they can get a good tight end in the second round so that’s why they go Jahmyr Gibbs.” Wide receivers: On Zay Flowers to the Chargers at No. 21: “Jaylen Waddle, Kadarius Toney, Brandin Cooks — he could be that type of football player. They’ve already got size at receiver, they need some of these weapon guys. They need a guy that can catch a five-yard pass and go up the sideline for thirty more yards…He’ll be able to run routes, beat people deep, be the reverse speed sweep guy. I think he makes a lot of sense for the Chargers.” On Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the Bills at No. 27: “There are some teams that are like, ‘He’s definitely one of the top 15.’ And then I talk to other teams who have a top of the second-round grade on him. So there’s a disconnect in football. He’s a little all over the place. For me here, even with the injury concern, this is perfect. (The Bills) need him. (Stefon) Diggs on the outside, (Gabe) Davis on the outside, and now you’ve got Jaxon Smith-Njigba working the inside? Watch out.” Tight ends: On Dalton Kincaid to the Packers at No. 15: “His back injury is being red-flagged and I don’t know how far that could make him fall, but we’re talking about a freak show tight end here. I mean he’s special and this is a coach who I know values tight ends…It’s not only a need for this football team, but a phenomenal football player. Definitely one of the 15 best players in the draft, just has this injury thing.” On Michael Mayer to the Commanders at No. 16: “We know he can kind of do everything. He’s a good run blocker, he’s good in the pass game, the floor is high, and the ceiling could possibly be high as well.” Defense On edge Tyree Wilson to the Texans at No. 2: “Get their Myles Garrett, get their Nick Bosa…they get their edge rusher to make DeMeco Ryans’ defensive system what made it so successful in San Francisco. This is the guy that can be that type of presence that Nick Bosa was for his football team…I know there’s a contingent in that building that likes Tyree Wilson as a pass rusher and the guy.” On edge Will Anderson Jr. to the Cardinals at No. 3: “He’s a safe, for sure thing. He’s a good player, just to me this is way too high…He’s safe — I think when you couple that GM in with it and the state of the organization, that’s why I went that way here.” On DT Jalen Carter to the Seahawks at No. 5: “They’ve done their due diligence from what I’ve heard. It’s a desperate need for their football team. They’re not good enough up front. They can’t hang with the 49ers unless they get better up front. So, this is where, if Jalen Carter is on the board here, I totally expect it to be him…They’re not afraid of personality up there, in fact, to me, that’s the perfect place for the guy. They can handle personality, they can handle those type of guys.” On CB Devon Witherspoon to the Lions at No. 6: “This is a special player…Has it all, can play off, can play bump. There’s really no weakness to the player and (the Lions) were horrible in that department last year so that’ll be a big help for the football team.” NBC SPORTS 2023 DRAFT CONTENT SCHEDULE Tuesday, April 25 My Main Man Michael Smith – Premiere podcast episode with guests Bryce Young, Josh Norris, and Charles Robinson (available on all podcast platforms with video segments available on Peacock, NBC Sports YouTube channel, and NBCSports.com) Wednesday, April 26 PFT Live – Florio and Simms (7 a.m. ET on Peacock) Fantasy Football Happy Hour – Berry, Croucher, and Rogers draft preview (6 p.m. ET on Peacock) Thursday, April 27 – Round 1 begins at 8 p.m. ET PFT Live – Florio and Simms (7 a.m. ET on Peacock) Simms Unbuttoned – Simms and Fareed reaction videos to every pick in Round 1 (full podcast released overnight) Pro Football Talk – Florio instant reaction videos to every pick in Round 1 Fantasy Football Happy Hour – Berry, Croucher, and Rogers reaction videos to offensive player picks in Round 1 (full podcast released overnight) Friday, April 28 PFT Live – Florio and Simms with guest Peter King (7 a.m. ET on Peacock) Brother from Another – Michael Smith and Michael Holley (3 p.m. ET on Peacock) Fantasy Football Happy Hour – Berry, Croucher, and Rogers reaction videos to offensive players picks in Rounds 2 and 3 (7 p.m. ET) Simms Unbuttoned – Bonus recap/reaction episode (7 p.m. ET) Saturday, April 29 A Good Football Show Podcast – Rogers and Pat Dougherty reaction podcast at conclusion of draft Monday, May 1 Pro Football Talk Live – Florio and Simms (l 7 a.m. ET on Peacock) Brother from Another – Smith and Holley (3 p.m. ET on Peacock) Fantasy Football Happy Hour – Berry, Croucher, and Rogers react to draft in Love/Hate style (6 p.m. ET on Peacock) The Peter King Podcast – King and co-host Myles Simmons react to draft Simms Unbuttoned – Simms and Fareed react to draft -NBC SPORTS-