As the 2026 NFL season approaches, another rookie quarterback class enters the NFL looking to follow the path established by the league's newest franchise passers. From Drake Maye and Caleb Williams to C.J. Stroud and Jayden Daniels, quarterbacks drafted since 2023 are already reshaping the NFL landscape.
n this NFL QB Power Rankings series, NFL Mocks ranks the top 10 quarterbacks drafted since 2023 based on their 2025 production, career trajectory and outlook entering the 2026 season. From established playoff leaders to rising stars poised for breakout campaigns, these quarterbacks represent the future of the NFL at its most important position.
NFL QB Power Rankings: Top 10 quarterbacks drafted since 2023
No. 10 - Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
- 2025 NFL Stats: 1,982 passing yards | 9 TD | 3 INT | 57.9 QBR
- Career: 2,757 passing yards | 12 TD | 6 INT | QBR: 57.9
If Michael Penix Jr. can win the Falcons starting quarterback job over Tua Tagovailoa and stay healthy, he will help cement the 2024 NFL QB class as one of the best in NFL history. In a small sample size, Penix Jr. has shown an ability to lead an explosive Falcons’ offense. Durability remains the biggest question, just as it was entering the 2024 NFL Draft. With Tua in the mix, there isn’t a ton of pressure on Penix to break out in 2026, but it would be a tremendous boost for the Falcons if he did.
No. 9 - Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
- 2025 NFL Stats: 2,384 passing yards | 10 TD | 6 INT | 48.8 QBR
- Career: 2,384 passing yards | 10 TD | 6 INT | 48.8 QBR
Tyler Shough emerged as the Saints’ starting quarterback mid-season, energizing the offense with four consecutive wins and giving the team momentum for 2026. Despite starting only nine games in 2025, which is the reason he's ranked higher on this list, Shough was considered for rookie of the year as the Saints went 5-4 under his leadership. While it’s unclear if he’s New Orleans’ long-term solution, he’s earned another season to prove himself.
No. 8 - Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
- 2025 NFL Stats: 3,169 passing yards | 15 TD | 7 INT | 33.2 QBR
- Career: 3,169 passing yards | 15 TD | 7 INT | 33.2 QBR
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft didn’t have an earth-shattering rookie season, but Cam Ward did show signs of the type of quarterback he can be in the NFL. In showing off his resiliency, Ward bounced back from his struggles in the first half of the season to have a strong finish to his rookie campaign. In his final eight games, Ward threw for 1,406 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just 1 interception. Can Ward carry that momentum into his sophomore campaign? With the addition of 2026 top pick Carnell Tate, the second-year QB will have a dynamic weapon to work with in his path to show the league he is the real deal as a franchise-caliber quarterback.
No. 7 - Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
- 2025 NFL Stats: 2,272 passing yards | 15 TD | 5 INT | 57.5 QBR
- Career: 2,272 passing yards | 15 TD | 5 INT | 57.5 QBR
Jaxson Dart quickly assumed the starting quarterback position, surpassing veteran Russell Wilson during the 2025 NFL season. Once Dart began playing, he revitalized the Giants’ offense with a spark of energy. Despite facing typical rookie challenges, he demonstrated his versatility as both a passer and runner. His 10 multi-touchdown games (combining passing and rushing) highlighted his effectiveness in completing drives. With John Harbaugh brought in as head coach and the return of primary offensive threat Malik Nabers, attention now turns to Dart’s development entering his second year.Â
No. 6 - Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
- 2025 NFL Stats: 3,011 passing yards | 23 TD | 11 INT | 47.6 QBR
- Career: 8,291 passing yards | 49 TD | 30 INT | 44.1 QBR
The No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft has experienced ups and downs in his NFL journey. Entering his third year with Carolina, Bryce Young faced significant expectations and responded by refining his skills to establish himself as a capable NFL starter. He reduced costly mistakes, taking fewer sacks, and demonstrated poise under pressure, which contributed to the Panthers capturing the NFC South division title and earning a spot in the playoffs. His next challenge is to build on this momentum and continue developing as one of the league’s promising young quarterbacks.
Who's next to join the NFL's elite quarterbacks?
No. 5 - Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
- 2025 NFL Stats: 1,262 passing yards | 8 TD | 3 INT | 44.7 QBR
- Career: 4,830 passing yards | 33 TD | 12 INT | 63.2 QBR
Jayden Daniels's solid rookie year was followed by injuries and inconsistency in his second NFL season, causing the Commanders to miss the playoffs. As he enters his third year, a healthy Daniels is crucial for the team's success. The No. 2 pick in the 2024 Draft and 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year aims to show last season's struggles were temporary, adapt to a new offensive coordinator, and prove he can lead the team with his proven skills when healthy.
No. 4 - C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
- 2025 NFL Stats: 3,041 passing yards | 19 TD | 8 INT | 61.7 QBR
- Career: 10,876 passing yards | 62 TD | 25 INT | 54.9 QBR
The most recent impression many NFL critics and fans have of C.J. Stroud stems from his performance in the AFC Divisional Round Game, where he struggled with turnovers and appeared to face challenges typical of a young quarterback. Despite the disappointing playoff exit, Stroud remains one of the NFL's most polished young passers. His combination of pocket poise, accuracy and leadership keeps him among the league's brightest franchise quarterbacks. The question moving forward is whether Stroud can use the conclusion of his 2025 season as motivation for further growth toward elite status. If so, the Texans could become contenders in the AFC for 2026 and subsequent seasons.Â
No. 3 - Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
- 2025 NFL Stats: 3,931 passing yards | 25 TD | 11 INT | 58.3 QBR
- Career: 7,706 passing yards | 54 TD | 23 INT | 57.8 QBR
If Bo Nix remained healthy and was able to get the Broncos to the Super Bowl and perhaps a victory, would he have emerged as the top quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft class? It would depend on how the Broncos looked in victory. In securing the No. 1 overall seed, Nix was certainly a big part of Denver’s success in 2025, but with how strong the defense played, there is still some doubt as to whether Nix can be the reason the Broncos win. Back healthy and with the addition of a playmaker like Jayden Waddle, the third-year quarterback will get his chance to prove his arm can win games consistently. Through two seasons, Nix has validated Denver's decision to make him a first-round pick.
No. 2 – Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
- 2025 NFL Stats: 3,942 passing yards | 27 TD | 7 INT | 58.2 QBR
- Career: 7,483 passing yards | 47 TD | 13 INT | 52.5 QBR
After an outstanding 2025 season, during which Caleb Williams led the Chicago Bears to a division title and playoff victory, he demonstrated why he was selected first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. As he enters his third year, Williams faces the challenge of improving his completion percentage while sustaining the high-caliber performance from his second season. Continued development within Ben Johnson’s system and the ability to consistently deliver impactful plays both inside and outside the pocket will be crucial. With his debut on the NFL.com Top 100 Players list, Williams has signaled his arrival in the league. In 2026, he must establish himself as one of the NFL's five best young quarterbacks.
No. 1 - Drake Maye, New England Patriots
- 2025 NFL Stats: 4,394 passing yards | 31TD | 8 INT | 77.1 QBR
- Career: 6,670 passing yards | 43 TD | 19 INT | 66.2 QBR
Did Drake Maye’s first complete season as an NFL starter prove that he is the top quarterback selected in the last three years? Well, despite a disappointing ending to the season, Maye’s MVP-type season and a trip to the Super Bowl is hard to debate. In throwing for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions, Maye proved he was well worth the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With a new top weapon in A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs serving as the team’s No. 2 option at receiver, Maye should continue ascending into the NFL MVP conversation. which will have the New England Patriots right back in the mix to take home the AFC crown in 2026.
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