Lamar Jackson’s Franchise QB Ranking: A Shocking Disconnect in NFL Executive Minds
The NFL landscape is buzzing with Lamar Jackson’s unparalleled talent. Fresh off a season where he put up staggering numbers – 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns against a mere four interceptions, a 66.7% completion rate, and a sky-high 119.6 passer rating, all while adding 915 rushing yards and four scores – he cemented his status as one of the league’s elite. His impressive playoff performance, though ending in a Divisional Round loss to the Buffalo Bills, only amplified the narrative of his MVP-caliber season, leading many to believe he deserved his third MVP trophy over Josh Allen. Yet, a recent poll reveals a jarring disconnect: NFL executives, when asked to pick quarterbacks to build a franchise around, inexplicably ranked several players, including a rookie, ahead of Jackson.
The Poll That Stunned the NFL World
A poll conducted by The Athletic laid bare a surprising sentiment among NFL personnel. While Josh Allen (22 votes), Patrick Mahomes (19 votes), and Joe Burrow (19 votes) are understandable choices for the top tier of franchise quarterbacks, the inclusion of rookie Jayden Daniels (13 votes) above Lamar Jackson (7 votes) sent shockwaves through the football community. This isn’t just a slight oversight; it’s a fundamental question about how Jackson’s unique, game-altering skillset is being valued in the long-term evaluation of franchise leaders.
Daniels’ Rise vs. Jackson’s Reign
The inclusion of Jayden Daniels, fresh off a phenomenal rookie campaign with the Washington Commanders, highlights a generational shift, but placing him so far ahead of a proven MVP like Jackson raises eyebrows. While Daniels’ raw talent and rookie success are undeniable, the nearly two-to-one vote disparity over Jackson is difficult to rationalize, especially when considering Jackson’s established track record of success and his unique ability to consistently elevate the Baltimore Ravens. The argument for Daniels likely hinges on his youth and perceived future potential, a bet on upside over proven dominance.
Allen’s Edge: A Matter of Perception?
The significant gap between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson in the voting also warrants scrutiny. Allen has undoubtedly enjoyed a highly successful career, and his own MVP-level performances make him a strong candidate. However, the idea that he is “light-years ahead” of Jackson in the franchise quarterback discussion feels more like a reflection of conventional quarterback archetypes than an objective assessment of impact. Jackson’s ability to be a dual-threat phenom, dominating through the air and on the ground, offers a different, yet equally, if not more, potent formula for team success in the modern NFL.
What’s Driving This Executive Blind Spot?
Several factors might be contributing to this surprising ranking. The NFL has long favored traditional pocket passers, and while Jackson has dramatically evolved his game, the perception of him as solely a “runner” might still linger in some executive minds. The emphasis on raw passing volume and traditional metrics could be overshadowing Jackson’s unparalleled efficiency and his ability to be the engine of an offense. Furthermore, the allure of unproven, younger talent like Daniels, coupled with the recent success of passers like Allen, might be creating a bias towards what’s new and potentially explosive, rather than appreciating sustained, transcendent performance.
The Future of Franchise Quarterback Valuation
This discrepancy suggests a potential evolution in how NFL executives are evaluating talent. The success of Daniels, alongside Jackson’s continued brilliance, could signal a growing acceptance and even preference for highly athletic, dual-threat quarterbacks. Teams may begin to prioritize the dynamic playmaking ability that can create mismatches and unlock offensive potential in ways that traditional pocket passers cannot. This could lead to a paradigm shift in draft strategies and free agency pursuits, with teams actively seeking players with Jackson’s rare blend of skills.
Jackson’s Motivation: A New Chip on the Shoulder
For Lamar Jackson, this poll result provides yet another motivation. Having already overcome doubts about his passing ability and proven his MVP credentials, this ranking serves as a fresh chip on his shoulder as he heads into the 2025 NFL season. Expect him to use this perceived disrespect as fuel to further solidify his legacy and silence any remaining doubters, proving once again why he is, in fact, a cornerstone franchise quarterback. The Lamar Jackson franchise QB debate is far from over, and this ranking only adds another layer of intrigue to his ongoing career narrative.
What are your thoughts on the NFL executives’ franchise quarterback rankings? Do you believe Lamar Jackson is being undervalued? Share your predictions for the upcoming NFL season in the comments below!
