The NFL's 2021 All-Pro teams were released on Friday and, once again, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady were recognized as the top league's quarterbacks. Much like Brady and Peyton Manning did for years, both Rodgers and Brady have been at the top of their game for so long, it has left little room for anyone new to be recognized. But that could change in a few years.
In a few years, Brady and Rodgers are both likely to have retired. At that point, new blood will litter lists of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. With that in mind, here's our projection of the top seven quarterbacks in the league in 2025.
7. Bryce Young
Sure this is a big-time projection but it's hard not to be impressed with what Young did during his first season as Alabama's starting quarterback. Not only did the former five-star recruit put up ridiculous numbers and lead the Crimson Tide to the national title game, he also won the damn Heisman Trophy. Young finished the year completing 66.9 percent of his passes for 4,872 yards, averaged 8.9 yards per attempt and posted 47 touchdowns against seven interceptions. His QBR of 87.6 was second in college football.
Young will only get better and has the inside track to be the top pick in what should be a loaded 2023 NFL Draft. While he's a little undersized at 6-feet and 194 pounds, he can move in the pocket to avoid pressure, is incredibly accurate and has the arm to make every throw. His instincts are impeccable and he could be the next Russell Wilson-type to enter the league.
I expect big things from him as he matures and fully believe he'll have a smooth transition to the NFL. He'll be 24 in 2025 and likely in his third NFL season.
6. Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence's rookie season was straight awful, but much of that was out of his control. Urban Meyer's very public meltdown cast a shadow over everyone associated with the Jacksonville Jaguars and dragged the team down. The No. 1 pick from the 2021 draft ended the season on a high note, completing 23 of 32 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns as the Jags booted the Indianapolis Colts from the playoffs with a 26-11 win. It was a ray of sunshine on an otherwise awful season.
Lawrence has every tool in his bag, he just needs more around him. The Jaguars have the No. 1 pick again this year, plus a ton of cap space to find him help. If they nail their head coaching hire, Lawrence's career could ascend quickly. He's too talented not to wind up being a successful NFL quarterback.
The Clemson product will turn 26 in 2025, so he should be at the start of his prime.
5. Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott's return from a devastating ankle injury has gone as smoothly as possible. The Dallas Cowboys have the NFL's best offense and a 12-5 record this season and that's largely due to the team's franchise quarterback. Prescott has proven that the massive contract extension he received before the season was absolutely worth it.
Prescott completed 68.8 percent of his passes this season for 4,449 yards, with 37 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.