Top Five NFL QBs

There are many talented players in today's NFL, especially at the quarterback position, but there are five guys that separate themselves from the rest.

1. At the top spot as best QB in the NFL, Tom Brady of the New England Patriots is a clear number one. The sixth-round 199th overall pick of the 2000 NFL draft has won three Superbowls (2002, 2004, 2005). According to multiple sources, Brady and Joe Montana are the only players in NFL history to win multiple MVP and Superbowl MVP honors (2 League MVPs and 2 Superbowl MVPs). Brady also holds the record for most touchdown passes in a single season with 50, which he accomplished in 2007. Not only does his stats speak for him, but this overlooked super star has a charisma of no other. His leadership and poise is exceptional on and off the field. Not to mention, Brady's arm and pin-point accuracy has helped make a name in the NFL not only for himself, but for his wide receivers as well.

2. The second-best player at the quarterback position is the Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning. He's a humble and confident player, who has won one Superbowl ring and Superbowl MVP in 2007. Manning is arguably the best on the field play-caller in NFL history. His ability to read and adapt to defenses is out of this world. He can make even the best defensive backs look like rookies. Manning's connection with his long-time receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne was a great collaboration to watch until Harrison broke up the trio due to retirement. Besides Wayne, Manning has a young receiving core who are talented, but are just that much better because of the man who's throwing them the ball. Manning has also started every game since he was drafted as a rookie by the Colts in 1998; 208 consecutive games. Those who are NFL fans know how hard it is to stay healthy for at least half the season, let alone an entire one.

3. The third best quarterback today is the speedy lefty, Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick started his career with the Atlanta Falcons and was known for the speed of his legs more than the speed of the ball after it left his hands. In 2006, Vick accumulated over 1,000 yards rushing along with over 2,400 yards passing. This past season (with the Eagles), Vick has reshaped his game and became more of a pocket-passer. He changed games with his arm, more than his legs and helped the Eagles come within one play of advancing to the second-round of the playoffs before they loss to the eventual Superbowl champion Green Bay Packers. Vick threw for 21 touchdowns to only six interceptions in 12 starts last season. His ability to be a threat as a passer and runner poses many problems for any defense, which is why Philadelphia is a legitimate contender to win it all.

4. The best thing to happen to Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints was the San Diego Chargers letting him go after injuring his throwing shoulder in 2005 because the Saints were then given a gift in 2006. Brees had surgery on his shoulder and came back stronger and with more zip in his throw than ever before. Brees threw two more touchdowns (26) and four less interceptions (11) in his first season with the Saints than he did in his last season with the Chargers. In 2009, after a 4,388 yards, 34 touchdowns and 11 interceptions regular season, Brees brought a Superbowl to the city of New Orleans and was the MVP of the championship game. This high powered offense thrives on the performance of Brees's surgically repaired throwing shoulder, and they should not have any complaints. He has thrown for 155 touchdowns to 79 interceptions in five seasons with the organization. The 32-year-old will keep this franchise up and running as long as he's healthy and playing at an optimum level.

5. Last, but surely not least is the Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers; the successor of future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre. In his third season (last year, 2010) as the full-time starter in Green Bay, Rodgers led his 10-6 (wild card) team to a Superbowl championship. They played every game as the underdog and came out as the best team. Rightfully so, Rodgers ended as the Superbowl MVP. His off-balance throws and powerful arm catapulted the Packers to champions. He threw for a QB rating of 101.2, 28 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions last season. He completed 65 percent of his passes and averaged 261.5 yards a game. Rodgers seems to be running farther and farther away from Favre's shadow after each football season. He will become a Hall of Fame quarterback when his career as a NFL player comes to a close.

These five quarterbacks are the best-of-the-best and will be for the next 5-10 years (some longer than others). They all are talented in similar ways, but they all also have a unique characteristic within them that separates them from the average QB. 2011 will be an exciting NFL season and expect these five QBs to make a lot of highlights in each and every game.