Top 5 Quarterbacks Age 25 And Younger

The NFL generation of a starting quarterback has changed over the years. They have evolved into guys who not only can throw, but can run as well. Here is my list of quarterbacks ages 25 years and younger playing in the game today. Ironically enough, they all have both qualities.

5. Robert Griffin III (Age 24)

(Photo by Nick Wass/AP Photo)

Robert Griffin III definitely was the pure example of a sophomore slump quarterback, but it wasn’t entirely his  fault. After tearing his MCL in the Wild Card game against Seattle in 2013, Griffin had to play his sophomore year with a knee brace that held him back from being the dynamic quarterback he can be when he has the ability to scramble out of the pocket.

This did bring out the weakness in him however as his lack to throw consistently from inside the pocket showed. Griffin had 12 interceptions in 2013, 7 more than his rookie season. Having not been able to play a full season yet, 2014 will show if RG3 can stay healthy for a full season.

4. Nick Foles (Age 25)

(Photo by Eric Hartline/USA Today Sports)

In 2013, Nick Foles succeeded in an offense that seemed only suitable to quarterbacks like Michael Vick who has the speed to run the read option. Foles threw for 27 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions in 2013 to help lead the Eagles to the playoffs, only to be knocked out in the Wild Card playoffs by the New Orleans Saints.

The offensive scheme that head coach Chip Kelly brings is a fast paced offense. What made Foles so efficient was his ability to have certain reads on different plays with crossing routes and if the routes aren’t open, then his final option is to run for positive yards. Foles has shown that he can be very accurate and protect the football, and with a full season coming up where he will be the starter, look for him to continue succeeding in Philadelphia.

3. Russell Wilson (Age 25)

(Photo by Elaine Thompson/AP Photo)

Yes I know the Seattle Seahawks just won Super Bowl XLVIII. I am not taking anything away from Russell Wilson, because he is a great quarterback and will be for many years to come. But when you look at the team he has around him, are you surprised that he is having the success he is? A defense that has been the best in the league the past two seasons, a running back in Marshawn Lynch who is an absolute beast when running with the football, and did I mention the defense? Wilson did throw for 26 touchdowns and only 9 interceptions in 2013 which is no surprise with the team he has around him. When you aren’t forced to throw the ball as much because the defense is playing lights out and the running game is effective, it’s like a day at the beach for any quarterback. But make no mistake about Wilson–he is a winner.

2. Cam Newton (Age 24)

(Photo by USA TODAY Sports)

Cam Newton had his best year as a starter while leading the Carolina Panthers to the playoffs for the first time in his career. Newton threw for 24 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. Newton throughout the year had to become Superman in order for the Panthers to win many of their games.

Newton is probably the most athletic quarterback in the game and he will play in the NFL for a long time. At 6’5 and weighing 245 pounds, Newton has the body frame to withstand multiple hits and he has plenty of speed just to add onto that. With a strong and accurate arm and the ability to keep plays alive with his feet, Cam Newton is going to have a successful career if he continues his Superman ways.

1. Andrew Luck (Age 24)

Andrew Luck has probably been under the most pressure since arriving in Indianapolis in 2012. I mean, how could he not be? You get drafted first overall to replace a future hall-of-fame quarterback in Peyton Manning, who practically built Lucas Oil Stadium and brought the popularity of football back to Indianapolis. Luck has been under pressure and has responded to all the questions he had to answer in Indianapolis.

Luck has a career record of 22-10 over his two seasons as a Colt with a 1-2 record in the playoffs, with his lone playoff win coming in incredible comeback fashion over the Kansas City Chiefs. Over his two seasons, Luck has the most comeback victories amongst active quarterbacks in that time span. Luck has thrown for 23 touchdowns in each of his first two years and in 2013 cut his interception total from 18 to 9.  With Luck being more careful with the football while taking the load of the offense on his back, Luck will eventually lead the Colts to a Super Bowl sooner rather than later.

The prototype of an NFL quarterback is slowly changing–changing from having to have a great arm, to having to have great legs as well.  These quarterbacks along with the many that will come into the NFL in the future years will change how the game is played forever.