Top 5 NFL Quarterbacks

The criteria for picking the best NFL quarterback can range from how a quarterback fairs in clutch situations to how he does in the postseason when it counts. There isn't just one simple rule but coming up with a list of the top five NFL quarterbacks definitely comes down to a gut feeling. Who would I draft I were an NFL General Manager right here and now if I thought I had a chance to win a Super Bowl. My top five can only be five so it's hard to throw it down on paper and have everyone agree with it. But I think I've got a little evidence to back up my Top 5 NFL Quarterbacks in 2009.

5) Jay Cutler-That's right I said it. Some will say he hasn't proven himself yet. Cutler will. He's got a rocket arm and Denver is nuts to let him go to Chicago or anywhere for that matter. He's an upper echelon type quarterback with tons of potential. Did the Titans really pass on Cutler for Vince Young? Cutler has the ability to throw on the run as well as any quarterback in the NFL. He also can spread the wealth and make average receivers turn into fantasy football gold. This position would be taken by Brett Favre if he were a year or two younger. And it's ironic that Cutler may have some very similar skills to Favre. Donovan McNabb would also fit well here if he wasn't on the end of his career. I just can't keep such raw talent off my top 5 NFL quarterback list.

4) Drew Brees-He's coming on strong and the last few years he's been instant offense in New Orleans. Why did San Diego ever let this guy go? You can only wonder if the Chargers could have won a Super Bowl by now(last year) if they would have kept Brees around. He's deadly accurate and all he is missing is a Super Bowl ring to get him into the upper echelon of quarterbacks. He has to be on anybody's list of top five quarterbacks in the NFL.

3) Ben Roethlisberger-Okay, so he doesn't put up high stats in yards and touchdowns. His touchdown to interception ratio isn't that good either. But just like Terry Bradshaw the guy finds a way to win. It's no longer coincidence after he showed his skills in the final touchdown drive of last season. Big Ben takes a pounding and never backs down. He may make some decisions that are questionable but you can never question his heart. He's a winner. Period. If the above two weren't playing then Roethlisberger would easily be higher on my list of top five quarterbacks in the NFL.

2) Peyton Manning-Manning may be getting a bit older but the guy studies the games and it's so obvious. Peyton isn't going to make a lot of mistakes and beat himself. He's still got the tools and if he gets surrounded with a little more talent in Indianapolis don't be surprised if he makes one more run before calling it quits. I doubt many GM's would not select Peyton right now if he were in the draft again. He's been a top 5 NFL quarterback his entire career and spent several years as the best.

1) Tom Brady-Even though Brady is returning from a major injury he still ranks at the top of my top five NFL Quarterback list. In terms of being clutch, he's number one. In terms of getting a team deep into postseason, he's also number one. When he has a terrific go to guy like Randy Moss he's even better. Brady is the number one quarterback on my list and I don't think I'll get many arguments here. I'd take him right now just for how he manages a game. He spreads the wealth and you never really know where Tom Brady is going. The fact that he is unpredictable makes him number one on my list. The fact he is sometimes predictable and you still can't stop him doesn't hurt either.