Top Five Projected NFL Quarterbacks in 2008: Tom Brady and Peyton Manning Are Still NFL's Best Quarterbacks

1. Tom Brady, New England PatriotsIt is highly doubtful that Tom Brady will crack the 50-touchdown mark for a second successive season. However, you cannot ignore his remarkable statistics from the 2007 season. Although the New England Patriots lost Donte Stallworth to free agency, he still has Randy Moss and Wes Welker to play catch with, and Jabar Gaffney displayed potential throughout the 16-0 season. The Patriots offensive line will also play a huge role in how dynamic Brady will be. In 2007, the offensive line consistently provided Brady with ample time to find an open receiver.

2007 stats- 50 TD, 8 INT, 4806 yards

projected 2008 stats- 34 TD, 9 INT, 4456 yards

2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis ColtsFor the first time in recent memory, Peyton Manning is not at the top of the list. Manning is arguably the most dominating quarterback of the decade, but last year, he met his match in Brady. Still, it was not a poor season by any stretch of the imagination, even with the injury to his favorite target Marvin Harrison. Manning may not throw 49 touchdowns every year, but he is dependable, and rarely has an off year. However, Manning's post-season results are somewhat disappointing, unlike Brady's. Manning and Brady are the Dan Marino, John Elway, and Joe Montana of this era.

2007 stats- 31 TD, 14 INT, 4040 yards

projected 2008 stats- 38 TD, 12 INT, 4306 yards

3. Tony Romo, Dallas CowboysIn 2007, Tony Romo spent just as much time in the tabloids as he did on the SportCenter highlight reel, which is a lot considering that Romo enjoyed a rock-solid 2007 season. The more the media scrutinized Romo and Jessica Simpson's relationship, the more abstracted he seemed. The Dallas Cowboys, along with the Indianapolis Colts, were huge flops in the playoffs last winter. Many critics faulted Romo, which may have been a little unjust. The pattern with Romo ever since Parcells inserted him into the starting lineup in mid-season in 2006 is that he seems to start the season off strong, and fade a bit as the season progresses. Nevertheless, Romo is a locker room leader, and appears to have earned the respect from his teammates. After all, he is the only quarterback that can coexist with the ostentatious Terrell Owens.

2007 stats- 36 TD, 19 INT, 4211 yards

projected 2008 stats- 35 TD, 16 INT, 4199 yards

4. Eli Manning, New York GiantsI may take a little heat for this. Eli Manning has yet to produce a Pro Bowl-like season. He has underachieved throughout his professional career, especially when compared to his older brother Peyton Manning. Prior to his miraculous late-season explosion, Manning seemed to be deep inside the New York doghouse. When the New York Giants needed their quarterback the most, Eli Manning stepped up and played near flawless football in the final three or four regular season games and it carried on throughout the playoffs. His NFC Championship victory in negative zero temperatures in Green Bay against the legend himself, Brett Favre, proved that he has the potential to be great. It will be interesting to see if last year's Super Bowl triumph sparks a career turnaround for young Manning.

2007 stats- 23 TD, 20 INT, 3336 yards

projected 2008 stats- 29 TD, 13 INT, 3871 yards

5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger's NFL career got off to a fast start as he led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 15-1 record. His individual stats are impressive. His leadership qualities are evident, as he is the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, but he has yet to take that next step and emerge as an elite quarterback, not just one of the pretty good quarterbacks. The potential is there as he is one of the few quarterbacks with the two essential attributes- size and mobility.
2007 stats- 32 TD, 11 INT, 3154 yards

projected 2008 stats- 30 TD, 14 INT, 3781 yards

Other notables include Carson Palmer, Drew Brees, David Garrard, Derek Anderson, Matt Hasselbeck, Philip Rivers, and Jay Cutler

All the above-metioned quarterbacks have enjoyed solid seasons recently. Palmer, Brees, Hasselbeck, and Rivers are effective leaders. Garrard, Anderson, and Cutler are potential superstars who are primed and ready to materialize as elite quarterbacks in the NFL.

Quarterbacks with the potential to emerge as a pleasant surprise include Aaron Rodgers, Kellen Clemens, Jason Campbell, Matt Ryan, and Matt Schaub

Jason Campbell and Matt Schaub have high expectations from their respective teams. Aaron Rodgers served as Brett Favre's understudy for three years, so if his eyes were open and his ears listened, he should enjoy a rather profitable career in Green Bay. If not, he will forever be noted as the guy who replaced Brett Favre and failed to live up to the expectations. Matt Ryan is the future quarterback in Atlanta, and he may be the starter before the season concludes. Kellen Clemens replaced Chad Pennington as the starter last year.

Quarterback on a possible decline include Jake Delhomme, Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb, Marc Bulger, and Jon Kitna

McNabb and Delhomme have enjoyed solid careers, especially McNabb. However, both former NFC champion quarterbacks have faced season-ending injuries, and may find it difficult to rebound. Bulger is a stout quarterback, but his offensive line killed him last year. Kinta and Garcia are approaching the tail end of their playing careers.