Quote:What's up guys. I was just perusing the boards, and observing everyone's discussion of who they think a franchise QB will be. Some say Teddy, some Manziel, others Bortles, and some (Looking at you JungleCat ) say there aren't any in this draft. So, the question came to me, "what is my definition of a franchise quarterback?"

 

It's not an easy question to answer. Here's my go at it:

 

A franchise quarterback needs to have two things: an undeniably elite facet of his game, and leadership ability.

 

You look at Peyton Manning - his knowledge of the game and work ethic are remarkable, even enough to cover his somewhat declining physical tools. He is also able to inspire and goad his teammates on from the sideline.

 

Tom Brady - He is possibly the most clutch QB in recent history. When the game is on the line, he finds a way to score and simply makes his team better. He, too, can be see encouraging and challenging his team.

 

Aaron Rodgers - His arm strength is second to none. He leads with a calm and focused, yet effective demeanor.

 

Here's another question - when does a Franchise QB become an Elite QB?

 

In my opinion, he has to have the two criteria above in spades, in addition to IT.

 

What is IT? IT is what makes a 2 minute drive to win the game seem manageable, even expected. IT is what draws other players to truly put their trust in their QB, not just to lead them, but to put them on his back.

 

No one knows what IT is, but everyone knows who has IT. And IT is what separates the elite from the good.

 

Your thoughts?

 

 

My thoughts are:

 

A franchise quarterback is simply the guy you choose as your franchise's starting quarterback. Many franchise quarterbacks do NOT possess elite skills. It is not uncommon that a team drafts a QB prospect with making him their franchise QB at some point in his development in mind.

 

An elite quarterback has all the quarterback skills polished to the highest level of play. An elite quarterback has everything it takes to make any team an immediate Super Bowl contender.

 

So when you hear or read the phrase elite, franchise quarterback it means the franchise quarterback for the particular team has the highest level of skill in the game and/or the quarterback draft prospect possesses elite talent and is fully capable of becoming an elite, franchise quarterback right away.

 

If it helps, a franchise quarterback will have moments of greatness during his career. An elite, franchise quarterback will have many more moments of greatness on a more frequent basis thanks to the gift of more talent.

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