TOP 25 QUARTERBACKS

By War Room Scouts

updated 10:32 p.m. ET July 24, 2008

There are many ways to measure an NFL quarterback -- statistics, ratings and intangibles. Those rare individuals who can put them all together end up in an elite class that measures up to past greats. Getting a ring isn't everything, but it's the one thing upon which top quarterbacks are constantly measured:

1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Coming off a stellar 2007 season, his long string of success in the postseason may make him the best of all time.

2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
More No. 1A than No. 2. If you can find a weakness in Manning's game, let us know.

3. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals
Throws the ball as well as anyone from recent NFL years. He has great size and a big arm -- now everybody in Cincy needs to take a deep breath and let him work.

4. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
A couple seasons removed from the Saints magical postseason run, some forget about Brees, but he is the straw that stirs one of the league's the most prolific passing attacks. Last year, he did it without a running game.

5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
Has a big arm and better mobility than one would expect from a big man. Despite all his natural ability, however, his greatest assets are his playmaking savvy and winner's mentality.

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6. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks
The 'Hawks offense goes as Hasselbeck goes, and that's meant good things in Seattle in recent years. His arsenal has been depleted, however, so this season he may struggle to put up numbers that accurately reflect his standing on this list.

7. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
If it weren't for Jessica Simpson, people might actually be forced to talk about Romo's stellar performances on the field, which included 36 TD passes last season. With a few more strong seasons and some success in the playoffs, he will join the ranks of the elite.

8. Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers?
Yes, Favre is still this good if it turns out he becomes "unretired" -- especially if he plays like the '07 version. If somehow he gets the gig in Green Bay again, he has a bevy of weapons and a great system in his favor. If he ends up somewhere else, it's anybody's guess.

9. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
A tough hombre who proved he can play through pain. Now he just needs to prove he can consistently play at a high level. His '07 postseason may have been a sign of things to come.

10. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles
We began to see glimpses of the old McNabb in the second half of '07 as he gained more confidence in his surgically repaired knee. If he can stay healthy, he is the perfect quarterback to run Andy Reid's offense.

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