You ever hear the old saying April showers bring May flowers? Well for me, the old saying is “April NFL Draft brings first fantasy football rankings”. I know it’s not as clever but hey, it was created on the fly.

Normally my practice as a defending back-to-back fantasy champion in the league I commish and other leagues I am usually a top contender, I create rankings May 1^st. I will update them monthly until we get to August when I will then update weekly. This usually helps me gauge a sense of late climbers and who I liked in May, backed off because some popular “fantasy football expert” said they didn’t like this guy so I move him down and then I knew I was right and he was wrong. Look, it happens to us all. But this is just to get an idea of guys you like now and have your Sonny Weaver moment of “Vontae Mack no matter what” (if you don’t know the reference we have to have a serious talk).

So without further ado, my top 10 QB’s post draft.

1. Josh Allen, BUF

This should be the consensus QB1 on everyone’s list this offseason and should be the 1^st QB drafted in August drafts. Entering his 9^th year and age 29 season, Josh Allen still utilizes his legs as best as any QB in the league and uses them to not only run for 500-600 yards a season but to steal goal-line touchdowns as he has at least 12 rushing touchdowns in the last 3 seasons (41 total in 3 seasons). That to go with at least 3,600 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns. And now, they added a WR1 in DJ Moore and promoted offensive coordinator, Joe Brady, to head coach. There shouldn’t be any argument as to who is the top QB in fantasy at the moment.

2. Lamar Jackson, BAL

This one may be a bit controversial as Lamar Jackson is coming off his worst season as a pro since his rookie year. John Harbaugh is gone, starting center Tyler Linderbaum is gone and athletic backup tight end Isiah Likely is gone. They added nobody of substance to this offense. “So Gabe, how is Lamar Jackson your QB2?” Simple, he’s just too talented to not have up here. He is still going to utilize his legs and they have a young new fresh offensive coordinator, Declan Doyle, in calling plays. Doyle comes from the Sean Payton tree (love that already) and he is only 29 years old. Look for Baltimore to bring in a scheme that compliments Jackson’s game more and matches today’s football as well.

3. Joe Burrow, CIN

The only concern here is injuries. We all know Joe Burrow is one of the best QB’s in today’s game. He has one of the best WR’s in the game and one of the best duo WR’s in the game. The talent has never been a question here. And the reason for the injuries usually come from a poor offensive line. Well, I am here to tell you today that this may be the best offensive line during the Joe Burrow era. They have a top 5 left tackle and are solid across the whole line. Nobody will stick out as elite or top 5 besides Orlando Brown Jr. but all the rest of the line would be solid starters anywhere. Keep Joe Cool in your top 5 for drafts this August.

4. Caleb Williams, CHI

Caleb Williams had a breakout last year and really put himself and the Chicago Bears on the map. Still only 24 years old, Williams got better and better each week. I expect him to continue getting better and be the first Chicago Bear QB to ever throw for 4,000 yards. Year 2 under Ben Johnson as well so there should be more of the playbook open. The only concern could be losing DJ Moore but he didn’t get going until the end of the year. Rome Odunze is a very capable WR1 and he will have his chance to show that. Luther Burden III presents a deep threat for them while Colston Loveland will operate the middle and attack the seams. This will continue to be one of the more exciting young offenses to watch.

5. Jayden Daniels, WAS

You may start noticing a trend here with running QB’s making the top of our list. Jayden Daniels is coming off an injury riddled season and that was my big concern last year with him. He had to learn how to take care of his body and I hope he learned. His combination of throwing and running is arguably as good as any QB, including my QB1 and QB2. He is still figuring the game out and this could be his real breakout this year. 

6. Drake Maye, NE

Originally, I had Maye at QB7 but I bumped him 1 spot up and this is mainly due to the news we should be expecting June 1^st. The New England Patriots acquire WR AJ Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. This news came a couple weeks ago and will have to wait for the post June 1^st mark due to salary cap restrictions. With a true WR1 and bringing over a veteran WR in Romeo Doubs from the Packers to go along with young and upcoming WR’s in Kayshon Boutte and Kyle Williams, the Patriots offense is setup for success.

7. Matthew Stafford, LAR

If you’re an avid follower of Take the Throne Fantasy Football Podcast, you know how wrong we were on Matthew Stafford, particularly me. I was very concerned with his back and age last year that he was going to be a good QB but not for fantasy. Boy, was I wrong, kind of. Hey give me some credit! I did say he was going to be a good QB still and he only won MVP. I got to look at the positives right? But in all seriousness, the ball keeps rolling with Stafford. Don’t doubt him this year but do keep an eye on the Puka Nacua situation. As long as he is ready to roll this season, Stafford will be a solid QB.

8. Trevor Lawrence, JAX

Just to refresh some memories out there, Trevor Lawrence possibly helped win fantasy championships last year. During fantasy football playoffs in   15-17last year, Lawrence finished as QB1, QB2 and QB5, respectfully. Jacksonville let RB Travis Etienne Jr. walk in free agency so the running game of this team is in serious question. It is very similar to Dak Prescott last year when the running game was in question and Prescott ended up finishing as a top 10 QB on the year. I can see myself moving Lawrence as high as QB6 by draft time in August.

9. Dak Prescott, DAL

Dak had one of his best statistical seasons of his career and that was without Ceedee Lamb for a good portion of the season. For those that follow our podcast know that I am a Dallas Cowboys fan. But those who know this also know I can keep my fandom and reality separate. Dak should be in line for another top 10 QB season if healthy. That is a question at times for him and there is one other giant looming cloud over this team. The George Pickens contract standoff. If he doesn’t turn into his old self and throws temper tantrums, the Cowboys should be fine. If he does, this will be a drama filled season for the Cowboys yet again.

10. Bo Nix, DEN

This may be my first bounce back and sleeper candidate for this season. I absolutely love the addition of Jaylen Waddle. This gives Bo Nix no excuse to go into this season. If he doesn’t succeed this year, then he may not be the franchise QB we thought. My one concern was some of his reading and decision-making choices last year. But going into season 3 and adding a premier weapon in Waddle who can stretch the field and utilize Nix’s strong arm, this should set up to be a good year. Don’t be surprised if by December we are talking Nix as a top 5 QB with 4,500 passing yards and 40 touchdowns.