Matthew Stafford among the elite quarterbacks, NFL personnel executives say
Los Angeles Rams starter Matthew Stafford continues to gain praise among the NFL scouts for just how good he still is.
Matthew Stafford may be older, but he is still among the NFL elite, coaches and personnel executives said.
Stafford has been known as a kingmaker.
In 2021, Stafford joined the Rams and the team went 12-5. In 2022, Stafford was injured and the Rams missed the game. Then in 2023, Stafford was relatively healthy and the Rams landed back in the playoffs.
"He elevates the play of those around him," a high-ranking official with an NFL team said to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "Puka Nacua is a good player — but he's not the same guy without Stafford. He helps those guys reach their potential."
Another NFL executive added: "The arm strength hasn't left him — he can still make every throw to every part of the field. He attacks the intermediate windows and the middle of the field with accuracy. Cooper Kupp missed [five games] and he kept them afloat."
For all the praise, Stafford finished No. 5 on the list of 10 quarterbacks.
Leading the list is Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes. Second on the list is Joe Burrow, who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals.
"At this stage, he needs a quality offensive line," a head scout of an NFL team said. "They weren't great up front last year and he still produced. They should be better. Stafford can use his legs on occasion but should be playing comfortably in the pocket at this stage."
