NFList

Warner tops list of QBs exceeding initial expectations

By Joel Buchsbaum, Contributing editor
As published in print Oct. 8, 2001

Rams QB Kurt Warner

We asked NFL insiders to name the current NFL quarterbacks who have exceeded expectations by the greatest margin. Responses were made anonymously.

1. Kurt Warner / Rams — "At best, he was supposed to be a (third-string quarterback). The Packers originally signed him as a free agent and cut him, and he spent years in the Arena and World leagues before the Rams’ Charlie Armey signed him. And even then, when the Rams exposed him in the expansion draft, the Browns passed."

2. Brian Griese / Broncos — "He was supposed to be a Gary Kubiak type of backup, not a Super Bowl type of player."

3. Jeff Garcia / 49ers — "Bill Walsh saw something in him, and he was right. Everyone else felt he would be a solid backup at best."

4. Trent Green / Chiefs — "Former eighth-round pick who threw one pass in four years before he got a chance."

4. Rich Gannon / Raiders — "Most people viewed him as an athlete-"Slash" type of player when he came into the league who never would throw well enough to be a starter."

5. Aaron Brooks / Saints — "In college, he was a very erratic player who made a number of poor decisions, bird-dogged his primary target and made some horrible throws. But the light went on as soon as he got to work with the Packers’ staff."

6. Jay Fiedler / Dolphins — "Nobody wanted him for years, and now he is starting for a contender."

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