Rating The Young Qbs

HIT IT BIG

Player, Team, Draft Year (Round); College

Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh, 2004 (1); Miami ( Ohio) His 15--1 record as a starter is the best by any QB to begin a career. But can he can play great in big games?

Byron Leftwich, Jacksonville, 2003 (1); Marshall Already the clear-cut leader of a rising team. Fearless in the pocket, but the Jags better find a way to keep him from getting beat up.

Carson Palmer, Cincinnati, 2003 (1); USC A touch of Troy Aikman (71.8% completion rate this year) with the long-ball ability of Dan Fouts. We could be seeing a very special player.

HAS HAD SOME SUCCESS

David Carr, Houston, 2002 (1); Fresno State Still a franchise-type quarterback with a terrific arm, but he seems to be regressing. Career touchdowns: 35; interceptions: 45.

Eli Manning, N.Y. Giants, 2004 (1); Mississippi Cucumber cool. Last six games (14 touchdowns, five interceptions, 230 yards per game) show he's becoming a force to be reckoned with.

ON THE BUBBLE

Joey Harrington, Detroit, 2002 (1); Oregon Just not made for coach Steve Mariucci's precision offense. He's never completed more than 56% of his throws in any of his four seasons.