Aaron Rodgers and the 5 Best Quarterbacks to Build a Team Around

Every team needs a franchise quarterback to win the Super Bowl. Just look at the last five champions: Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning and Peyton Manning.

In fact, the only Super Bowl champion in the last decade that wasn't a franchise quarterback was Trent Dilfer, who led the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV.

What if the NFL decided to start over and do a massive draft of all players? Undoubtedly, franchise quarterbacks would be the first players off the board. 

So let's take a look at the top five quarterbacks to build a team around.

5. Cam Newton

This is a controversial pick to start the list off, but Newton has given us plenty of reasons to believe he will become a great NFL quarterback.

First of all, Newton has already outperformed the expectations of almost everybody through the first half of his rookie year. He has a strong arm, great running ability and is a quick learner. 

The only thing he hasn't done so far is win at the pro level. However, that will come with time as the Carolina Panthers build around him.

Newton showed last year at Auburn that he has the ability to win, and win big. His involvement in an NCAA scandal (he was accused of being bribed to play at Mississippi State, which led to being accused of accepting money to play for Auburn) tested his ability to handle adversity, which he did masterfully.

As polarizing a figure as Newton is, he has shown that he has what it takes to be a great franchise quarterback. Only time will tell whether he lives up to his potential.

4. Andrew Luck

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck has yet to take an NFL snap, but he's already playing at an NFL level.

Pegged as the next great franchise quarterback, Luck is drawing comparisons to the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning. He has the competitive nature to lead teams to titles and the skill set to make plays.

In fact, the only reason Luck isn't No. 1 or No. 2 on this list is his lack of NFL experience. Scouts are certain of future success for him, but there's always the chance that he could become the next Ryan Leaf and fail miserably.

Luck is still in college, but everything points to him being an NFL star. Wouldn't you want to take a chance on a guy who calls his own plays already?

3. Drew Brees

Coming in at third on this list is a guy who is not only a great quarterback, but has a sparkling public image.

After a few disappointing years in San Diego, Drew Brees gave his career a fresh start in New Orleans. It was there that he honed his football skills and became one of the elite passers in the NFL.

Winning Super Bowl XLIV over Peyton Manning and the Colts solidified Brees' place as a legend in the eyes of the New Orleans faithful. 

But great stats and memorable championships aren't the only thing that make Brees the third-best quarterback to build a team around.

When Brees came to New Orleans in 2006, the city had just be ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. Brees led relief efforts and literally rebuilt his new town from the ground up.

His contributions to the recovery of New Orleans, both physical and emotional, have made him one of the most respected guys around the NFL. 

That's something that is coveted by all franchises in today's media-ruled world.

2. Tom Brady

The Patriots' quarterback has won three Super Bowls and came very close to winning a fourth. He has been an elite quarterback since his first year in the NFL and has not slowed down at all.

The only detractor from Brady is that he is 34 years old. That's not ideal if you're looking for a long-term franchise quarterback, but he'll be at the top of his game for at least a few more years. 

Best of all, his experience has given him a great knowledge of the game, so he could be a great tutor for his successor.

Tom Brady once again has his Patriots in playoff shape, and having a guy that can consistently lead your team to the playoffs is a must for building a successful franchise.

It's his undeniable history of winning that lands him at No. 2 on this list.

1. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers is arguably the best quarterback in the NFL right now. His Green Bay Packers are 7-0 and with Rodgers at the helm of the offense, it isn't hard to see them going undefeated.

Among the many things that make Rodgers a great quarterback is his ability to spread the ball around. 

While other great quarterbacks have keyed in on one receiver (like Tom Brady with Wes Welker, Peyton Manning with Reggie Wayne and Steve Young with Jerry Rice), Rodgers does an amazing job of getting the ball to all of his guys. 

For example, on his first drive against the Minnesota Vikings earlier this year, he made completions to eight different receivers on the way to a touchdown. Eight receivers!

Anyone who has seen Rodgers play knows that he has a strong arm, great accuracy and is mobile enough to extend broken down plays.

He already has one Super Bowl ring, and at only 27 years old, he's got enough time to add a couple more. 

Honorable Mentions

1. Matthew Stafford: The Lions' quarterback has shown that he can be a great quarterback, but his history of injuries keep him out of the top five.

If he can stay healthy enough to play all 16 games this year, he could lead Detroit to a deep playoff run.  That, however, is a huge if.

2. Peyton Manning: If he wasn't recovering from major neck surgery, Manning would be a shoo-in for this list. The four-time MVP has had such an huge influence on his Colts that without him they are an 0-7 team. 

Unfortunately, Manning's neck injury may shorten his career and therefore degrade his value as a franchise quarterback.

3. Michael Vick: Undoubtedly one of the most dynamic players in all of sports, Vick doesn't make the top five because of his inability to win in the playoffs and his overall inconsistency. 

Yes, joining the Eagles after serving a two-year prison sentence has revived his career, but he has to prove himself a bit more by winning a Super Bowl.